paralyzed diaphram

[Jean Lizzy]

I posted a question on April 7 or 10th , not sure which date. I have a paralyzed diaphram with very unusual symptoms.I never got a response, so not sure if ou received my message. I was diagnosed with a paralyzed a number of years ago. I am now 78 years old and having more severe symptoms. As I fall to sleep I have a terrible spasm in my chest, sometimes it radiates from my midrift to the top of my head. I also go blind for a moment. This happens each and every time I am falling to sleep. I can't believe that I am the only person with these symptoms, but the only one that I have heard of. I have problems sitting down in the afternoon or early evening as I will fall asleep and the episodes start. My doctor (neurologist) put me on Klopin 1 mg to be taken at night. It does help at night, but not with the problems during the day or evening. Other than this problem I am in good health. I am very fatigued, but take one day at a time and handle it the best way I can. I would apprecaite any help you could give and hoping you have heard of this. Thank you .

[National Jewish]

Fatigue is common with your paralyzed diaphragm.  However your other symptoms are unusual for diaphragm paralysis only.  The temporary blindness is the most troubling.  I would suggest talking with your neurologist about this.  He might choose to do some more tests to look at your brain and blood vessels leading to the brain.  I would suggest your doctors consider checking your oxygen level both sitting and supine and sleeping.  Your oxygen level may fall when you lie down or during sleep.  Because you fall asleep so easily, I would consider a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea or low oxygen at night.  In some cases using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, like the ones used for sleep apnea, may be of assistance at night to make sure you are getting enough air into your lungs and thus oxygen into your blood.

[Jean Lizzy]

Thanks for your reply. I have had my carotid arteries checked twice, it was fine. Have had a heart cath twice and all was well.Sleep study said no apnea. Think all of the doctors are baffled.I have told my neurologist all of my symptoms. All I know is that it is getting much worse. Happens each and every time I start to fall asleep and that seems about each time that I have a chance to sit down to rest. I had cancer of the soft pallet in my early 40's and it left a small hole,in the roof of my mouth. When they tried to use the machine to force air it came out of the hole and almost choked me. The person that was trying to see if I could use it said it would not work on me. Seems I am at the end of my rope with no relief. Not one to give up nor feel sorry for myself, but have to say it is very hard to take day in and day out.
Thanks for your input. Hopefully someone can figure out my problem, but where to go I do not know.

[jefnero]

Isn't a paralyzed diaphragm a symptom of vagus nerve neuralgia? Has your neurologist suggested this to you? I have had excellent experience with Chiropractic Neurologists. They have an additional rotation in neurology after completing their D.C., and seem to be more adept at handling the strange "neuro" symptoms that accompany chronic pain. I have had bizzare episodes also for about 10 years, as a result of a C2 (high neck) fracture. Perhaps since you had oral surgery, you are having radiating problems in the atlanto/occipital area? My episodes also involve stange chest spasms and vision problems. I know it's maddening, hang in there and good luck -

[Sunny602]

Do you have one diaphragm or both of them paralyzed? Either way, you sound so uncomfortable. I have bilateral diaphragmatic issues, mostly due to muscle disease. Initially, I found it very difficult to bend over without feeling out of breath. Activities left me breathless, stairs were my enemy. It sounds like you need to be evaluated a bit better...oxygen levels checked, especially while you are sleeping. Perhaps a sleep study might be a good idea with blood tests to check for carbon dioxide build up in your system. As the nurse said, there are machines out there that can help with your sleep if this is the case. I personally used BiPAP to help with my breathing. Ask your neuro for other options as well for relief...I know that this may sound drastic but some people undergo what is called plication, which means that the surgeon tacks down the affected diaphragm so that it doesn't move upwards impairing your breathing. Again, just ideas...I am no doctor, just have been through the mess and maze of docs with these problems. Also, lying flat is a no no, use lots of pillows to prop yourself up so that you can breathe better. Some people who have one sided paralysis don't have problems, but it is clear that you do.
Good luck and I hope that you get relief soon. Hugs, Sunny

[Jean Lizzy]

Thanks so much for your input. I just have the right side paralyzed. Seems I have more episodes when I am sitting up and just falling to sleep. You think you can get use to most anything but have to say after all these years it's still difficult. After I fall to sleep I seem to not have problems, just when falling to sleep. I have seen a number of doctors, but really no one seems to have any answers. They did say this was caused when I had gallbladder surgery. They severed the nerves in my diaphram. They kept this from me of course and it took almost 19 years before they finally told me at Emory Hospital. It really bothered me to know that doctors in my state would not let me know what my problem was. As much as I hate what happened, I felt better just knowing what the problem was. Thank you for comments. Do hope you are feeling better.

[MV32119]

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[Lnellums123]

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