United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Just found this site today! What a relief to see that there's more people out there just like me.

I'm 22 years old and I have a left obpi. Had two surgeries when I was about 9-10. Haven't done my exercises to good so I my arm isn't what it could be. I regret it so much that I didn't train harder. Even today I can't get myself to exercise it. Haven't got the patience. I want quick results. That makes me so angry with myself.

Hi

It takes too much energy to be angery at yourself.. its easier to do the range of motion exercise!

I also did not exercise for many years and paid a high price for not moving my arm. We need to at least keep our range of motion what ever that is. Because each injury is so different you need to know your own basic range of motion and keep working to keep it.

It took a long time for me to re-gain what I lost through carless attention to my arm. I never realized I was loosing so much until I could not reach at all.

I have had intensive PT for almost 4 years now and I have really moved back to my "normal" range of motion and am more pain free then I had been in years... so work on it when you can even 5 minutes... a day is better than nothing

Now I will jump off the soap box and Welcome you! glad you found the message boards and hope you will take my well intentioned advice. We need to keep our arms working and protect our unaffected arms.

Kath

Welcome to the boards!!
I'm 31 left also. Leaving tomorrow for Houston to have surgery!! We need to stick together here and do our exercises!! There are no quick results. Like they say with dieting. It took how many years to pack it on. How many to unpack??? Hmm...I'm still trying to figure that one out!! You'll love this place. The people here are very inspiring. Enjoy!!

How about doing something fun that would exercise your arm without you realizing it... like swimming?

Wow I guess we are all sprouting our wings and finding our flocks (or whatever) My name is anthony some call me tony some the other.I am a 24 year old with a Left bpi.I've done angry it doesnt work. I have had to work out alot when I was younger but I never knew what it was till I turned 21 or so so now that I know I try to do things that will keep me motivated. If you need an ear email me or post Ill get to ya nice meeting you and enjoy the posts this place could be awesome.

Glad you found us and welcome.
I'm 50 (gosh it feels weird to say that) and Left OBPI. I've found that therapy is indeed lifelong but I feel so much better when I have been actively involved in doing my exercises and esp. stretching. Sometimes I've not had time in my life for it, but things are definitely better when I keep at it.

Nancy Birk
UBPN President

HEy there! I am 23 RTBPI but I know about the PT and exercise. I ahve been in PT since my accident 2 1/2 years ago, just stopped a few weeks ago. I am making myself go to the gym at least 3 times a week, amazing how the pain goes away for a while. Good luck! KEep asking questions, that what we are here for!
Courtney

WELCOME!!
I am a 31 right OBPI. I just had surgery (3 1/2 weeks ago) in Texas. The doctor told me that therapy, stretching, exercise is the key to it all. If you ever need to vent, let me know. This is a wonderful place. People are fantastic!!

Take care,
Deanna

Welcome to the boards.
My son is 14 and has a right BPI.
T.