diaphram paralized

My diaphram on the right side is paralized due to phrenic nerve cut, I can breath but not so good, if I sleep differently it will intesify the issue. I cannot do most of exercises as I ran out of breathe pretty easily.

What are my options, and what are the impacts or side effects of each option available?

Thanks,
Sunny

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello Sunny,

You could discuss the "diaphragmatic plication" option with your surgeon. There are no major complications known.

Regards

[sonu78]

Hi,
Since when did you have this problem? How did you manage to cut your phrenic nerve?
Unilateral phrenic nerve palsy does not cause many problems. The management (repair the cut nerve) depends on the nature, level and duration of the injury. The options available are –
1. Exploration and nerve coaption
2. Use of nerve graft to bridge the gap between the two ends
3. Secondary reconstructive procedures.
Consult your surgeon or a plastic surgeon at the earliest.

[Totanaca]

My phrenic nerve was severed during a mini-maze procedure in May 2005 resulting in diaphragm paralysis on the left side (confirmed by a sniff test). My pulmonologist  advised against a plication procedure. At the time apparently there was no way to repair the nerve surgically. I see researching the web that this has been done successfully now.

I really want to restore my breathing so I can exercise to cut my weight down. I live in Xalapa, Mexico, but have Medicare so I could go up to Texas (Houston would be best) for the procedure. My biggest issue now is how to find a qualified surgeon who can fix me and send me on my way.