1. < Lung Health

Paralyzed Diaphragm

Posted by giller198 @giller198, Jul 3, 2018

My name is John and I was diagnosed this past January with a paralyzed right diaphragm. Phrenic nerve damage has been ruled out because of the amount of time between my heart valve surgery and when this started. I still cannot figure how this happened, I have a couple of ideas but nothing conclusive. I have seen two pulmonary doctors and both say there is a surgical procedure that can be done but no guarantee that it will work. I would like to know if anyone out there has been diagnosed with a paralyzed diaphragm and if they had it fixed.

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Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Mar 31, 2019

@usmccam Good morning! How are you doing today? It is a beautiful day here in the south. Not sure what I will do with it it just yet. I went for an 8 mile bicycle ride yesterday and it was a bit much. I need to remember not to over-do it next time. I guess that I am so happy to do it again because there was a time that I couldn't even walk 20 ft without sitting down to catch my breath. I am sharing this because I don't want you to give up hope. Do you live near S.C. by any chance?

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Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Mar 31, 2019

@usmccam Hi. Just want to tell you that I may write some mundane things, and you may not feel well enough to reply. I will understand if you don't post back. That takes energy and you may need to conserve that in order to get better. I want you to know that you are thought of and cared about. I hope the hospital staff is treating you kindly and taking good care of you.

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Mar 31, 2019
In reply to @usmccam "@Terri,@Merry,@teresa My causation for Bronchiectasis is Agent Orange-related according to VA testing results for 30 plus..." + (show)
@usmccam

@terri,@merry,@teresa My causation for Bronchiectasis is Agent Orange-related according to VA testing results for 30 plus years. My left lower lobe was removed in 1975 for Bronchiectasis after being shot in Vietnam in 1969. My right lower lobe was removed in 1980 due to Bronchiectasis. My right middle lobe was removed in 2014 for lung cancer. My left upper and right upper lobes have advanced Bronchiectasis. with chronic Atelectasis which is where I am currently. I have consulted Hospice care but have not activated them yet. The Hill-Rom therapies are allowing me to breathe while in bed and motionless. The key here is that as long as my pulse remains under 72, I am okay but any higher than that I have much difficulty as I cannot breathe fast enough to catch my pulse rate and then my syncope kicks in causing unconsciousness due to lack of oxygen. As long as I remain in bed motionless I am okay. I am a Marine and will continue to fight this battle for air. My doctors have explained my prognosis which is bleak. Unfortunately, I have no family, so am on my own basically. I am going to request a transplant and see if it is possible at my age (70). Until that happens, I will continue to fight to breathe and make the most of my situation. Thank you for your encouragement and good wishes.

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@usmccam, I was tagged to this conversation because of my liver/kidney transplant. Your doctor will be the one who is qualified to talk to you about transplant possibilities. It is a very complex and intricate process.

I thank you and I honor you for your service to this beautiful country. Last year, while in Mesa Verde National Park, I was on my hands and knees to photograph this little flower that I spotted blooming in the vast desert environment. I marveled at its beauty, and i was humbled by its strength and determination to survive against all odds. I share it with you because it reminds me of your own strength in the midst of your current struggle against so many obstacles. I want it to brighten your day.
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3 replies
All_in_1963 | @burrkay | Mar 31, 2019
In reply to @rosemarya "@usmccam, I was tagged to this conversation because of my liver/kidney transplant. Your doctor will be..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@usmccam, I was tagged to this conversation because of my liver/kidney transplant. Your doctor will be the one who is qualified to talk to you about transplant possibilities. It is a very complex and intricate process.

I thank you and I honor you for your service to this beautiful country. Last year, while in Mesa Verde National Park, I was on my hands and knees to photograph this little flower that I spotted blooming in the vast desert environment. I marveled at its beauty, and i was humbled by its strength and determination to survive against all odds. I share it with you because it reminds me of your own strength in the midst of your current struggle against so many obstacles. I want it to brighten your day.

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@rosemarya thank you for sharing and for your words of encouragement for our warrior! Very thought provoking...keep praying for him!

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Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @rosemarya "@usmccam, I was tagged to this conversation because of my liver/kidney transplant. Your doctor will be..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@usmccam, I was tagged to this conversation because of my liver/kidney transplant. Your doctor will be the one who is qualified to talk to you about transplant possibilities. It is a very complex and intricate process.

