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Elevated diaphragm causing COPD type symptoms
I recently had a upper esophageal barium test as my Dr. thought from chest X-rays it looked like my diaphragm was compressing my left lung. The photos from the barium test did show a highly elevated diaphragm. My Dr. is discussing with a surgeon about the possibility of surgically lowering it. The only possibility that I can think of that might of caused this problem, would be related to a auto accident 20 odd years ago. Has anyone else on Connect possibly been diagnosed with similar?
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I have a paralyzed right diaphragm which is actually working against my right lung with every breath. As a result, the right lung is larger than the left and extends much higher and n my chest. So far it s idiopathic with no treatment available except for O2. I have O2 concentrator at home and a portable one for travel.
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1 ReactionHi Notakaren,
Sorry for the late response.
At that time , I suffered shortness of breath after playing just just 5 minutes of tennis. So I went to see my doctor, he ran various tests then sent me to a lung doctor and a heart doctor. My problem continued for 3 months then they scheduled me for a lung & heart tests within 1 week. Like a miracle, after the tests I was able to play tennis almost as well as before. I talked to my doctors about it, they were surprised too but they suspected that my problem was "Flat lung sac -- Atelectasis", in which comple or partial collapse of a lung or a section (lobe) of a lung.
That's why the airs couldn't travel well throughout my lung.
And usually the doctors order the Cough Assist (CA) treatment. It would recruit lung volumes, treat and prevent atelectasis, improve cough effectiveness, increase mechanical compliance, optimize thoracic range of motion and increase lung volume.
The 2 breathing tests (1 for lung & 1 for heart) forced the airs through tiny fat lung sac, expanded the collapsed ones and helped them to return to the normal size. That's how I could breath normally after the tests.
May be you should ask your doctor to order similar breathing tests, they may alleviate your breathing problem.
Best wishes to you
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1 Reaction78 yo male. Dx Bronchiectasis at age 20 (1966)COPD. Dx bi lat diaphragm paralysis about 10 years ago. Sniff test. Net result I am left with both Obstructive and Restrictive lung disease. Last lung capacity test about 2 years ago measured me at 22% of expected ( age expected). Probably a bit south of that now. 250 mg Azithro. nightly to fight infection/pneumonia . Oxycodone low dose to deal with SOB from Paralysis. Docs think diaphragm problems related to FSH. Late life dx of FSHD Muscular Dystrophy. 20 years ago.Be careful bending . Over too far can result in compression and SOB to complete shutting down of air. Scary. Pulmonary doc suggested BIPAP about 5 years ago and used with great success. 4 months ago she recommended NIV , non invasive ventilation. Began that with good success and has carried through. Live in Massachusetts, treat at MGH and the Brigham. Notice above comment regarding Covid after effects. Last 3 shots left me with some discomfort , increased muscle pain and extreme fatigue over and above baseline. Maybe 2- 4 weeks duration.
My vent is a Swedish brand , described by my respiratory therapist as the Ferrari of vents. That's ok with me. Vivo by Breas. Resp. Therapy company switched after the world wide recall. Beside nighttime use I use vent during day while napping or reading . Mask interface same as Bipap . Resmed F20. Reasoning for vent : improve amount of air into lungs . Good luck.