United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello Everyone- Hannah is doing ok. She is finally off her antibiotics. Today was her last dose. Which has made her extremely happy!!!

We have been tring to do as many indoor activity as possible. We have some sunny days and yet it was really cool today. 60'ish... She got unto her swing set and tryed to swing. I had to tell her "No". So then she tried the see saw. One handed. It was really cute. And of course the slide a few times. Her brother who is 5 is having to adjust to this splint thing as well. Hannah asked me today if she will ever beable to use her hand again. I wanted to cry.

Well to get to my question. I need your advice about something. Have any of you who have had children in the mod quad splint taken a trip to grandma's a few hours away from your house? I am so undecided and what to do. I want to take her to see her Grandma who lives 2 hours and 15 mins away and I don't know if I would be just setting her up to have a really bad time. And just be miserable. Have any of you taken a trip this distance after surgery and wearing this type of splint? I didn't know if riding a car seat that distance if it would be bad for her. Probably thinking why doesn't Grandma come to our house. Well we would be going to see great grandma, aunts, uncles , and cousins. Any suggestions or advice would be helpful for me to make my decision.

Nicki

We had to travel home after mod quad from TCH to Kansas. I think it was about 7-8 hour trip (or more)and we drove it. It's been over a year ago, but I think that it wasn't that bad, however, we were traveling in a van which was very comfortable and very roomy. Peyton was 15 months old. Good luck on whatever you decide. If she travels well anyways, I'm sure you'll do fine.

Nicki - does she still take a nap? travel when she might normally take a nap so that she sleeps through it.... do you have A/C in your car? that would be my deciding factor! and then.... ask Hannah what she'd like to do. Let her decide.

Glad to hear she is doing ok... those moments when the kids lose faith - don't worry - she'll be ok soon... splinting time is only a short time in true perspective of things. Maia got her splint off on Saturday and she's been very worried about her arm not working but each day she can do a little bit more - so today- a mere two days later- she's very excited.

Keep the faith!
-francine

We traveled home from TCH when Hannah was 12 months after the MQ. It was a 20 hour drive. She did OK. The same as if she didn't have a splint on.

Lisa

We flew into Newark airport from Houston and the car ride was almost two hours long by the time all was said and done. We took trips to the PA bpi gathering, to Jersey (1.5 hours)to visit my grandparents, pretty much anywhere we needed to go and Matthew was fine through it all. Matthew played outside, rode the tractor with his grandpa. The splint didn't slow him down at all.
Cindy

We had to travel home from the airport and that was about 2 hours and then 4 weeks into the splint we went to the NJ picnic and I think it took us about 3 hours. Like someone said, the splint doesnt slow them down. The day we came home from TCH my son was riding his scooter, YUP, one handed. He just wanted to try and he was able to do it, so off he went. I couldnt slow my son down, but I know ALL children are different. Good luck!!

Thanks for all the great advice. As the days are going by I am noticeing this is nothing like I thought it would be. She is doing things I wouldn't even imagine she would try. Swing one handed. This is not slowing her down at all. I think we are going to make the trip to my in laws it should be fun.

Nicki

My daugher is 11 just came out of the splint and is only using it during the night. She said she wasn't as uncomfortable as she looked. As long as she was in air conditioning and was moving she was happy. She hated to feel restricked. Good luck!