I thank you and I honor you for your service to this beautiful country. Last year, while in Mesa Verde National Park, I was on my hands and knees to photograph this little flower that I spotted blooming in the vast desert environment. I marveled at its beauty, and i was humbled by its strength and determination to survive against all odds. I share it with you because it reminds me of your own strength in the midst of your current struggle against so many obstacles. I want it to brighten your day.

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@rosemarya Hi Rosemary. Thank you for posting this powerful photo. It brought tears to my eyes. (or maybe it was your kinds words).

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Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Apr 1, 2019

@usmccam, Good morning. Was thinking of you and hoping you are holding steady. I teach a painting class on Mondays for beginners. It has been very rewarding to introduce the world of art to 'newbies'. Today is overcast and chilly, so I won't feel too guilty not being outside seizing the day. It is a great day to be inside being creative. Today, we are working on a farmhouse scene done in an impressionist style. We are using a gell medium to give the paint extra texture. I will post a photo of it to you when we are done. I hope you are finding good things to watch on tv, and that the nurses have a good sense of humor. I have to go now, but will check back in later. Thank you for hitting the Like (heart) icon. It lets me know that you are getting my messages. Bye, for now.

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usmccam | @usmccam | Apr 1, 2019

@jenniferhunter, @terri, Rosemary, @alamogal635, @All_in_1963, @teresa

I find it easier if I respond to everybody all at one time rather than do a bunch of individual messages. Thank you all for your kind words and support during this difficult time. I am in Upstate New York presently and am from South Philadelphia, PA originally.

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1 reply
usmccam | @usmccam | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @usmccam "@jenniferhunter, @terri, Rosemary, @alamogal635, @All_in_1963, @Teresa I find it easier if I respond to everybody all..." + (show)
@usmccam

@jenniferhunter, @terri, Rosemary, @alamogal635, @All_in_1963, @teresa

I find it easier if I respond to everybody all at one time rather than do a bunch of individual messages. Thank you all for your kind words and support during this difficult time. I am in Upstate New York presently and am from South Philadelphia, PA originally.

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@jenniferhunter, @terri, @rosemary, @alamogal635, @burrkay, @teresa
. Thank you, everyone, for all of your kindness and well wishes. It means a lot. I am also an amputee from Vietnam and the VA has me doing military graphics for veteran amputees in the prosthetic department. I can do my graphics while being in bed on my laptop and tablet, so at least I can still do that. I have done over 60 so far and have orders coming in all the time. I will post some of my examples which are presently imprinted on different prosthetic arms, legs, and a hand, too. I hope you enjoy them.. Treatment and therapy time, so will close for now and wish all of you a Blessed evening and a healthy week ahead.
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6 replies
usmccam | @usmccam | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @rosemarya "@usmccam, I was tagged to this conversation because of my liver/kidney transplant. Your doctor will be..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@usmccam, I was tagged to this conversation because of my liver/kidney transplant. Your doctor will be the one who is qualified to talk to you about transplant possibilities. It is a very complex and intricate process.

I thank you and I honor you for your service to this beautiful country. Last year, while in Mesa Verde National Park, I was on my hands and knees to photograph this little flower that I spotted blooming in the vast desert environment. I marveled at its beauty, and i was humbled by its strength and determination to survive against all odds. I share it with you because it reminds me of your own strength in the midst of your current struggle against so many obstacles. I want it to brighten your day.

Jump to this post

I do not know what is lovelier, your photo or your words? In any event, thank you for both.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @usmccam "@jenniferhunter, @terri, @Rosemary, @alamogal635, @burrkay, @Teresa . Thank you, everyone, for all of your kindness and..." + (show)
@usmccam

@jenniferhunter, @terri, @rosemary, @alamogal635, @burrkay, @teresa
. Thank you, everyone, for all of your kindness and well wishes. It means a lot. I am also an amputee from Vietnam and the VA has me doing military graphics for veteran amputees in the prosthetic department. I can do my graphics while being in bed on my laptop and tablet, so at least I can still do that. I have done over 60 so far and have orders coming in all the time. I will post some of my examples which are presently imprinted on different prosthetic arms, legs, and a hand, too. I hope you enjoy them.. Treatment and therapy time, so will close for now and wish all of you a Blessed evening and a healthy week ahead.

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@usmccam - Good morning. Those were tough years. My university cancelled finals which saved my butt. My class saw off many friends, welcomed some home and grieved for others. Your graphics are beautiful and capture so much. Are any of your navy buddies around? I live in southern New England and spring is having a tough time springing. It was 22 degrees this AM. burrr. But at least the snow has gone.
Off to have some breakfast. I hope that your day is bright and cheery.

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