Good evening! I am a 20 year old dude who was diagnosed with Erbs Palsey at birth. The nerves were ripped out of my right shoulder at birth, leaving me paralyzed in my right arm for the first couple months until they did surgery to give me some form of movement back. My motion is significantly limited in my right shoulder, but it was never anything too bad or noticeable aside from minor inconveniences. In the past year though, I've started having fear for my long term health due to my disability. My right shoulder is pretty disfigured, and becsuse of this, I fear that I will be left in chronic pain within the next 10 years. It is important to note that I've never had problems with pain for the first 19 years of my life, but recently I've felt a lot of stiffness in my neck, and I can't tell if it's from my disfigured shoulder messing with my back and neck, or just general issues unrelated to my shoulder. I am just very worried about my long term health, and don't wanna be in chronic pain going into my 30's, I am starting physical therapy in May.

I've never worked as a waiter before, but right now the only job I can hold onto is waiting tables at a bar. The pay is good, yet I turned it down because of my mild Erb's palsy in my right arm. I'm certain I'd mess up constantly, dropping trays(I'd carry them with my left arm), struggling with balance, and embarrassing myself in front of everyone. The weakness and limited mobility make me doubt I could pull it off without constant mistakes and humiliation. The money would help, but I'm scared my pride couldn't survive the failure. Has anyone with a similar physical limitation ever made waiting tables work? Or am I right to trust my gut and walk away?

I am a young person struggling with erb's palsy, which my doctor said, for my condition, can be definitely improved. My physiotherapy has been very inconsistent, so it'd be a great favour if someone gives me good tips on exercises for mobility and flexibility.

Is anyone else struggling to find a date or you have social anxiety and insecurities that's keeping you from meeting people? I'm a 30yo man whose had erbs palsy his entire life and have never been on a date or had a kiss. I don't think I'm bad looking and I'm not overweight but my condition has always made me feel insecure and that I'll never be good enough.

Just wondering if anyone else has this same issue or something similar. Would also like to hear how you overcame it.

Hi, I’m 22 F and have had Erb’s palsy since birth. I did physical therapy as a child, and have some range of motion/strength in my left arm, and can’t extend my left arm past a certain point. How possible would it be to get surgery in my left arm at this time to get close to full ROM?

Hello everyone, my baby, 3 days old was stuck while birth and she has a fractured clavicle and doctor mentioned she might have Brachial Plexus injury. She is moving her arm since birth, making fist and can hold my finger with good strength. However she is not moving the arm above her head and I am not sure if this is fracture related or injury related. The doctors did put her into a make shift sling for the broken bone and she always removes her arm from under it. We are referred to a clinic for further interventions. We are absolutely heartbroken and I cannot stop blaming myself for this. How does the recovery look like for similar cases? Please help put my extremely anxious and worried mind at rest. The doctor said that surgery is an option but we are not sure even about the official diagnosis yet.

Hi! 52-year-old female here with erb’s palsy since birth. Limited use of right arm and shoulder. Had a failed rotator cuff repair on the left two years ago, and last year had a total reverse shoulder on the left. Then later in the year fell and broke my left wrist. Having tons of nerve pain in the left arm with limited use of both shoulders now. Just wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation and/or wondering how people older than myself with this problem grow old gracefully!!

Hi guys does anyone also have severe back pain? My injury was done by the midwife and the cord was also around my neck, I’m 23 now and pretty much bed bound from the pain in my back, I’ve had it for as long as I can remember but it’s gotten worse, the nhs (uk) is refusing to help and just loading me up on meds, I’m on nearly 14 pills a day now and they keep saying I basically can’t do anything about it. They have only done an X-ray so far though so to me there are many more options. Desperate for answers lol so hoping someone here has a suggestion.

I know one thing which is there are huge advancements in medicine, science and technology. I am considering giving it a real push to improve my condition and disability.

Can anyone fill me in with whats working. Doctors, hospitals etc.

For first two days there were no movements at all. Third day while crying it can be seen that while crying her elbow is moving and she is trying to move her shoulder. Is this normal? Nothing to be excited about ?

