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

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@suziesunshine69

I had it done at Shands in Gainesville, FL. The doctor's name is Machuca. He is a Cardio Thoracic Surgeon. He is now somewhere in Miami, FL. You want to check out your surgeon and find out how he does the surgery. I had the first surgery robotically with just a few incisions and a chest tube. Also they did a nerve block before the surgery started. Months later I got pneumonia and coughed so hard the sutures broke. Another 6 months later i had the big surgery. They did a incision about 4-5 inches long. It's been over 3 years since I had the surgery.

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Replies to "I had it done at Shands in Gainesville, FL. The doctor's name is Machuca. He is..."

Was the “big” surgery successful and would you do it again?
I am currently being seen at Mayo (Rochester Mn. ) in the Thoracic and Gastro Departments.
My paralyzed diaphragm
Causes more problems with digestion than breathing. I do have shortness of breath but seem to get adequate oxygen. I do deep breathing exercises. My main problem is my stomach has turned and folded over and I can only eat small portions and have to take Colace/Miralax daily to make it all “work”.
I eat a modified gluten free diet and very little dairy.
The left lung has been pushed up to 1/4 capacity by the wandering stomach, pancreas and intestines. Surgeons here feel it would be beneficial to do the “big” surgery to hold things where they belong with the sutured diaphragm. And encourage it be done while I am physically able. I’m 77 and it good health otherwise.
Has anyone had surgery for this at Mayo Rochester??