United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Lorrie,
Thanks for the help. The hemishoulder sling looks like the perfect answer for shoulder subluxation (sp?). So I bought one early on in my injury. I had two problems with it I couldn't overcome. One was I had to tighten it so tight around my bicep to maintain traction, it would cut off circulation to my arm. The other was that area of my arm is hyper-sensetive. Any prolonged skin contact would drive me wild. The hyper-sensetivity has improved though. I think I'll give it another try, although my bicep is even smaller now.
I went to physical therapy yesterday, and I discussed all this with my therapist. We looked at the various shoulder slings that you and Liz had suggested. Then we talked with an orthopidic doctor in the same office. They came up with an addition to my sling that I had on. Its just a strap in a figure eight. It starts under my elbow, comes up onto my shoulder,where it's twisted into it's figure eight. I slip the top loop over my head and good arm. Then I have to position it a little to get the desired effect. The strap goes over my sling, which has it's own waist strap to hold my arm in tight to my stomach. Then we tested it on the treadmill. Worked pretty good. My sling held the arm in close to my body, and the strap held my shoulder up in the joint. Another plus was it didn't cost me anything, they made it from spare strap laying around. They added one section of padding for under my arm, plus a piece of sheepskin with velcro that goes on the padding.
I'll test it out at the gym today, and let you know how it works. If I have any success with it, I'll take a picture and post it somewhere so it makes more sense. Thanks again, Karl.
ps: Liz, thanks for the links to the shoulder supports. All look like prospects. The only draw back is I may need help with putting them on. And asking for help is my biggest weakness. I need to work on that. It's funny because I wouldn't hesitate to help someone else. Must be a guy thing.

Karl, I understand the problems with the splint. When I first got it I couldn't wear it long for similar reasons. For the first 4-6 mths I would swell a lot so after I had the brace on for 1/2 an hour I would have to take it off. I also went through a hyper-sensitive stage - couldn't wear it at all. I was a treat to live with and therapy was a hoot. Friends and family were lining up for the opportunity to be yelled at as they helped me do my ROM excercises. Anyways for the last 3-4 mths it has worked much better. I don't use the bottom strap they show in the pic though - I would think it would definately cut off circulation. Also I was wondering what material yours is made of - the only time traction was a problem for me was when I had finally stopped swelling so much and the cuff just wasn't tight enough. I had friend take it in. Kind of a custom fit. I've actually thought that same device with a cuff the was slightly inflatable would be great - you could adjust the fit based on swelling and (hopefully) as muscles develop. Goodluck

Lorrie,
I think you're right about the inflatable cuff. I wore mine three times, then I parked it. It's funny because I'm analytical, and I enjoy problem solving. But I gave up early on this one. I think it's because I knew I wouldn't need it. After all, my shoulder function was going to return soon, right? (I think they call that denial). I like your approach to making it work for you. Maybe if you present this to Nike, they can retrofit it with one of those pumps they use in their shoes? Someone has got to be spending money on R&D. If not Nike, maybe the hemi sling manufacturer. That gadget that my therapist came up with worked great for me. Yesterday I was able to run on a treadmill for the first time in 15 months. I only lasted 20 minutes. Not because of my shoulder, my legs decided to disown me. I hope you continue recovering muscle function. It's always good to hear success stories. Keep us updated. Good luck, Karl

Jacko,

Thanks for the info. I'm looking in to getting certified and this is good stuff to know.

Henry

Hi Henry.
It's nearly 3 years since I posted this stuff on the 'board. If you need anymore info, I'm mostly found skulking around http://www.tbpiukgroup.homestead.com/index_1.html