United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello. This is my first time posting here. My daughter, who will be one in less than two weeks, was injured during delivery and has Erb's Palsy as a result (her left arm). We will be flying down to Miami in April for surgery (Dr. Grossman and Dr. Price). I've been told that she will be in the "statue of liberty" cast for anywhere between two and eight weeks. Can anyone please tell me what I should have on hand to care for her after the surgery? We will be flying back to New York afterwards, and I'm concerned about a number of things, namely: making sure she is comfortable on the plane ride home and making sure she is able to sleep at night. Is there a special seat or mattress I should buy for her? Any special toys? Do you have any tips on what I might need to make sure this isn't completely traumatic for her? Any information you are able to provide will be very much appreciated. Her comfort is obviously my primary concern, and I'd like to make sure I have everything set up for her beforehand. Thank you so much.

Hi there,

Speaking from personal experience on the plane ride home just keep her stable. I mean that as in make sure that she does not hit the arm in the cast against anything because that might send a shock wave of pain up through the arm. Also, keep her distracted a new toy might do that. As for sleeping give her medicine about 30 minutes before it is time to lay her down, that way it has had time to start to kick in and work.

On a personal note if, could email me about your experience with Dr. Grossman and his staff because if the doctor I'm going to see in two weeks doesn't have all the answers or can't help me. I'm going to see Dr. Grossman down in Miami next.

These are great tips--thank you so much. I just sent you an email about Dr. Grossman. I hope it helps.

My daughter had this surgery 2 yrs ago when she was 4 she did very well in the brace. My daughter regained some movement back in her left arm also not all of it but enough to touch her head now. I do recommend this surgery though she found ways to break the brace and I had to take a trip back to the docs once a week to get the brace fixed lol but it was well worth it for sure. I too live in new york and I have not found anyone near us that is a specialist for the Brachial plesux injury. I go to erie pa to shriners the childred hospital and they r wonderful if u need some one closer I would recommend them a doctor by the name or cermak is wonderful and she is only a 4 hr trip on the thruway. Much better to drive I would think. Well my prays r with u and ur family and I hope everything goes well for ur daughter. I hope any information I gave u will help u out.

Baby2005 is right the docs at Shriners are amazing. I should know I went to them for 18 years in Tampa. That organization is a god send. Good luck I hope all goes well.