paralyzed diaphragm

11 years ago, my father had an aortic dissection. During the repair, his phrenic nerve was nicked causing diaphragmic paralysis on one side. He used to be such a go-getter ... always very active, loved to fish, do physical labor ... now his quality of life is really poor, because he has a hard time breathing. Would someone like this be a candidate for this surgery? What are the risks, what is the recovery time, and how successful are people in getting insurance to help with the costs? I would love to see my dad's quality of life restored to him. He is 69 years old. Thank you.

Has anyone had a diaphragm plication? I have an elevated diaphragm and am short of breath when I do any physical activity. I have seen specialists and they recommend possible surgery, but since the sniff test showed that the nerve is still working; they feel I need to wait to see if it will come back on it's own (been 6 months since I began to notice). If the diaphragm is stretched thin, I'm wondering if it will be able to come back. I also wonder how well the surgery works.  The one specialist seems to think something else is the cause of the shortness of breath since he says the symptoms I describe seem to be worse than patients where he has removed the bottom third of their lung.

Hello Angela. I to have a paralyzed diaphragm after the phrenic nerve was severed during heart surgery in March 2014. I have been told that this cannot be repaired. I suffer from most of your symptoms but I am breathless all the time. I've looked up chances of repair and the only place I can find is in the U.S.A. Could you let me know if you found anything in the U.K. ?

Hi Kim - my symptoms are similar to yours, but I can lay down ok - just feel out of breath for a short time when I first lay down. It took them quite a while to figure out my problem - they started with an endo cardiogram thinking it was my heart. I have seen 2 pulmonary surgeons; the one recommended a plication and the other wanted to wait a little while first so at his request I am seeing another pulmonologist in Philly at the end of the month. My 1st pulmonologist (who also happens to be my primary) wasn't much help. The 2nd surgeon also wants me to see a neurologist to see if they could check how the phrenic nerve is working, but couldn't get apt until mid Feb. I'm tired of putting up with it, but they say that sometimes these things can correct themselves. That's probably why he wants you to come back in a month. I'm not sure how because my CT showed my liver pushing about half was into my right lung with my diaphragm on top of it. It would seem to me that if the muscle is stretched out that much it is kind of shot. It seems the more people you consult, the more confusing it gets, but hopefully it will help with a better decision. My sniff test (did you have one of these) shows that the nerve is working somewhat. If it comes down to getting surgery to plicate the muscle, make sure you find someone who has done the surgery and there is one way that is less invasive (the 1st surgeon will do it with the aid of a robot) than how they previously operated.

My sister had a double mastectomy a year ago last April 30th and during the surgery her phrenic nerve was damaged, which has caused paralysis of her diaphragm on one side. Would you please send me information on what she needs to do to get help. Thank you so much!

Do you have contact information for Dr. Kaufman or Dr, Ross?

I too have been diagnosed with a frozen diaphragm. I am in Austin now seeing a pulminary doctor. I was diagnosed in Carlsbad with sleep apnea. But when I lay on my sides, I breathe better. I lay on my back and I am gasping for air. So glad I know what the problem is and maybe I can work on it so as to live fairly comfortaable the rest of my life. I am thinking about going to a chiropractor. This was mentioned in literature on this subject. Hope to find out more. The doctor in Carlsbad NM think I am a hyprchonriact. The doctors here take tests and send you to other doctors to get tests until they found the problem. I have always liked to dance and especeally jitterbug. I was getting to where I could not dance even a half a dance without having to quit and go back to table gasping for breathe. I want to do something for my condition.Hope to find out what could help.
Thanks,
EBarnes
Carlsbad, New Mexico

I was diagnosed with paralysis of the right hemidiaphragm 17 months ago.  I get bronchitis very easily now which makes things worse.  Does anyone else have brochnits issues?

I was diagnosed last December with a paralyzed diaphragm (or Parsonage-Turner syndrome) supposedly due to a flu shot. After many tests and doctors, a sniff test was given and my left diaphragm was not moving. It's been more than a year and I have been to see a physical therapist who has been doing different exercises and facial release techniques. I also have been seeing a massage therapist for more facial therapy ( a formal way to say they push and pull at my ribs and skin until I feel bruised). I do have to say I believe I may be approx. 30-40% better than a year ago, but still cannot lay on my back or right side without gasping for air. I hope and pray this will go away and so I can go back to a normal life style. I was very active golfing, tennis, bike riding, working out at the gym. None of which I am able to do in the past year. I am winded just walking up a flight of stairs. In short, I did not get a flu shot this year and do not promote them for anyone. We have gotten along without them in the past, and believe with a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet and keeping clean you can avoid getting the flu. It hasn't been worth the stress I've been through the past year. I would like to chat with anyone else who has suggestions or who has been through this and feels better. I'd like to know my chances of a full recovery.

Hi Ross. I have not been diagnosed with this anomaly, however, I am sure I have it as the last x rays show a slight paralysis on the right side of my lung. I am not sure how long I have had it, however, I would also like information on who treated you for this problem. Thanks much. Larry

Hi There I know what you are going through. The condition you may have is called Neuropathic Amyotrophy or NA.one of its complications is damage to the pherenic nerve. The Parsonage - Turner syndrome you mention is a condition that primarily effects the Brachial Plexus where you get pain in the arm and neck. I would be interested to know if you what your symptoms were for them to tell you about Parsonage - Turner? I have a long history of PTS but my last attack paralysed both sides of my diaphragm this was in Nov 13. I now have an great team looking into my case but for my breathing is my biggest problem. Are you in the UK also? regards Charlie

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A year ago March 27 2013 I had the same think happen to me.I felt the same way.It makes if hard to use my CPAP Machine.I too can't sleep on my back.The Drs here are not doing nothing for me so i'm going to find all i can about the diaphram not working right.I'm 77 yrs and have COPD too,which makes things worse

Do YOU mean Dr. Matthew Kaufman??? i think you have the names confused? Matthew or Michael??

Did you mean Dr. Matthew Kaufman?? You mentioned Michael above? Please advise and phone number if you have it?

Hi Vivienne,

I had surgery 8 weeks ago and as a complication to surgery I have a phrenic nerve damage. I can't breath when I lay down and I am tired all the time. The surgeon says he has no solution to my problem. My family Doctor isn't calling me back this is so awfull.