Story submitted by Jamie on November 03, 1999 at 18:16:42:
Jamie is 30, from boston mass. usa.
Family:middle class
This is for darlene, Dear Darlene, My prayers go out to youre son and youre family. I am disabled from a shoulder injury to both arms. I have had multiple surgeries and have been living serious pain for 2 years. I even havepain just sitting at this computer. A disabled and painful arm is very hard to live with and youre son will need all the support Im sure you will give him. I am a Orthopaedic surgical technician and I have alot of knowledge about the shoulder and the brachial plexus. While this is a very devastating injury stay hopefull and dont be desperate yet.You must be patient as this recovery will take years. Youre son has one thing going for him ,his youth.So what Im saying to you is dont be desperate yet dont expect a quick recovery,because you will be setting you and youre son up for frustration.It is my understanding that this nerve has some healing ability and with surgery and repair there is reason for hope. But This easier said than donebut take the progress one little goal at a time,and try and live as normally as you can.Make sure youre son gets plenty of exercise and eats well.I have a friend who was in a car accident and tore is brachial plexus,he had surgery and he is steadily improving he actually plays basketball regually. His arm is very limited but its only been a year since the accident but he is making great strides.I cant be sure but youre sons injury might be worse tha my friends because his doctors said he was lucky and they could help him surgically,but it was torn and his arm was numb and he could not move it before the surgery. So their is hope and remember what I said be patient this will be a long recovery but he will improve and as long as that arm is on his body,and no! they do not have to amputate.But as long as he has that arm there is hope for a recovery.So you have my prayers and my concern is that youre is not in to much pain,be prepared the surgeries will be painful but he will get through it GOOD LUCK< Jamie C (male)
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