Confused

[midsummer]

I did post to another question but will present my case now.
56 months ago I was exposed long term to toxic fumes.
I developed a lot of problems during this time and shortly afterwards all of which are still ongoing.
During and since the exposure I have felt as if I have been kicked in the rib cage. The discomfort is always there but gets worse if I do a lot of speaking. By the end of the day these muscles ache so much it is difficult to get them to work, breathing feels voluntary instead of involuntary. I also have problems when I lay down and have to sleep more or less sitting up.
The Doctor who I was seen by after the exposure said that incorrect breathing due to the fumes could have tightened my diapragm but the problem has never resolved itself, neither has the strangled and strained voice that came with this problem.
I have surgery pending on an oesphageal problem that has also developed and am worried about having an anaesthetic as this problem has never been investigated and I have had problems with anaesthetics when I was symptom free.
As the diapragm aids breath support and oesphageal pressure I wonder if there is not a connection and what could have gone wrong.

[National Jewish]

Damage to the diaphragm is not likely the cause of your symptoms.  Inhaling toxic fumes can cause damage to the airways, the airsacs, the area in between the airsacs and the blood vessels, or a combination of these.

You should not undergo anesthesia until you see a lung and a diagnosis is made.  You should have a complete evaluation of your lungs by a lung specialist.  This may include pulmonary function tests, chest x-ray and a CT scan.  A bronchoscopy and/or a lung biopsy may be required to make the specific diagnosis.  Lung biopsy is a procedure where a tube called a bronchoscope is passed through your nose into your windpipe to see into your lungs.  With the bronchoscope tiny pieces of lung tissue can be taken for further testing.  This is called a lung biopsy.  It is done to be certain about the diagnosis.  Biopsy provides the specific answer that the CT scan cannot.  When done by a skilled doctor, risks and concerns are infrequent.

[starion]

You need to speak with the surgeon about your prior experiences with anesthesia and your current respiratory condition(s).  It is VERY important for any doctor who is going to perform ANY procedure on a patient to have such information, so the doctor can decide whether to postpone the procedure, do further evaluation, or is able to proceed keeping all the information you provide in mind.

I am sorry ot hear that you have had so much trouble.  I hope your doctors can help figure out what is wrong and how to improve your health.  Best of luck!
Aloha,
Starion