I am not sure if anyone can answer this one. We went to the ENT today. I asked her about Bob's arm and range of motion. Bob and I thought the reason he couldn't move his arm srtiaght out to his side was because of the chest flap where they took his muscle. We thought with thearpy he could regain that ability, by teaching another muscle. We were surprised when she told us that it was from a nerve that probably got cut or was needed to be cut durning surgery. She said that it would not be the same again. We were so shocked that all questions went out of the window.

So, does anyone happen to know what the name of the nerve would be so I can look it up on line? Also what does that mean for lifting? He was lifting tires and working on automobiles before all of this. Any help in this matter would be great, we don't have another appointment untill April 20th. It is going to drive me crazy till I gain some knowledge on this subject.


Thanks Deb

Sorry to hear that the damage is permanent. I thought Bob would be able to regain his strength and use of that arm. That is a surprise to me. Its too bad that this isnt something that can be fixed thru PT.

I have the same problem and had hoped you would have had better news. In fact when I had my last surgery, I woke up and couldnt move my left arm at all. I couldnt even lift it off the bed, scared me to death! After a few hours it started to get better and by the time I went home the next day I was back to my normal limitations. I was told by my doc that I could do PT for my arm. Now I know, thanks for sharing this.

Again, Im very sorry this has happened.

Christine,

If you don't mind me asking , What are the limitations to your arm? I work at a child care center and one of my parents is a physical therapist. She said to get a second opinion, she said that it sounds more like the nerve was stretched. I am going to make an appt. with a physical therapist. I will let you know.

Thanks Deb

Hi Deb
the major nerves that go to the arm and the Median and Ulna nerves. They both travel down the neck before branching out to the arm. I do not know nor understand how or why this nerve would have been cut. But at least you can google.

I like the idea that the nerve is damaged or stretched rather than cut and would definitely look for a second opinion

Good luck, and let us all know the outcome so we can all learn from this.

Karen
PS My Alex gets weird nerve impulses too (moves his head and feels tingling in his feet) and the RO just looked blank when we mentioned it

Christine

We are going to PT some time in early May. I will keep you posted as to how things go. I am not the best speller or that great on a computer, and not sure how to send a personal message. But I wish to thank you personally for all your help.


Deb

Deb, you are very welcome! I hope the PT helps. I just sent you a personal message with info how to use that. Look for the little flag next to the my stuff tab. Click on my stuff and then click on messages. We are all in this together so dont worry about any lack of computer skills or your spelling. You are doing just fine!

During neck dissection the Accessory nerve can get damaged and is almost certainly bruised as they work around it. I couldn't lift my are sideways initially but physiotherapy cleared it up within a couple of months. Now, almost a year after surgery, I can detect no difference. Get a phyiotherapist. Also try searching on line for ecercises to do but take it easy and try to be patient

We went to a PT friday. She said it looked like a muscle issue. Bob will go 3 times a week. He is having it done in town so he can drive himself. I am so Happy it was not a nerve issue. Having this board to go to really does make a difference.


Deb