United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

What are some of the ways you explain your injury to others that don't know what a BPI is?

i just say something like the bundle of nerves that comes out of my spine that feeds my arm was stretched, causing severe damage to the entire arm and hand. if they want to know more, i can go into more detail. but that usually is enough for most people.

I use it as a way to educate people. I tell them it is birth injury and it is not a birth defect. I explain how it happens. I tell them that the nerves in my arm were torn, ruptured and one was avulsed (torn out of my spinea). I usually tell them it is preventable and it can happen to anyone. I give them UBPN.org website to read more about it and prevent someone in their family from being injured. I also ask them to remember the term Sholdera Dystocia. Then I end the conversation by smiling and saying "bet your sorry you asked." Making a joke of my question usually helps them with the shock of all the information.

i have read several posts on this forum where some are offended when asked about why their arm is different. i dont understand that. everyone seems to want to raise awareness about BPI but are offended when asked about it...hmmm

I explain that I have some feeling or movement in my left arm, but I can do just about everything. When I was younger, I would say "Just ask my mom, she knows more than I do!". Of course, nowadays I know more and can go in better detail than I could when I was six years old.

I have a short version and a longer version.

If somebody asks me when I'm in a hurry or don't feel like explaining I just say "I have a nerve injury" or "I have a birth injury" and leave it at that. Sometimes they'll ask for more details and I'll tell them, but usually they seem satisfied.

I usually tell people the more detailed version though where I say "When I was born I was very big (10 lbs 3 oz) and my shoulder got stuck on my mom's pelvic bone. The doctor pulled and twisted my head too forcefully and stretched the nerves leading from my spine to my arm. I have a Brachial Plexus Injury."

I don't really get offended if people ask about it. I would much rather them ask me what happened than just assume it's a birth defect or something.

-Brittney, 19
LOBPI