Paralyzed Diaphragm

Nancy, there is a procedure called EMG, electromyology to check the phrenic nerve. I think they kind of stimulate the nerve some how to see if the diaphragm starts working. I'm not sure the Mayo Clinic does this. Banner Medical in Phoenix does and I almost went there but then there was some screw up with my medical insurance and billing. There is also a physical therapy procedure called Facial release. Has something to do with this tissue in our bodies that holds everything in place. Is there some type of physical activity you could start doing to help with lung capacity? From what I've read about plication it would not be for me. You have a good one, John

@giller198 Hi John, The fact I'm so indecisive about having this surgery means to me it isn't right right now. I'm usually pretty decisive. The first question I asked the thoracic surgeon was "Is this life-threatening?" He said "no" people manage to live with it and make life-style adjustments when needed...or something like that. I'm working on building up my stamina and lung strength. I'll let you know in a few weeks if anything changes. Thanks very much for your support. It sounds as though you have learned how to adjust and live well with this condition, which encourages me I will be able to do the same if I work on those two issues. I do think I'll visit a gastroenterologist (spelling?) to see if there might be problems with my out-of-place stomach down the road if I don't do the plication procedure. Happy spring. Nancy

Nancy, I mentioned about getting a Spirometer. If you are going to try and increase your lung capacity I would get the Spirometer that way you would have a bench mark to go on. Has your doctor mentioned a pulmonary function test? Take care, yes spring is on the way, yahoo!!!

@giller198 Hi John, Yes, I have a spirometer and need to get it out. I had a pulmonary function test that said my lungs were working within normal parameters and a sniff test that said my phrenic nerve was not functioning. I didn't have that other test you mentioned to see if the phrenic nerve was working, but based on the sniff test I'm pretty sure it isn't. One of the people on Mayo Connect, maybe Jennifer Hunt, said something about massaging the fascia that peaked my interest. I did some research on that and found that one of the country's fascia experts is associated with the medical center I'm going to. I sent him an email this morning to see if he thought massaging my fascia would help with a paralyzed diaphragm. I'll let you know what he says. I bought some flower seeds today and am looking forward to planting them! Thanks for checking in. I hope you are still doing well. Nancy

Please let me know about the fascia information. We have a physical therapy group at the hospital here and maybe I can forward the info to them. I'm doing fine, how about you?, John. Spring has sprung here, saw 76 on my thermometer today.

Just wondering if this group is still active. I was in the hospital in December, diagnosed with collapsed lung, pneumonia and paralyzed diaphragm. It has been frustrating since today I feel worse then I did when I went into the hospital almost 4 months ago and the doctors in Virginia seem puzzled. I had a sniff test in December that said it appeared the diaphragm was paralized but a sniff test in January and again a few weeks ago note that it appears there is slight movement but they don't seem to know what to do now. Of course, all the pulmonary doctors are worn out from COVID so it's not surprising that my issues aren't at the top of the list. I've been reading these posts and seems like there are some things I might do that could help.

@nanacarm Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

I'm sorry to hear that you were hospitalized.

Since you did receive a response here, have you looked at other discussions in this group to search for information and connection?

Hello, I am Charlie and I was just diagnosed with a left paralyzed left diaphragm. I had a lung function test and it shows that I have 65% normal lung function. I also have a back issue that I have had for over 30 years and it makes my life miserable. I finally decided to get a spinal stimulator. It was during this time that I became short of breath and my family doctor detected I had no breath noises on my left side. She sent me for the lung function test. After that I was sent to a Pulmonologist, I was then sent for a Sniff test and a CT scan. The sniff test showed a paralyzed diaphragm and the CT scan showed a collapsed lower lobe. I am now at the point of not knowing what to do next. The Pulmonologist said that the only option would be a diaphragm plication. It was also mentioned that the surgery is not done in my city.
I am scheduled for my spinal stimulator surgery in a few weeks adding this to the mix is a bit overwhelming

@charlier Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

It certainly makes sense that you feel overwhelmed. Members like @jenniferhunter @nla4625 @bigbdk @fracturedd @auvil2020 @giller198 @nanacarm have discussed this topic and may be able to offer information and support.

May I ask if you have access to a larger city where there is a hospital system that performs the surgery that has been suggested?

@charlier I'm really sorry you're facing two major medical issues at once and am glad you reached out on MayoConnect for support. I know I can only deal with one medical crisis at a time; and unless my lung problem was life threatening, I'd do whatever I could to rid myself of pain before I tackled it. However, only you with the advice of your doctors and family can decide what's best for you. I'm probably showing my ignorance here on how the lungs actually work; but a question I would ask the pulmonologist is what is causing my lung to work at only 65% efficiency and what can be done about that. That is the most important lung issue I'd be concerned about. Is it being caused by the collapsed lower lobe of my lung...and can that be reversed? Is it being caused by the paralyzed left diaphragm, which plication surgery might help with. Or is it a combination of both. Would plication surgery have any impact on the collapsed lower lobe issue? What improvement in lung function could you expect if you had plication surgery?

I have a paralyzed left diaphragm but my lungs are operating within normal parameters. The thoracic surgeon who would do my plication surgery said my breathing wouldn't be restored to 100%. My condition isn't life-threatening; I pace myself; and I'm doing breathing exercises and building up my stamina to avoid having plication therapy.

When you're ready, I encourage you to read through the posts on this thread about paralyzed diaphragms, as well as other lung issues like what a collapsed lower lung lobe is, how it affects you, and what can be done about it. I've really learned a lot that has helped me in my decision-making process and hope you will too. Good luck...and please keep us posted. Nancy