Patient Journeys
GET TO KNOW COREY
Corey is a chef who experienced a deep stabbing injury in the kitchen—an accident sometimes called an “avocado injury,” because it often happens while cutting fruits and vegetables at home or at work. Learn more about nerve transections and peripheral nerve care through her story below.
Corey shares what she has learned through this journey: how her peripheral nerve injury has affected her life, how she found the right care team, her experience working with occupational and physical therapists, and her advice for others going through a similar process.
Corey shares what she has learned through this journey: how her peripheral nerve injury has affected her life, how she found the right care team, her experience working with occupational and physical therapists, and her advice for others going through a similar process.
LOSS OF FEELING IN HAND
Peripheral nerve injuries can affect movement and feeling in the arms, legs, hands, feet, and other extremities. These problems occur when the nerves are unable to send signals properly to the muscles or skin. You can think of peripheral nerves like electrical wires that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
In Corey’s case, the injury led to a transected (cut) nerve in the hand. She describes how critical sensation is in the hand for everyday tasks and safety. When sensation is lost, simple activities like cooking, holding hot objects, or using sharp tools can become dangerous and can significantly impact quality of life.
Learn more about peripheral nerves and injuries.
In Corey’s case, the injury led to a transected (cut) nerve in the hand. She describes how critical sensation is in the hand for everyday tasks and safety. When sensation is lost, simple activities like cooking, holding hot objects, or using sharp tools can become dangerous and can significantly impact quality of life.
Learn more about peripheral nerves and injuries.
ABOUT NERVE TRANSECTIONS
Nerve transection injuries occur when a nerve is completely cut or severed—often from deep cuts, accidents with sharp objects, or serious trauma such as car crashes. Because nerves carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, cutting them can cause loss of feeling, loss of movement, or both in the area the nerve supplies. For example, if a nerve in the arm is transected, a person may be unable to move certain fingers or feel touch in part of the hand. People may also experience tingling, burning, or complete numbness.
Unlike minor nerve injuries, a fully cut nerve usually does not heal well on its own and often requires surgery. During surgery, surgeons try to realign and stitch the cut ends of the nerve back together or use a nerve graft from another part of the body to bridge the gap. Even with surgery, recovery takes time because nerves grow back only a few millimeters per day. Physical and occupational therapy are essential to help patients maintain motion, build strength, and relearn how to use the affected area as the nerve heals.
Unlike minor nerve injuries, a fully cut nerve usually does not heal well on its own and often requires surgery. During surgery, surgeons try to realign and stitch the cut ends of the nerve back together or use a nerve graft from another part of the body to bridge the gap. Even with surgery, recovery takes time because nerves grow back only a few millimeters per day. Physical and occupational therapy are essential to help patients maintain motion, build strength, and relearn how to use the affected area as the nerve heals.
TEAM CARE
Corey was able to find specialized peripheral nerve care—but most importantly, she found a team that listened to her, understood her goals, and supported her through each step.
Peripheral nerve care is truly a team effort. Radiologists help diagnose injuries, surgeons repair nerves, and therapists work closely with patients before and after surgery. To learn more about team-based peripheral nerve care, you can watch ourTeam Care – Upper Extremity Loss webinar.
Peripheral nerve care is truly a team effort. Radiologists help diagnose injuries, surgeons repair nerves, and therapists work closely with patients before and after surgery. To learn more about team-based peripheral nerve care, you can watch ourTeam Care – Upper Extremity Loss webinar.
WORKING WITH OTs and PTs
Therapists provide more than just physical rehabilitation. They can be crucial for both physical and emotional support, helping patients adjust, cope, and stay motivated through what can be a long and challenging recovery. Corey emphasizes the powerful, positive impact her therapists had on her healing and overall well-being.
ADVICE TO OTHERS
As Corey describes, peripheral nerve care can be difficult—physically, mentally, and emotionally. She offers thoughtful advice about finding support, advocating for yourself, and building a care team you trust. Peripheral nerve care is not only a medical team effort; patients also need support from family, friends, and their wider community.
Thank you, Corey, for sharing your story and helping others feel less alone on their journey.
Thank you for sharing your story with us Corey! Click here to watch her entire interview!
Thank you for sharing your story with us Corey! Click here to watch her entire interview!