mr jackos

[jackos]

i have been diagnosed with a frozen diaphragm which has pushed up into my right hand lung about 50% i also have copd and plueral plaques i am very short of breath i wondered if there was a cure for a frozen diaphragm some mentioned a pace maker

[Sunny602]

What you describe is unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis/weakness where one side of the diaphragm does not function. When you breathe, your diaphragm is supposed to drop downwards, that does not happen with paralysis/weakness of the affected side. Instead, it moves upwards with each breath which can make a person feel very out of breath, especially those with existing lung disease such as yourself. One thing that can be done is what is called plication where a surgeon tacks down the affected side so that it remains down instead of moving upwards with each breath. This frees up space and can relieve that shortness of breath. I would talk to your doctor about options regarding the treatment of your diaphragm. Pace makers have been used in the treatment of bilateral diaphragmatic issues (but I bet it has been done with one sided problems, I just can't find the articles). One famous recipient was Christopher Reeves, he had one implanted after he was paralyzed and was able to come off of the ventilator for short periods of time. His phrenic nerve was intact as was his diaphragm, so he was an ideal candidate for this. I hope that you get relief soon...I understand how you feel as I have bilateral diaphragmatic weakness (severe) due to muscle disease and require a ventilator to breathe. I am a severe example of this problem though because both sides are affected. Sunny

[jackos]

thans very much for the information you gave me i will discuss this with my consultant