Story submitted by Joanne Gardner on October 02, 1999 at 15:27:05:
Joanne Gardner is 30, from Wirral, England.
Family:Husband, 1daughter, 2 sons
My youngest son Harry was born almost 2 years ago, his labour progressed pretty normal until his head was delivered then panic began. Whilst my midwife was waiting for assistance she attempted to pull Harry out which is when we feel Harry was damaged. Once assistance arrived a midwife delivered Harry within seconds by pressing firmly down onto my pelvic bone. Whilst still in hospital Harry was sent for X-rays and was seen by a physio-therapist who was very interested in Harry's case as she had never seen an erb's before. After a few hours back on the maternity ward my Obstiatrician advised us of Harry's condition mentioning that he was lucky as brain damage can occur and as it was he would probable be left with a disabled left arm and hand. Although the PT's inexperience unnerved my husband and I, we feel that she did everything possible to help us by forcing an immediate referral rather than waiting "to see what happens" as was favoured by the peadiatrician. She also put us in touch with the Erbs Palsy Support Group who gave us invaluable advice and information. Through the support group Harry was refered to a specialist who deals with Erb's. Harry had several appointments with the specialist to gauge how much recovery was happening. It was decided that an operation was necessary. At 6 months old Harry had nerves grafted from both ankles into his neck. We continue with his stretches, and he also attends a group physio-therapy session which includes hydrotherapy. His recovery has been very good although I still worry how much is going to come back and how it will affect him in life. We have been told that his arm will never recover 100% and will be unable to lift over his head or straight out to the side. In August he went for a check up with his surgeon, it was suggested that a further operation may be necessary to release tightened muscle/ligaments in the shoulder in the future.
Harry's development has not been hindered by his erb's, e.g. he compensated for not being able to crawl by "bum-shuffling". His older brother (4yrs)and sister (5 1/2yrs) have not noticed any difference from themselves and Harry can be very strong willed and stands his ground with his siblings and peers at nursery. I hope his confidence does not waiver as he realises he has a disability.
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