United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

As many of you know, Ian had the biceps lengthening surgery this past summer (along with full pec major release). We were thrilled with the results of the surgery and even happier that Ian's extension recovery meant no dynasplint as had been planned. Well, now Ian's therapist has recommended that we go ahead with the dynasplint to gain the remaining extension...yesterday we met the dynasplint rep (very nice and informed) and Ian was fitted for the splint.

The splint is a big, heavier than expected mechanical looking THING. I was taken aback by it's appearance, but didn't say anything in front of Ian, I just treated it very matter of factly. He acted bored by the fitting but I knew he was paying close attention underneath.

Last night when he went to bed with it on for the first time he cried. I know exactly how he feels. Most of the time we move through our days (even therapy, etc.) very accepting of his injury and the seamless role it plays in our lives. But sometimes things like big ugly splints jar us out of our acceptance and reawaken the anger and sadness. Just another steep drop on this roller coaster ride.

I'm sure that with time the splint will fade into the fabric of our lives just like therapy and all the rest of the minor and major adjustments we make every day in relation to this injury, but for today, that big new splint stands out very clearly. Along with that image is the knowledge that Ian will probably be using that splint on and off for a great deal of his life ahead to maintain and readjust as he grows and as his body changes (according to the splint rep).

Today is a dreary day. I hope tomorrow will be sunny.

Thanks for being there to listen.

Bridget

Hi Bridget,

We just learned that ALL of Tess' reading problems have been a processing/tracking problem. When she was injured she would have been right handed. Since she must now be left hand dominant she has this reading problem. She just found out that she needs 16 vision THERAPY sessions. She also needs to wear special glasses. She has already had over 100 hours of reading tutoring. We are sad too!

Sometimes this injury just S##ks. I am sorry that both of you have to ride this long sad trip but you have made it and helped countless others because you are both strong wonderful people. Blessings of peace being sent your way!

Bridget - I remember when Maia was in her dynasplint... the concept was very hard for us all.

All the dynamic splints look pretty bad... the JAS looking the worst I think.

If you are handy with the sewing machine, you can get some of Ian's favorite action figure or animal or whatever fabric and make a cover for it? Look at the comfy site.. www.comfy.com to see a cover you might be able to duplicate...it has foam and terry cloth covering the splint.

Just an idea - a coverup to something that truly sucks. I'm so sorry that you are so sad tonight. Wish I had words to lift you out of this - that too will come in time as you said yourself.

Maybe the time in the splint will be short lived? I hope so and will pray for this!
-francine

Sorry you all are having such bad times...

It must be so hard on you as parents to watch the kids feeling so bad...
Sometimes it reminds me that it was not just me that was injured... the tears the parent hide...

I hope tomorrow is a better day for everyone...

We do make it past these set backs... really we do...
I have been babysitting all week with the four grandchildren... so I made it!!!.... and with bpi I can still hug them and kiss them and hold them... so will your kids someday...
Kath

Thanks guys, for your words of support and identification. This morning when Ian woke up and took the splint off he found that he was able to bend his elbow to bring his hand nearly to his chest - something he couldn't do before because his elbow joint was too tight. So, in just two days we are seeing improvement, Ian was very pleased (so was I!). Seeing this change right away will help make it easier to put the splint on every night.

Bridget

Thanks for sharing that Bridget. It helps us knowing what to expect down the road, and your clear understanding of what Ian is going through is also very helpful! Thanks you!

I'm very glad to hear that there were fast results...
That'll make it all worthwhile. Tell Ian to keep up the good work!

-francine