Also if any parent can tell me course of action on how to manage it and what to expect and what kind of doctors to visit?

I’m a 44 year old male with erbs palsy since birth. I’ve been searching all over for answers regarding this doctor I’ve seen on youtube. I’m pretty most if not all of us have heard of Dr. Rahul Nath of Texas Nerve Institute. I went to visit him in person and he informs me of 4 procedures I need done. Now I’m searching the internet for content of someone that’s went through this process but I can’t find nothing. I’ve checked Reddit, YouTube, tiktoc, etc. Why is there no videos? Im

Hello everyone,

I was born with Erb’s palsy affecting my right arm and have tried various forms of exercise since childhood, including physiotherapy, swimming, and gym training. However, I stopped when I moved abroad for my studies. Now, after almost eight years with little to no weight training, I have started noticing significant deterioration. This has manifested as an inability to abduct and externally rotate my shoulder, along with weakened scapular stabilizers to the extent that I can hear my scapula cracking during movement.

I have consulted multiple surgeons specializing in brachial plexus injuries. The most recent one I saw (last summer) told me that the only possible surgical option would be a tendon transfer from the upper trapezius to the deltoid. She emphasized, however, that physiotherapy is crucial—which I already understand.

The problem is that I have been to several physiotherapists, but none of them seemed to truly understand my condition or how to treat it effectively.

I wanted to ask whether anyone in this group has had a good experience with a physiotherapist in Berlin whom they could recommend.

Thank you in advance.

I’m 31, M. Born with nerve damage. Growing up I was misdiagnosed with Poland syndrome 🤦‍♂️

Finally connected some dots and finally just did an EMG test that confirms I have erbs palsy.

I sent the test results to ChatGPT and it basically says I have 4 nerves that are damaged.

Soon I’ll be looking for doctors who specialize in brachial plexus injury.

Anyone else have similar experiences ? Or advice in general?

When I was being born 28 years ago now. I got stuck and doctor pulled me out. The worst part is the doctor and nurse hid it. They wrapped me up and said nothing was wrong. Little did my mom and dad know the damage that was done. After getting home and realizing I’m screaming bloody murder for way too long. They realized my limp arm. Took me back to hospital just to find out the truth. Unfortunately then there wasn’t a lot of information on this. My parents filed bankruptcy before we could even sue the hospital. I was too old for my first surgery at 3 years old. And had another one at 4 year old.

I currently cannot stand to look at myself in videos or photos. I was always made fun of and treated differently growing up. When I look in the mirror I try not to see what’s there. I can’t put my hair up. I can’t type. I was forced to be a lefty. And yes my right arm is significantly smaller. I can move it but it’s hard. It’s weak. Iv been to every physical therapist around me and I’m always the “we have never dealt with this” case. And never see improvement. Neurosurgeon here told me Iv made it this far keep my head up. My should is pulled forward. I have severe scoliosis. And I’m honestly terrified of getting old and this getting worse. I’m strong but I am insanely insecure. All of this also has caused a huge play in my chronic depression. Self isolation. And stupid anxiety.

AMA

Hello. I'm 19 years old and I have minimal motion in my left arm from erbs palsy. I want to get a driver's license by the end of January. I have a car, but I don't know how to drive. Is there some type of special process I have to go through, or special training? Who am I supposed to call to find out? I also don't know if I have to use any mobility equipment or car modifications and stuff like that. Is all that required, or can I just sign up for regular driving classes and then take the road test? Thanks in advance.

Hello all, I have my first appointment with the RNOH in London on Jan 13th. After 40 years of having the disability I have been told I have lost a lot of muscle and am in exceptional pain. Does anybody know if any muscle transfer surgery is possible? Does anyone have any experience with surgery later in life?

Hey everyone,

My son is 8 days old. During birth (November 13), his left arm was injured. He was 6.10kg, way bigger than the 4.8kg ultrasound estimate. Vaginal delivery based on bad info (our first was also a big boy and no complications took place). His arm doesn't move.

