August Update

Hello! We haven't posted in a while so I thought I would let you know the latest.
First, I have to tell you that between the hot weather and his lack of money, Brett just isn't racing very much this year.

It has now been over 3 1/2 years since Brett lost his arm (02/07/07). It has been a very challening time for all of us. Brett continues to keep his spirits up as much as possible, but the pain is not letting up.

Every month (sometimes more often) I go out to the internet to see if there is anything new to help with phantom pain. Brett's doctor only believed in pain medication and stellite ganglion blocks. Many times we asked her for an alternative means for pain relief because what she was doing was not helping but she had no answers.

Through my searches, I discovered many things that could help, but most did not. We tried accupuncture, the farabloc blanket, the mirror box (most help), hypnotherapy (this helped for a while), and out of desperation, we even tried a hologram sticker.

Finally, I found a doctor in Baltimore named Dr. Lee Dellon that said he could help my son. Needless to say, Brett and I went to Baltimore. Dr. Dellon was wonderful! He took his time in examining Brett and told us that with surgery Brett could be pain free! He seemed to be the only one who understood the pain that Brett suffers. He thinks that the nerve has somehow attached itself to the main artery that runs along the area where the collar bone would be. He understood that everytime Brett's heart beats, he feels pain. Of course, I cried - like a baby. Finally some help for my son!

Dr. Dellon told us that there is a doctor in B'ham named Dr. Richard Meyer that could do the surgery as well - but first, find out which nerve was the culpret.
So we went to see Dr. Meyer. He sent us to Dr. Lamar to get a block done on C8. It worked! We now know the nerve that is giving Brett soooo much trouble.

When Dr. Meyer gets a chance to look at the results, he will set up another appointment for Brett and we will hopefully discuss all the options we have available.

We covet your prayers as we face the future concerning Brett's pain and we thank God for his care throughout this difficult time.

Thank you for your time, your prayers, and your concern.
God Bless!
Coleen