United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi There,

I am a physical education teacher who has now returned to work, having had surgery for my brachial plexus injury. I can control my hand but have no control over my arm (hopefully this will change).

Does anyone have any advice about how to deal with the demands of a physically active job, both dealing with the arm issues and emotionally too. I find it very emotionally draining to be teaching people to do things that I can't do.

Any advice on how you have dealt with things, would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Amy

Maybe I can help???
I have birth erbs 1950 ,
Drove semis 25 years , loaded and loaded truck , basically one handed
Padi Master diver, 600 dives with birth erbs, was a biker in the 60s , No treatment ever for my erbs Can a PHS Ed teacher become a Special needs teacher in PHS Ed??? Just Thinking
Tom

hi. let nobody judge your physical difference and use your good arm alot for assistance. you are capable of miraculous things.

Hi Amy,
Sorry we had to meet up like this this injury sucks big time.I think one of the first steps to dealing with this injury is acceptance and letting go neither of which is easy.Before my injury I used to work out on a regular basis in particular weight lifting was my thing but due to this injury my level of activity has decreased significantly mainly because of the new physical limitations.Lifting was what I did not only for the health benefits but for the peace of mind I got from working out hard,it was my best stress reliever and to not be able to do it at the highest level has been frustrating to say the least.For me there is no easy answer to your question I think you have to accept the fact that this injury could be permanent (hopefully not) and you have to find something that gives you the peace of mind you had before.Dealing with this injury can be exhausting because it never lets you forget that it is there it's one of those things that you may never get over but you can get through,one day at a time.Good luck and best wishes.

ArmStrong

BPI often causes depression. you will need counseling. I've had a long & successful career as a member of both the US Disabled Ski Team & Disabled Cycling Team. After years of talk therapy I realized what drove to be a fierce athlete. It was a desire to be "normal" again.

You GUYS are Awesome
You know I drove that motor cycle without Care or what IFS??? I was less depressed Driving that bike because I learn myself that I could Ride with birth Erbs,for years Call me CRAZY, When I do SHARK dives,Freeport Bahamas. I really am not thinking , I might come back with No arms???
One thing that helps my depreciation IS To stop the WHAT IFS, In trying and POSSIBLE outcomes physically in a life time, they will happen aging anyway . It is the challenge of trying and doing Than worry about out come helps me I know I am not alone on this thought base on Post HERE I think that it all about doing helps me to fight Depression, I think
I know, Mr Positive Giving some slack to adapt helps, BIG time
Tom

i saw a live musical many years ago, one person in that musical had only one arm. his other arm was gone from the shoulder. and he was in a syncronized act. with arms going overhead and every which way. he just moved his shoulder along with how the arm would go. it was barely noticeable, and not a big deal. the man had an awesome performance. he actually trained the other actors. and they were AWESOME!! there were over 100 people in that musical. so, teaching an activity you can not do yourself is very possible. dont know what prompted that memory, i have not thought about that in many years. good luck to you and you will do a great job at teaching those kiddos

Thanks for the replies and the advice guys, I really appreciate it!!

I have signed up for the Berlin marathon as a goal that I can do, I had a sling made by Dan and it is fab and I mean it is the one thing I am fortunate enough to be able to do-run. I am raising money for disability charities in the UK and China and the unit that operated on me. I guess it is what works best for me, having a goal and not too much time to think about that things that I can't do!

I guess we all have our good days and bad days eh?!

You know the best thing about a cloudy day is when the Sun COMES OUT!!!!!
You Guys Are AWSOME, The best thing about DETERMINATION is ,it helps with Depression. Finding a way to overcome limitations is The joy ?? I think in life Joy will destroy depression, EVEY TIme ??
I am glad that there is a lot of Crazies to TRY, like Me!!! The greatest joy is in the DOING not in the outcome, You never fail by Trying-!! Prof are in the post HERE!! Im impress
Tom