United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Howdy all! On Sept. 03 I was struck by a very large tree limb on my dominant shoulder and consequently lost some use of my right arm. I still have hand control, although with constant pins and needles and loss of co-ordination, and am still able to contract my bicep. The pain is incredible and I am generally unable to experiece relief unless laying in bed for 2+ hours. As soon as I get up I have to start the waiting for relief over again. The injury was missed at the E.R. and I still do not have a clue as to the extent of the injury. I have an MRI scheduled on the 19th and an appt. with a neurologist on the 23rd. My question to all of you is about your experience with this. Of course I am cocerned about avulsion, as most of what I have read leads me to believe that 10 days without any improvement(actually the crushing sensation is considerably worse, and my primary care has had to significantly increase my pain meds to 30mg of oxycodone evety 4 hours) suggests more than a "lesser" injury. The waiting game is a real bummer. I am a 37 year old male with a 3 year old and 18 month old, and(was)a self employed carpenter prior to this, and the breadwinner for our household. Any input, encouragement, or honest experiece is appreciated...........Jim

Hey,that's some tough luck. Sounds like one tree that would make great fire wood. It really is a great sign that you can already move your hand and such. You will want to keep moving it and using it as much as possible to keep it strong and flexible and to help the nerves reconnect.
Be careful with the oxy as it's very addictive and you can experience withdrawl symptoms even if used as prescribed. It also isn't very good with nerve pain which is different than "regular" pain. Usually they give you neurontin or lyrica, or something similar that is specific for treating nerve pain. The pain should get better, just takes time.
Don't give up hope! Also don't assume the nerves are avulsed. 10 days isn't very long for healing nerves. Nerves only grow about one millimeter per month. Usually the docs give you about 4-5 months just to see some initial recovery. It's a hard waiting game, but you have people here to share it with

Hi Jim...
Sorry to hear of your accident. A tree limb is very significant and I'm surprised it was missed in the ER.
I had a complete avulsion C3-C5...know the pain...it can be wicked. I would suggest a hemy sling to support the shoulder in rest mode, to help the nerves calm down. Visit the Natural Medicine Homeopathic store in your area. Tell them you need the desolvable tabs to place under tongue for your nerves. Helps calm them down. Your injury is still very fresh. You have most likely imflamation going on too...so there are many diffent pains. Each one must be addressed as required. Diet high in protein, low carbs, little to no caffeine all aids in nerve repair. Ice your shoulder/heat...keep trying various combos. My favorite to train my own body to release my endorphines...it's quick and easy and it works 100%. Sit still and focus on your breathing...breath deep and slow through your nose...out your mouth...do 20-50 breathes...you will feel your own body kick in to help with the pain. You also cleanse out your lung...aid your circulation and increase your brain's freshness. Drink plenty of water too...you can do these breathes as often as you need too and they are all natural...watch the pain killers...they eat your liver over time and they are addictive.

Keep looking for the best Dr's Mayo Clinc has many from what I understand.

In terms of you being a carpenter...I think it might be a little while for the healing...not sure...but it's best to talk to family/gov. to set up some assistance until your back on your feet.

Stay Positive On All Fronts...It Will Speed Your Healing..

All The Very Best...
With Peace & Light
Mardelle

Thanks For the encouragement and for the advice about the oxy. I also take neurotin. I have immediately put your advice into action and have lowered my oxy dose to about 1/4 what I was taking. Looks like the neurontin is doing its job, with only a mild increase in pain.

Thank You again!

Mardelle,

What an encouragement and wealth of information you are. I have read many of your posts in the last few days. Thank You for your insight and other advice, I am so glad I found this site and the people here. I feel so much more informed and not like I am in the dark. I will try your techniques as I am always willing to learn from people who have"traveled down that road" before me.

Be Well

Jim

Hi Jim...

Does my heart good to know that I have helped you in someway.
Having this injury in a strange sense for me it has become a blessing. The raw relentless pain is a reminder of all people in our world, that suffer and toil. No one goes unscathed from pain on some level.
I recycle my pain and take nothing for the nerve pain. I take tylenol arthritis, for without it I could not move at all...loll direct result of being hit by two cars and having osteo-arthritis everywhere...
I still believe it's a small price to pay for being alive..So making the very best of my day any situation or circumstances or to assist my brothers or sisters...is exactly what I am on this earth to do...to help...share..love & inspire...

All I ask you Jim...is pass it on...

Know that the road ahead has many who will assist you when you are weak or in need...simply reach out and we are all there...when your doing well...we are still cheering you on

Keep The Faith In Your Body & In Our Creator...
Mardelle

Hey jim, I'm really glad the pain management is smoothing out. The oxy is a useful tool but a real bear to control. Another good tip is to try not to take it every 4 hours, but save it for "beaking through" the pain(taking it right before or right after the pain is at it's worst.) This way it's not in your blood 24/7 and you won't build a tolerence for it, which your body will do very fast. This helps lessen the side effects from oxy. I'ts a good way to get the maximum effect on the lowest dose.
I'm glad the neurontin is helping.
A good therapy tip is to rub the bad arm with soft material at first and gradually (as you can tolerate it) build up to rougher materials. It's a technique for desensitizing your arm by helping the nerves to react to textures more normally as they heal. It's uncomfortable at first but it really helped make my arm less painful and sensitive.
Lot's of family hugs help too

ang

Jim,
I dont know the severity of your injuries and probably neither do you at this point. My only advice thus far would be go ahead and file for disability. You may never need it......but....and this is a big but, they will retroactively pay back to the date that you filed. Just as a heads up, they pretty much turn everyone down initially, then you must appeal and hopefully they'll set a hearing. I was injured 9/23/07 and my hearing will be 11/17/09. They arent real prompt. I have been unable to work for to years. Even if you dont think you get it, or dont think you'll need it, File.

Mardelle,
...YOU ARE A National Treasure & a PAIN WARRIOR. ["bold" doesn't work for me, I am not yelling ]

I learn sooo much from you for My Own Pain issues as 71 yr old LOBPI-er who had basically NO interventions until I found UBPN in 2004.

Hugs,
Carolyn J
LOBPI adult