United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi folks,

I found this site while looking for info on studying medicine with a brachial plexus injury and this is my first post here. So I'll kick off with that - does anyone know of anyone who has or is studying medicine who has a BPI? Or, someone's who is practicing medicine who has suffered a BPI?

I had a motorcycle accident in 2002 that resulted in a complete avulsion of C5, 6, 7 and 8. I've had quite a few nerve graft operations (in '03) and have recovered a good deal of control, but limited usable function. I was studying sports medicine around the time of the injury, which I went on to complete to post-grad level. I then studied for a Masters in Sports Science where I researched gait issues associated to upper limb dysfunction. It was useful in understanding why I get lot of aches and pains from my own running!

However, I've recently thought that if I don't look into studying medicine now, it'll never happen! So any info anyone has on the above questions would be gratefully recieved.

Any if anyone wants to talk about running mechanics in relations to BPI, then I'm all ears too

Thanks,
Garrett

I studied nursing with my BPI. I recieved mine during a surgery and had my nerves severed at C5-C6 and the suprascapular nerve. I also recieved much function back but still lack some feeling, do not have complete ROM, and have chronic nerve pain as well as aching when my arm is hanging down/not fully supported.

My OT told me that I should go into OT school since I had done 2 full years of OT and should have done more had I not lost my insurance. I learned a ton about the injury as well through this and nursing school - although more about BPI's related to birth injuries from nursing school.

There is a Woman MD with an OBPI somewhere on these UBPN Message Boards. I'll try to find her and "bump" her up for you, Garrett.
Carolyn J
LOBPI/73+

Garrett-
I have LOBPI/Erb's Palsy from birth and I am a board certified, practicing pediatrician. Happy to discuss medical training/life/parenthood with BPI.
The thing I am most amused about is that I learned to take care of my BPI from this site and not anything I learned in medical school (1990-1994)/pediatric training.
Sara
"Marylandmom"

Frankly, as long as we expand our horizons beyond our disabilitiies we are in a good field.
I had to get a GED after my tbpi in order to get into college, I subsequently achieved a graduate deg ind psch with an emphasis on rehab.Why wouldn't you keep progressing toward your degree and passion?

GREAT GOING,"onepaw"!
Keep On Keeping On

Carolyn J
LOBPI/74