Story submitted by Sharon H. on December 02, 1999 at 11:46:56:
Sharon H. is 31, from Huntsville, Alabama, USA.
Family:
Our son was born November 1st at 41 weeks. During an office visit my Dr. said he would be a big baby.
When I asked how big, he did not want to "guess" and never offered to do an ultrasound. At my last visit
he couldn't believe I had not called to deliver. He instructed me that if I had not gone in to labor by Monday
he would meet me at the hospital and induce. Monday came and we met at the hospital for induction by
Pitocin. He broke my water which contained meconium but did not perform a c-section. That afternoon I
began to be febrile and the baby was showing distress. At 4pm I began pushing. At 5pm the Dr came in
and had to use suction/vacuum to help with delivery, I had an episiotomy but ripped 4th degree anyway.
When my sons head delivered the cord was around his neck. The Dr. had to pull his shoulders out forcefully.
My son weighed 9lb 10ozs and was 21 1/2" long. Immediately the Dr noticed his right arm was flaccid. The
Dr. assumed his clavicle was broken. An xray was done that night and our Pediatrician informed us our son
has Erb's. He is able to move his fingers and hand but nothing else. A week after I noticed his hand starting
to contract. I called the Pediatrician and immediately they decided pt/ot was needed. We started ot when
he was 4 weeks old. I have been doing ot at home 3-5 times daily as well. He now tries to rotate his
shoulder in. According to the Pediatric Orthopedic, if he has not significantly improved, we will be
referred to a Pediatric Neurosurgeon. Our son is only 4 1/2 weeks old. If anyone has any advice, information
we would appreciate it. I also am concerned that this Dr. has disheartened many other families. We
are undecided if we should contact an attorney. Any advice on this also would be appreciated.
Thank you! Sharon
©Copyright 1997 Erbs Palsy Information & Resource Group.