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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Health Support Group.

alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Apr 26, 2019

In reply to @usmccam "@john @terri @merry @thankful @alamogal635 @teresa @jenniferhunter @thankful Thank you, everyone, for all of your good..." + (show)

@usmccam by golly one inflated lobe beats none! That’s some uplifting news. I know you are still having tons of treatments, but it is wonderful to hear from you. Know you remain in my prayers and I’m sending you tons of prayers hugs and good wishes. Take care and keep on making progress. Mary

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 26, 2019

In reply to @usmccam "@john @terri @merry @thankful @alamogal635 @teresa @jenniferhunter @thankful Thank you, everyone, for all of your good..." + (show)

Good morning @usmccam, Good to read another post! I agree with @alamogal635, one inflated lobe is a step in the right direction.
Sending those hugs, prayers and good thoughts right back at you!
Looking forward to reading those inspirational ideas when you have the energy.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 26, 2019

In reply to @usmccam "@john @terri @merry @thankful @alamogal635 @teresa @jenniferhunter @thankful Thank you, everyone, for all of your good..." + (show)

@usmccam- An early good morning to you. We had a couple of days of spring weather but now we are back to rain and I am so sick of it. All the blooms are bursting open but the poor things need more sun! Damn!
May I ask how they inflated one of your lungs? Why won't that work for your other one? Is it a chest tube?
What other kinds of treatments are they giving you? I hope that your weekend is peaceful and that you have plenty of sunshine.
Oh- Did you ever get to the solarium?
Merry

thankful | @thankful | Apr 26, 2019

In reply to @usmccam "@john @terri @merry @thankful @alamogal635 @teresa @jenniferhunter @thankful Thank you, everyone, for all of your good..." + (show)

@usmccam- We are looking forward to hearing your inspirational ideas after you are more stabilized sir.
I can't help think of our most recent trip back home flying with SW Airlines. It seems like their flight attendants have fun in what they do and although we were not flying over any water on the way home, they decided to have some fun with the mandatory guidance for proper use of inflating the life perserver. I only mention this as I was reading your description of "One lobe inflated, but not the other one". All I could think about the comical routine the attendant did as he was demonstrating the "correct procedure". It's probably one of those "you gotta be there to hear & see it", but hopefully I interjected a little levity into your current situation and provided at least a big smile on your face! God bless you also and have a wonderful weekend! Jim @thankful

SteveFlorida | @steveflorida | May 7, 2019

I have a left paralyzed diaphragm. This condition was not identified right away because I had A-fib
And they thought that was making me short of breath. That has been corrected but I still get winded with most exercise. I am trying to find information about phrenic nerve repair vs
Plication surgery. Thank you
Steve Florida

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | May 7, 2019

In reply to @steveflorida "I have a left paralyzed diaphragm. This condition was not identified right away because I had..." + (show)

@steveflorida Hi Steve. Another member had shared a doctor's name who does graft surgery to repair a phrenic nerve. Here is the website where you can find the information. Here is the website. https://www.advancedreconstruction.com/

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 7, 2019

In reply to @steveflorida "I have a left paralyzed diaphragm. This condition was not identified right away because I had..." + (show)

Hi Steve @steveflorida, welcome to Connect. I found the following information that may be helpful.

Phrenic Nerve Repair
-- https://www.uclahealth.org/plasticsurgery/phrenic-nerve-repair

Plication of the Diaphragm
-- https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/care-centers/general-thoracic-surgery-clinic/procedures/plication

Are you considering one of these treatments?

There is another discussion that might want to read through to meet other members with similar symptoms:

> Groups > Lung Health > Phrenic Nerve damage
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/phoenix-nerve-damage/

bb729 | @bb729 | May 13, 2019

In reply to @merpreb "@usmccam- An early good morning to you. We had a couple of days of spring weather..." + (show)

@usmccam how have you been doing?? It has been a while and I'm hoping things are going the best they can for you.

Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | May 13, 2019

@usmccam, @jenniferhunter, @merpreb, and others. I called the V.A. in Syracuse and tried to locate this brave soldier without success. I was going to send a card and balloons to his room from all of us. @usaccam, if you are able to read this; we miss hearing from you and still hold you in our thoughts. I am sure many prayers going up for you too.

bb729 | @bb729 | May 13, 2019

I love the idea of cards and balloons...Memorial day is coming soon and @usccman absolutely deserves them and more... I'd be willing to kick in and have paypal. Just let me know.

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