Left lung diaphragm paralysys

[Jstacy]

I have need recently diagnosed with shortness of breath due to a Paralyzed left lung diaphragm. I have a history of cervical spondylosis at and foraminal stenisis at c2 c3 c4 c5. I underwent Fusion at c5 c6 in 2000. Could there be any relation to the phrenic nerve as to the spondylosis of thje C spine. The diaphragm was diagniosed using sniff test under fluroscopy.

[National Jewish]

The phrenic nerve makes the diaphragm move so that the lungs can fill with air and empty.  Diaphragmatic paralysis is a condition where this nerve is not working properly and this makes you short of breath.  In many instances the cause is never found.  It can occur on its own.  However the phrenic nerve originates at C4, so there could be a relationship between your foraminal stenosis at C4 and your paralyzed left diaphragm.  An MRI of the cervical nerve roots might provide more information.

[lilloj]

I had a pace maker put in May 28th 2005.  I am 80 years old Have played golf for years and am an active person. I began to have a racing heart occasionally and finally went to the emergency room. I was told by my regular heart Dr. on Friday evening May 27th I could be treated with medication and go home the next morning.  A Dr. I had never been to came in and told me I needed a pace maker and proceeded to put it in.  I have been in pain since then  had a blood clot in my arm  later went back to the emergency room with terrible pain in my neck & shoulder & arm and was told I had pneumonia.  THEN I was sent to a pulmonary Dr. and was told I had a paralyzed diaphragm !!! And NO pneumonia.  Please tell me if this can be reversed.  I am very short of breath and cannot imagine what caused this problem.  Could a nerve been damaged when the pace maker was put in. I live with pain in my whole chest area  Every breath I take feels like my chest is raw in front.  Thank you so much for your help.

[Inanga]

I guess some of your diaphragm is working so could you strengthen the working part to make it more effective? I know athletes strengthen their diaphragms by breathing through a device that provides resistance to the airflow. this makes them better at sucking in lots of air when sprinting etc. Basical it's resistance training the diaphragm muscle. I have done the same thing as part of treatment for hyperventialtion syndrome and it's helped me. Maybe it's worth a go? Even breathing exercises without the device might help for a start.