I love hearing from people with #erbspalsy #brachialplexusinjury It's important for people to have a platform where they can talk about how they feel and help inspire others with Erbs, or parents with children who have it. Today's blog was written by Wyn. I'm sure some of you out there will connect with her story...
Hello Everyone. I am Wynnikka. I am 22 years old with Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injury (Avulsion) and I am from Canada. Some people who approach and ask me about my injury thought my arm developed like this from within my mother’s womb. Nerves in my Brachial Plexus were completely ripped from my spinal cord causing permanent damage that cannot be reversed even after undergoing surgery.
My right arm and hand suffered the most damage and is significantly smaller than my left and turned inward. I also lost fine motor movement. There’s lack of circulation and I find my arm to be cramped up and in pain most days even with stretching and BPI exercises. The pain often radiates in to my shoulders neck and back. Because I overcompensate with my left arm, my left side tends to be in pain some days as well.
My parents had no idea after I was born about this birth Injury, so they felt very alone as parents raising a child with OBPI and they learned most things on their own. There was no moral support for them either to help them through it. My parents tried their hardest to treat me like any other ordinary child and allowed me to do some things trying not to put any physical limitations on me, though I was already limited... as long as I wasn’t putting myself at risk of hurting myself.
"I felt like an outcast being the only one and my bullies never failed to remind me of it everyday, especially in elementary, taunting and mimicking me for being different than they were."
Growing up I’ve always felt alone with my OBPI because I knew NO ONE with the same thing as me. I felt like an outcast being the only one and my bullies never failed to remind me of it everyday, especially in elementary, taunting and mimicking me for being different than they were. I have struggled with self-confidence and self-esteem and I’m still struggling to learn how to ignore the words and actions of others who are ignorant and still make fun.
Keynote speaking, advocating for others with special needs and joining support groups and blogs like Matt’s has really helped me in finding support and connecting with others who are like me and understand what we go through, though we have our own unique journeys.
I’ve never hesitated to tell others about my story and I love doing so! I also love learning about others’ stories as well! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story Matt!
-Wyn
Instagram: @wyn_inspires
About the author:
Thank you Wyn for sharing your story with us. It can be hard sometimes when you're seen as a little different. Just remember that you can be an inspiration to so many people, whether they have a disability or not. Sadly sometimes people pick on people who may look vulnerable, but that is their own insecurities showing. Hold your head up high, stand up for what you believe in and move forward being proud of who you are.
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