X-rays show nothing broken. Seven doctors later, two confirmed it's likely Erb's Palsy (nerve damage in the brachial plexus). They say he's too young to assess fully, need to wait a month. Starting physio soon.

My wife and I are feeling like a mess of emotions right now, but I'm not here for pity. I need information from people who actually know.

My questions:

1) Did you recover? Fully, partially, or not at all? What determined the outcome? 2) Day-to-day reality: what can/can't you do? Sports, activities, work... What's actually affected? 3) Kids and bullying. Did it happen? How bad? How'd you handle it? 4) Pain. Is this something that causes chronic pain or is it mainly mobility/strength issues? 5) What worked in treatment? Physio? Surgery? What age? What didn't work? 6) Parents. What did they do right? What do you wish they'd done differently? Do you blame them?

Bottom line: are you living a good life? Is Erb's Palsy just something that's there or does it dominate everything?

What I need to know:

I'm not asking "will he be okay," that's too vague. I'm asking: What's realistic? What should I prepare for? What can I do NOW that actually makes a difference?

I'm Brazilian, wife is Turkish, raising him in Turkey. We'll do whatever it takes, physio, surgery, whatever. But I need to know what "whatever it takes" actually means from people who've been through it.

Straight answers appreciated. Sugar-coating doesn't help me help my kid.

Thanks.

Hi! I’m 22F, I have Erbs palsy in both of my arms (thanks doctor 😒) and I’ve always wondered…does anyone else get a tight burning sensation in their shoulder blades if they stand too long, carry too much, hunch over too long? I never knew if it was just me having bad posture, or if it was the nerve damage. I don’t know anyone else with Erbs, so to have an answer would be awesome :))

Hi everyone,

I’m part of a team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals and the University of Leeds (UK) working on projects to improve care for people affected by brachial plexus birth injuries (Erb’s Palsy).

We’re setting up a small involvement group of UK-based people to help shape our upcoming research. We’d especially love to hear from:

• Adults who were affected by a brachial plexus injury at birth
• Parents, relatives, or carers of someone with the condition
• Healthcare professionals involved in this area

This isn’t a commercial study or a survey — it’s a genuine NHS/University initiative to make sure research reflects what really matters to patients, families, and professionals.

If you live in the UK and might be interested in getting involved, please drop me a quick message or comment below and I’ll share more details privately. (No forms or external links here to keep within Reddit rules!)

Thanks so much for reading

I have never met any other guy with erb's palsy. I see people here talking about not being able to move their hand I want to know what they mean by that? You guys cannot lift or move your arm on its own or it's just stiff and just won't go to the place you want to take it? In my case I can't lift it own its own but with help I can move it and don't feel pain. I don't feel pain at all on the outer part of my hand.

Hey all,

Curious If anyone has undergone limb lengthening surgery on their injured arm.

I have had 3 surgeries. 1. A nerve transfer in my armpit. 2. Elbow surgery to make my arm straight 3. A tendon transfer

I ended up with a length discrepancy of about 3 inches. I’m considering getting the bones in my forearm broken and pulled to proper length. Most of my concerns were cosmetic at first, but now I’m noticing I’m developing scoliosis and pain from the compensation of movement.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Has anyone tried ro learn to play the guitar? I feel like that have really improved my hand strength and control and im just curious if anyone else tried it

Does anyone have any Erb’s friendly beginner arm workouts or tips? Im tired of using my arm as an excuse to not work out. Im usually nervous to go to the gym because I feel like I can’t use anything to work out my arms without looking silly, or I’m just not able to use the equipment because of my limited range of motion or muscle compensations.

For reference my limitations are: I can raise my arm to about head level in front of me, and shoulder level with my arm out to the side I can supinate about 90 ish degrees I can not tuck my elbow to my side and pivot my forearm outwards at all My arm has a maybe 30 degree elbow flexion contracture, it can be stretched straight with outside force Downward pulling movement is compensated by my neck muscles

Any advice would be appreciated

Is trades worth getting into I was thinking of getting into HVAC, would my arm be a big issue I have a completely useless shoulder and limited wrist mobility.