fergee

[fergee]

Thanks for information you have already given me. My Friend with the Paralyzed Diaphragm wants to know what the success rate is for people who have had a pace maker put in to help them.
If the success is good, he may consider having the pace maker put in if he gets worst.
Thanks

[Sunny602]

Actually, my docs considered a pacemaker with me, but because my diaphragm has failed due to muscular issues, they decided against it. Why is your friend's diaphragm paralyzed? I am by no means an expert with pacemakers and the diaphragm..I do know that they are used with varying success in those who acquired a paralyzed diaphragm due to a spinal cord injury. In those cases, their muscle is intact, so is the nerve but the signals to breathe just don;t get communicated due to the spinal injury.
If his paralysis is one sided, then there is a surgery called plication that might help also. The doc essentially tacks down the affected side so that it doesn't move upwards into the chest cavity as he breathes. This usually results in less shortness of breath and better air movement into the lungs.
I wish I could help more...Sunny