Paralyzed diaphram

I have a paralyzed diaphram due to phrenic nerve damage during open heart surgery. On the x-rays it shows that the right side is up or elevated and the left one which is paralzyed is down near the bottom of my chest. I have shortness of breath  with exertion, bending over also cause it, and sleeping on my back is difficult. The pulmonologist who diagnosed it in the hospital says he thinks rehab will help. My question is how? I have went through cardic rehab and pulmonary would be about the same. Also is there any hope that the phrenic nerve will regenerate and start working or am I stuck with this for life. I am very discouraged

[National Jewish]

The amount of shortness of breath due to a paralyzed diaphragm varies greatly from one person to another.  That is just the way it is.  It is not a matter of will power.  If your diaphragm has been paralyzed for more than a year, the likelihood of it working again is low.

When the phrenic nerve doesn

[aadams]

I was diagnosed with idiopathic diaphragmatic paralysis (Right Side) in April, 2005. A surgical procedure, diaphragmatic plication, was suggested as a partial solution to shortness of breath. However, in some cases, this type of paralysis is known to be self correcting. Therefore, a waiting period of six to nine months was recommended.

After one year, with no improvement, I was admitted to surgery for diaphragmatic plication. Shortness of breath associated with exertion was so problematic that I did not view this procedure as elective surgery. I was in the hospital for two weeks. This was followed by four months of slow but progressive recovery.

Your condition may be self correcting. Only time will tell. But if not, surgical plication may be an option. The outcome will vary from person to person. In my case, I would describe the improvement associated with surgery to be only slightly better than my pre-surgery condition. Nevertheless, I do not regret my decision to have it done.

[wordman1]

A related discussion, diaphragm nerve cut was started.

[peewee34]

A related discussion, paralyazed diapharam was started.