Testimonials
Our daughter, Nadia, was born with a birth injury to her left arm and has undergone therapy from the time she was two weeks old to current. We were told by our first pediatrician that nothing was wrong with her arm and to give it two months. Feeling very frightened and worried about our newborn not being able to move her arm at all, we went for a second opinion. We were told by our pediatrician that Nadia needed to begin therapy, but nothing about the type of injury or the effects it would have on her life or even if she would gain use of her arm.
Thankfully, Nadia is now two years old and has made tremendous improvement. This past May 2007 we were told that Nadia reached her maximum potential use of her left arm. She had 80-percent usage with tightness in her elbow. All along we have been researching her Brachial Plexus injury and have read things on the internet. The facts state that one out of 10,000 births are effected by this injury, but non of the professionals, including specialist, we seen would tell us much about Brachial Plexus injuries. We were frustrated and running out of options. Then we were told about University of Michigan Brachial Plexus Clinic and decided to take Nadia for an evaluation this past May.
The doctors at the University of Michigan Brachial Plexus Clinic told us about her injury and showed us detailed diagrams of what muscles and nerves that were exactly effected. Just from three months of being part of the program, Nadia already has 90-percent usage of her left arm by the use of casting and splinting techniques used by her Occupational Therapy, Denise Justis. I really wish we would have known about this program when she was born. I strongly believe Nadia would be even further along. We see two occupational therapists that are so helpful and knowledgeable about Nadia's injury. Their passion for what they do is reflected in every visit. We even took part in a the making of a DVD that is being made for medical professionals and patients that will explain Brachial Plexus injuries. As well as common feelings, concerns, and continuing care that will aid in the awareness of these birth injuries and resources for educating the lives that are effected. I am very thankful for the clinic and will continue to take the one and half hour commute so that my daughter gets the care she needs to live a life with the maximum use of her arm. My only wish is that the clinic will be able to continue its efforts to educate and reach more lives that are effected by Brachial Plexus injuries.
- Anonymous
