← Return to Phrenic Nerve damage and paralyzed diaphragm: Anyone else have this?

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@kcbarker

9 weeks ago I had 1/3 of my top right lung removed because of a spot on my lung. After surgery I was having a lot of trouble breathing. The doctor did a sniff test and found that my right diaphragm was not functioning. The doctor would do nothing and said I would have to wait 6 months and see if the diaphragm would start working on it’s own. Well I’m really struggling with this. Medicare won’t pay for me to have oxygen because my oxygen level has to be under 89% before they will give me a tank. I’m trying to do all the things that will supposedly help me but I still struggle for breath. Any suggestions on how I can help my situation?

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Replies to "9 weeks ago I had 1/3 of my top right lung removed because of a spot..."

Theres another person here with that issue but I can’t remember her handle. I would put “sniff” in the search bar

I have a friend who uses a portable oxygen concentrator to increase oxygen. It uses the air in the room, removes hydrogen, and provides concentrated oxygen to breathe.

She has a different reason for using it, and right now is only using it while on an elliptical exercise machine. Not sure if Medicare will pay for it, but it’s probably less expensive for them to pay for. Her husband is a retired general surgeon and would not have her using it if it didn’t work.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25183-oxygen-concentrators

I really recommend you join the facebook page for people with paralyzed diaphragms. Fortunately I don't need supplemental oxygen with my left paralyzed diaphragm, but many of the people in that group do. They would share their tips on how they cope with breathing and dealing with Medicare and the insurance companies to get the oxygen supplies they desperately need. Most doctors don't know much about this rare condition, and I've learned so much about it and gotten amazing support from people there. Best wishes!