Paralysed Diaphragm

[TyTy]

After open heart surgery 6 weeks ago I've now been diagnosed with a paralysed diaphragm which seems to have been caused by the surgery and may or may not be permanant. I'm just wondering if any else has ever had or has this. I just started using the bipap machine and can now at least lay flat and get some sleep. Would be interested in knowing about other experiences.. Thanks,

[roster]

So how bad is the paralysis? Since you are on a bipap and not a ventilator, I assume your diaphragm is only partially paralyzed.

For what was the bipap prescribed? Normally they are used to splint the airway open in patients with sleep apnea.

If you need any help using the BIPAP, please register and list your equipment in text no images.

Good luck to you,

[zebrajeb]

Do you have sleep apnea? Where you using a CPAP before the surgery?

I have a paralyzed diaphragm on the right side only. Had it about 9 years before being diagnosed with sleep apnea. Now use an Auto PAP. Getting a paralyzed diaphragm from surgery is not uncommon. Only time will tell if it is permanent or temporary. In my case no cause was determined (I didn't have surgery) and it has stayed paralyzed.

John

[Guest]

I posted on several sites and have been searching ,trying to reach as many people as I can to let them know that for some there may be help. Please read. I had a paralyzed diaphragm for 6 years.

Ross Ford
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More options Mar 10, 1:57 pm
This is my first update in awhile so I hope it offers enough for those
sitting on the fence post some encouragement and those new to this
site a ray of hope! I’ll do a quick review so it is not necessary or
go back and read all the different replies and questions.
Back in 2005 I had a subclavian bypass to correct a blood flow issue
to my right arm. During this procedure my phrenic nerve was severed
leaving me with a paralyzed diaphragm. After reading sights like this
and seeing how many people had written looking for help I stumbled
across Dr Matthew Kaufman. I called with some skepticism, but felt,
due to the complications I had developed over the 5 years since that
fateful day, that maybe it was time to take a leap of faith.
February of 2010 I flew from Michigan to New Jersey to meet with Dr
Kaufman. This came about after Dr Kaufman himself called me to discuss
a meeting. This of course was after reviewing my medical records.
After a meeting in his office he sent me for nerve testing to see if
the procedure was indeed viable. I met with Dr Cole of the Kessler
Institute for Rehabilitation.
Dr Cole felt that my nerve had not died off completely and was going
to send a favorable report to Dr Kaufman. 30 Days later on March 5th
2010 I had the nerve transplant performed at St Peters University
Hospital. Now the rest of the story begins.
I’m not going to go into all the details again but come up to speed. 5
weeks ago I had some spasms in my diaphragm. This was the 1st real
sign of my diaphragm responding to the transplant. I knew when I had
the surgery that it was a waiting game. 10-14 months were the estimate
for the nerve to grow back. I was getting shocks at both ends of the
surgery. Small electrical shocks. I had had some early in the recovery
because that is what happens when the nerve starts to “wake up again”
At this point I joined a gym and started to push myself. I wanted to
find out if this was everything I have waited patiently for. To jump
back in time I had digressed to the point of 50 ft and I was all done!
Out of breath! Winded!
Its been 5 weeks now and I have lost 20 lbs. and have completed four
5k’s to date on the tread mill and will be running in my 1st real 5k
April 2nd in Sacramento CA. My goal is to be 35-38 minutes. Now this
will not get me an invite to the Olympics but I would hope it would
offer encouragement to
those who have felt that there is no hope! I encourage anyone that
reads this to take that 1st step and find out if you can be helped. My
quality of life, though not what it was before my misfortune, is so
much better that it was!
Now for the last and most exciting news! I went to the hospital today
and had a sniff test. I was able to see my Diaphragm move! Yes move!
The 1st thing out of the Dr’s mouth after convincing him I need to
have this procedure was “Damn! It moved” The Dr that did the sniff
test had pronounced my diaphragm dead in July of 2007. The 1st words
out of his mouth were. Why are we doing this test again? A paralyzed
diaphragm doesn’t get better! It was the 1st time in his career or for
that fact the radiology staff had seen this happen. Now I must clarify
my diaphragm did not have the movement of my left one so I’m not out
of the woods yet but considering it lay dormant for 6 years I’m
excited about movement of any type. Will it continue to improve? I
don’t know but I want to believe it will! Since this is new territory
for me and the severity of my condition when I found Dr Kaufman I
can’t say he’ll know either. I also had a Pulmonary Function test
today. Mixed results but some improvement in all areas. My blood
oxygen is also 100%. That was big! Also the reason I’ve tossed my c-
pap
If this has intrigued anyone, PLEASE do not hesitate to write me. I
hope I can update this again in the near future with more good news!
Ross

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