OBPI arm a lot fatter?

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
User avatar
veggiebug
Posts: 257
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2004 8:47 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I weighed 11 lbs. 4 oz. when I was born.
I was delivered by forceps which resulted in my ROBPI.
I've never had any surgical intervention.
Location: Williamsport PA

OBPI arm a lot fatter?

Post by veggiebug »

I was wondering if other people have this issue. My BP arm is a lot fatter than the non-BP arm. I know that it doesn't get as much exercise but come on does it have to be so gross :)
I've gained some weight recently and I think it all went to my arm. None of my shirts fit anymore. I have to wear a size larger just for my flab. Can anyone else relate?
Just curious.
Thanks for you time. :)
Kath
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:11 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Location: New York

Re: OBPI arm a lot fatter?

Post by Kath »

My arm was always so much thinner it was really annoying when I was young. I have put on weight and it looks flabby... I also have some lympatic swelling in my forearm now but nothing major but it makes my arm look fat.
Kath

Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
jep98056
Posts: 322
Joined: Sun Apr 14, 2002 10:25 pm

Re: OBPI arm a lot fatter?

Post by jep98056 »

Like Kathleen, my ROBPI arm is also thinner than the unaffected arm due to lack of muscle. Could your swelling be caused by something else? I believe that damage to the lymph system from surgery or radiation therapy can cause fluid retention and swelling.

John P.
Carolyn J
Posts: 3424
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:22 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI. I am 77 yrs old and never had a name for my injuries until 2004 when I found UBPN at age 66.

My injuries are: LOBPI on upper body and Cerebrael Palsy on the lower left extremities. The only intervention I've had is a tendon transplant from my left leg to my left foot to enable flexing t age 24 in 1962. Before that, my foot would freeze without notice on the side when wearing heels AND I always did wear them at work "to fit in" I also stuttered until around age 18-19...just outgrew it...no therapy for it. Also suffered from very very low self esteem; severe Depression and Anxiety attacks started at menopause. I stuffed emotions and over-compensated in every thing I did to "fit in" and be "invisible". My injuries were Never addressed or talked about until age 66. I am a late bloomer!!!!!

I welcome any and all questions about "My Journey".
There is NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION.
Sharing helps to Heal. HUGS do too.
Location: Tacoma WA
Contact:

Re: OBPI arm a lot fatter?

Post by Carolyn J »

Like Kathleen & John, my LOBPI arm has always been thinner smaller & shorter than unafftected arm. Same for my whole left side, actually.
Carolyn J
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 19873
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm

Re: OBPI arm a lot fatter?

Post by admin »

Hi, I have the same problem. Everyone looks at me and says hey do you work out? My left arm is really huge (I'm a girl) I'm like "no, I don't workout this is natural." Little do they know my arm is as weak as a wet paper towel. I hate the fact that they can even notice the difference. I hate summer too. I can't where tank tops without a million questions. Don't worry you are not alone.
User avatar
veggiebug
Posts: 257
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2004 8:47 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I weighed 11 lbs. 4 oz. when I was born.
I was delivered by forceps which resulted in my ROBPI.
I've never had any surgical intervention.
Location: Williamsport PA

Re: OBPI arm a lot fatter?

Post by veggiebug »

I've never had surgery or any therapy other than PT when I was young.

My arm is shorter by quite a bit, but it's been fatter my entire life. But I've been noticing it more lately since my shirts aren't fitting right.

Gee, for the first time since I found everyone I'm different. I knew I was special :)

Thanks for all your input.
Kath
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:11 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Location: New York

Re: OBPI arm a lot fatter?

Post by Kath »

I never had surgery either they only did PT... my arm is shorter and small in fact my entire right side is a bit smaller even my ear canal.

Kath
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
Joanie
Posts: 499
Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2005 9:03 am

Re: OBPI arm a lot fatter?

Post by Joanie »

Hi!
My OBPI arm is not a lot fatter than my non-OBPI arm, but it is fatter, especially the upper arm. A sleave may fit fine on the non-OBPI arm but the other sleave might be tight.

Joanie
Mel4fitness
Posts: 39
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2003 10:11 pm

Re: OBPI arm a lot fatter?

Post by Mel4fitness »

My arm is thinner and muscular. I do arm exercise (with the assistance of my left arm), you should try it! :)
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 19873
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm

Re: OBPI arm a lot fatter?

Post by admin »

My daughter's arm looked fatter but an MRI showed that it was swollen from water. We used TES (nighttime electrical stimulation) and the days we used it, the arm was smaller (it's used for circulation) and the days we didn't use it, her arm and fingers were swollen. I don't know if this is the situation with you but I thought I would share that.
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