United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi All,
I am new to this message board, but I need a little help and I was told this is the place to get it. I have been kind of watching the message boards and you all seem really helpful and nice. My problem consist of this: Not to be repetitive of all of you, but I am 23 and have had Erb's palsy since birth. I was a 10 lb. baby and from what I was told the Dr. screwed up. At any rate, I am in constant pain and have been thinking of surgery. I am talking to Dr. Nath in Houston but am still not convinced. Is it worth it? Will the pain cease or at least lighten some? Will I be able to turn my arm over or even use it more than I can now? I really want to become a cop, but because of my shoulder I can't do the necasary push-ups and bench press I need to in order to get in. I am discouraged about the whole thing and would appreciate any help. Please feel free to e-mail me and put Erb's palsy under subject. Thank you very much!!
Brian

Hey Brian,
I can't tell you how much the surgery will help yet. I am scheduled for surgery on the 29th of this month with Dr. Shenaq at TCH. What I do know and understand is wanting to do something and your arm getting in the way. Don't wait too long, I'm 42 and just found out 6 months ago that what was wrong with my arm was called Erb's Palsy. Good luck with your meeting with Dr. Nath and to you going on and being in law enforcement. I wanted to be a cop also, couldn't so now I'm a victim advocate for domestic violence and sexual assault victims, so I still work close with cops and help them with these kind of cases. I hope that everything goes well for you.

Brain,

I am 32 & have had Erb's since birth & weighed 10 pounds also. I had surgery 5 months ago w/Dr Nath. It decreased my pain a great deal. I had a lot of shoulder area pain. I am not sure what type of surgery Dr Nath is suggesting for you. I know in my case it was worth it. If I had to d oit again I would. My surgery was the mod quad & it has helped with my movements also. That was the main reason I had the surgery. I didn't realize till after the surgery that my pain was gone. Oh sure, I still have aches in it when its cold or going to rain, but that won't ever go away for me. I am 9 years older than you & if I had known this was available when I was 23 I'd have done it then. Good luck on your decision.

Deanna

Hi Brian

Welcome to the boards! I am glad to see you are no longer a lurker... LOL...

It is amazing when you find so many people with our injury and that it is not rare. I was so happy to find UBPN and have so many of my questions answered just by comparing notes with other people who posted here.

I was most pleased when I found out that walking into walls and banging our arms on things are quite common and it is really a lack of body boundary.

I have never had any surgery the window for such surgery was long past when I found UBPN but if I were younger I am sure I would consider it after careful thought.
I think I may be the biggest obpi baby... I was 11 lb. 14 oz. my brother was the same weight but he was not injured.
welcome again
Kath

Deanna,

Can you tell me about your recovery? I am not as worried about the surgery as I am about the recovery. I have 3 year old twins and I wonder about everyday life following the surgery. Were you able to resume taking care of yourself soon after the surgery? Please give me any details you can. You can respond here or email me at hellis@chartermi.net

Thanks
Heather

Brian,

It will be three years in just a few days since I had the mod quad surgery with Dr. Nath at the age of 47. I only wish I had had the opportunity to have this surgery earlier in my life. I was the first 'adult' obpi that had had such a surgery and we weren't sure if the results would in any way resemble the results that the kiddos have with this surgery.

The first thing I gained was new movement and then daily I saw changes, some slow, some quick, and I'm still improving my ROM. The pain I had had and the stiffness at my neck dissipated and movement is so much easier and more fluid.

What made the decision for me was that I had wanted this all my life and given the opportunity, I was willing to go for it.

There is considerable therapy afterwards and one needs to stretch daily. That is a commitment of time and effort that has to be made.

Nancy

Brian, Welcome to the boards! I get so excited when people find these boards who are younger than myself. I didn't find them until last year, I am 32. I also like Deanna, had the mod quad surgery done with Dr. Nath last September. I would do it all over again in a heart beat as well. My arm was shrinking and paralyzing itself and after the surgery I have regained about 2 inches in length. I still do therapy at home and have to do a lot of stretching. I think one thing with this injury is we have to realize that no our arm won't ever be the same as a "normal" arm, however, we can make it a lot better by having the surgery done. I know how you feel about push ups and bench presses. Hasn't happened here yet either. It does tend to limit people from doing things, however, don't let it hold you back from your dream. I was a hairdresser for 10 years and a lot of people told me I wouldn't be able to do it. It hurt like Heck, but I managed to do it anyways. Follow your dream, let them know about your injury and maybe they can make an exception. I think you should consider the surgery as an option. If you have anymore questions please feel free to email me. Where do you live? And by the way, Dr. Nath is a great doctor, you will be in the best of care!
Stay in touch please.
Good Luck to you
Reach for the Stars

Heather:

Hey! As far as recovery from the mod quad wasn't as bad as I thought. Yes, you will be sore but the worst thing was the sling. It was big & sleeping with it was a pain. At first I had to have help putting on my bra. Mine was done during the summer so I was able to wear a sleeveless shirt. I have a 12 & 9 year old so it was easier for me. With twins it's hard anyway. My mom, which lives next door, had to help me wash my hair at first. You sure don't want anyone coming up to you & giving you a hug. I folded clothes with one arm. I was really tired after the surgery too. If I haven't answered all your questions, please feel free to email me at work at dhammond@birminghamrail.com I will answer everything I can for you.

Deanna

Rachel and Deanna
I live in Phoenix, AZ. I was wondering if the airlines discount for medical travel I have heard that they do but haven't checked yet. Also, about the sling, I was on Dr. Nath's website and there was a kid with his arm in a sling above his head. I pray to God that is not the sling I will be in. Also, will I have to travel back to Houston for any check-ups, physical therapy, or anything other than the possible bicepsurgery I have seen Deanna talking about. I do have alot of questions I just don't know where to begin. My mom is a nurse and is also helping me. Once my mommie says I can, I will be going. Thanx for all of your support.
Brian

Oh yeah one more thing . . . How long were you in surgery?