United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was in a accident 3 months ago. The most serious injury is to the brachial plexus. Seems I pulled the nerves right out from the spinal cord. My left arm is paralized from the bicep down. I've had 3 doctors tell me there is no cure. Has anyone had succesful surgery?

Lisa

my personal recomendation is to get on the gun and find someone who specializes in brachial plexus injurys. the longer you wait the more limited your treatment options become with this kind of injury and judging from my own experience doctors will beat around the bush in reffering you to the proper specialist and waste alot of precious time. the best time to treat this kind of injury is within six months of it happening so i would scan the net for doctors in your area who specialize in the brachial plexus as soon as possible

Let me 2nd the advice you have been given. If your nerves are avulsed the doctor is obviously correct that they can't be surgically replaced. Nerve transfers are an option. I have successfully had nerve transfers done for my shoulder and bicep. My arm will never be the same but I do have full use of my hand and partial use of my arm.

This is not a life ending injury - life goes on!!!....and it is indeed what you make of it. I live a full and exciting life today. Please seek help. The best overall place is the Mayo Clinic. I had my surgery successfully done at Wake Forest University by a Dr. Li. I did go to the Mayo and spoke with those doctors as well.

Good luck and write me if you have any problems.

Jeff Jones

No, it is not for ever , just takes a while to recover, with the right surgery , doctors, rehab, you will get back to almost normal(for what ever that is).
my son Errett got back 97% recovery from his injury, he was injured in football back in 1997,yes that has been 14 years ago( will be halloween night), his c5 and c6 was pulled out of cord, had nerve graft surgery and has 97% use of his arm, you can read my post on him in page 132 it has been a while since i have been on here.

Just like any other injury you have success stories and sad stories. My husband was injured and does not have an avulsion but is still after 2 1/2 years and multiple surgeries unable to bend his elbow while standing. John's Hopkins hospital is a great place to go for surgery. All the doctors there are great.

The advice you've been given is excellent. Dr. Susan MacKinnon did a nerve transfer for me and Dr. Tung transferred a muscle to my arm; both are at Barnes in St. Louis. My accident was two years ago next month and though you may not want to hear this now . . . you' ll adjust no matter what doctors can or cannot do for you. It's going to be okay, scary now but it'll get better. I pulled all the nerves to my right arm, my dominate arm, off. Time will tell what I'll be able to do but I'm really okay with it one way or other.

Is this Forever, For me at 61 it is, did it work out you bet Reading my post I try my best to show that even thaw I never was told by any doctor of possible treatment or surgeries, EVER!! it did work out in my life basically one hand. I was glad to find this board and find there was treatment and surgeries you guys can find now and in the future, That is why I am so positive here because there is a way by fact but it is a Great quest for sure I wish there was more direction from doctors and sometimes there is as I have seen hear and others explain to help others hear. I Agree with SF-cash is it okay, yes it is even if the injury last a life time one handed like always i hope this helps??
Tom

sfcash wrote:The advice you've been given is excellent. Dr. Susan MacKinnon did a nerve transfer for me and Dr. Tung transferred a muscle to my arm; both are at Barnes in St. Louis. My accident was two years ago next month and though you may not want to hear this now . . . you' ll adjust no matter what doctors can or cannot do for you. It's going to be okay, scary now but it'll get better. I pulled all the nerves to my right arm, my dominate arm, off. Time will tell what I'll be able to do but I'm really okay with it one way or other.

dr mackinnon is wonderful. she done my surgery in july and my hand has done great since then. i will always have problems with it, but i am o.k. with it.
i feel like it has to be o.k. one way or another. if it never gets any better, that is just the way it is. there is ABSOULUTELY NOTHING you can do about it, so why worry about something you cant do anything about. you have to do what you have to do. if it gets better, then that is wonderful. but dont make yourself sick worrying about it. get busy and figure out how to be the best you can be. your injury should NEVER define what you can and cant do. you just have to do it differrently. it is a very hard challenge, but you can adapt.

i dont mean for this to sound negative. it is my personal security. if i did not think this way, i would be crazy with grief.

I had a surgery consult in Seattle today. Kinda disappointing for me. He said i might be able to get my bicep back but didn't think the rest could be repaired. He is having me go in for more intense imaging (not sure if it's just an MRI or if it involves shooting dye into the spine) on Saturday and back on Monday for the results. Whatever he says I still plan on sending my records to the Mayo clinic. I'm just 3 months into my injury and know time is of the essence so I'm putting this disappointment behind me and are moving forward wherever it takes me. I appreciate everyone's advise. I'll keep you posted.

Please post the Dr's name... and connection to UW medical Center?? that you are seeing in Seattle. I am in Tacoma.
Thank you.
Carolyn J
LOBPI/73