Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis please help

[herbie76]

I was diagnosed with Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in Jan this year (2008) Iv been told by my specialist that it may or may not improve but most likely will improve but could take up to 2 years or more to get back to any normality I have to use a vpap machine to sleep as when I sit or lay back any further than about 45degs my lungs slow untill I cant get any air in or out Im 32 male the condidion seemed to just come on over about a week my diaphragm just slowed untill it just stoped working I had no injury no flu etc before this started is there anything I can do i.e an opperation or medications that may help its been almost 12 months I had to go onto a pention as I can no longer work as even day to day activities can leave me breathless any info would be a huge help thanks.  

[National Jewish Health]

This is a startling occurrence.  It has been known to occur following herpes zoster infection and with other causes of brachial neuritis.  The most important action is for your doctors to search intensively for the cause of your paralysis, with the realization that, despite vigorous attempts, the cause often remains unknown.  This must be very frustrating for you but I would urge you to be patient, for spontaneous recovery does sometimes occur.

You should ask your doctors where is the site of diaphragmatic nerve impulse blockage?  With that information, it can be determined if electrical phrenic nerve diaphragmatic pacing, might be an option.  Another consideration of proven benefit is a surgical procedure called plication of the diaphragm and if plication of one hemi-diaphragm would result in significant improvement of your breathing.  Finally, you should ask them where the most expert opinion can be obtained and for you to request a second opinion from those doctors.

Good luck.

[schocolate]

A related discussion, Diaphragmatic paralysis was started.