Hi Dee, Finally getting around to answering you. I originally thought my diaphragm problem started because of my heart valve surgery. It started just a year after the surgery and my heart surgeon and two pulmonologists all agree that if any damage to the phrenic done during surgery would have shown up right away. I have been thinking about maybe scar tissue that might have grown up around the nerve. I had three drain tubes in my chest that were pulled out several days after the surgery. I really get short of breath when I'm swimming. Which I use to do a lot of and still try. I recently inquired at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale AZ about an electromyography test on the phrenic nerve. I was turned down because of Medicare Advantage Plan that I am on. I'm guessing if I want it done it will be out of pocket. I still use a spirometer a couple times a week just to make sure I'm not losing any lung volume. Other than the swimming I'm doing pretty good. When I remember I also do breathing exercises. Take care, John