Story submitted by Kim Wylie on December 27, 1997 at 21:07:48:
Kim Wylie is 33, from San Antonio, TX.
Family:Husband Mike, Timothy 4 years, Matthew 2 years
Matthew suffered a brachial plexus injury at birth. This injury was caused by excessive force being applied to his head and shoulder during the birthing process. The injury, which was very severe, left his right arm and hand paralyzed. He underwent his first surgery in February 1996 at the Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. During the surgery, the doctors discovered that the C-7 and C-8 nerves were avulsed. The T-1 nerve was extremely small. They were unable to do nerve grafts since the nerves were avulsed but were able to remove scar tissue from the other nerves. Matthew does not have use of his triceps and has minimal use of his hand and wrist. He underwent his second surgery in April 1997. The doctors did a nerve release and a tendon shortening. The tendon shortening was to help keep his wrist in neutral and to eliminate the use of a splint, which he has worn since about 11 months. Unfortunately, we just learned that the tendon shortening did not work and he will have to continue wearing the splint for another year. At that time, he will possibly have a tendon transfer. He has not let any of this slow him down. He enjoys riding his tricycle, even though he cannot reach the pedals. He took swimming lessons and can swim a little under water. He loves to swim ! He likes building castles with legos and trying to knock them down with his right arm. He is getting ready to start using electrical stimulation on the muscles on his forearm. We do not know anyone who has used this successfully and are a little nervous about it. We look forward to hearing from other families affected by this injury.
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