Elevated Right Hemi Diaphragm

[JPTJ]

A pulmonary specialist has recently diagnosed me with an elevated right hemi diaphragm.  I have had the "sniff" test and the pulmonary function test done.  The "sniff" test showed that my diaphragm is moving but is very limited in its movement.  The Pulmonary specialist said it is due to damage to the phrenic nerve.  He said there is a chance my diaphragm could start working at full capacity again but don't count on it and at this point there is nothing we can do to fix the problem.  There is no therapy, no more test or procedures that could help me except for a nerve pacing but that is not recommended.

My lung capacity right now is only at 55%, I am a 42 year old woman who likes to hike, bike, canoe, water ski, just about anything that involves the outdoors and it looks like I have to give all that up now.  I cannot even climb one flight of stairs with out becoming breathless and exhausted.

My question is, how will this effect my life as I get older with my lung function currently at 55% and the normal decline in lung function as you age, will I have to be on oxygen when I get older?  

Is there anything that can be done to help me?

Should I get all my records (chest x-ray, PFT, Sniff Test, Cat Scan) and take them to a Neurologist to get a better understanding?