Heart Surgery and Paralyzed Diaphram

[Jupton]

Just recently had Heart Quad ByPass Surgery. (08-09-09) 53 yrs old non smoker (16 blocks!) I am very thankful to be alive!

After surgery, diaphram paralyzed and not allowing right lung to come down. After reading some older here posts it sounds like it could be nerve damage from the Cold during the heart surgery.

Does this ever correct itself? and what is the danger to right lung not being able to expand to previous size and location?  Is there corrective surgery?

I continue to do my breathing exercizes and using a nebulizer for bronc. tubes.

Anything else I should try?

Thank you,
Grateful to be alive...Jack

[Jupton]

Thank you for the suggestion.

Yes, Dr confirm diaphram nerve stuck. Can see the difference in the pre-surgery scan and the scans preceeding surgery.

Best to you,
Jack

[Victoireh]

You really should be posting this question to on the doctors forum side. As this is something that your cardiologist or pulmonary specialist could answer for you. Did you doctor confirm that your diaphragm was paralized on the right side? and what were his suggestions? Perhaps the only thing you can do for it it to slowly build up over time more muscle strength through exercise, as you get stronger, so will the remaining functioning diaphragm. With the added strength it should be able to somewhat compensate and allow you to breath better. So going for walks would definitely be beneficial. I have an uncle who also nearly died of blocked tubes around the heart. He also has asthma, so this complicates things for him...as these days he doesn't know if his symptoms are due to his heart or his airways. Glad you made it through.