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Pnuemothorax and Paralyzed Diaphragm
by RustyNorton, Jul 23, 2008 07:55PM
I am a 49 yoa male. Dec 2006, I had a second spinal fusion C4-C5 and C5-C6. The second surgery was done because the first attempted repair didn't control my pain. While I was in surgery, I was kept in the recovery room 2 hours longer due to low O2 levels. When I awoke in the room and couldn't breathe, it was discovered I suffered a pneumothorax ( right side) during surgery. I awoke in Nero-ICU with a chest tube. I believe the lung healed and was released home.
I noticed when I got home that I was short of breathe all the time. After several visits to the ER being treated for a possible heart attack, my primary doctor sent me to a pulmonologist, sniff test was done and was told I had a paralyzed diaphragm. I was told about my condition and was sent home without any assistance on what to do or anything. After I complained numerous times to the doctor, he decided to send O2 to my house.
As time has passed, my condition seems to be getting worse and have no assistance from my doctors. I was recently sent at my request for another opinion. this doctor did a series of 5 test, stress test (I couldn't do),Pulmonary function test,sonogram of my heart and everyting is fine. The next test they are ordering is a chemical stress test.
My questions are, the pnuemothorax I had in surgery and the rightside of my diaphragm being paralyzed, are they related to each other by events during the surgery. I have been on pain meds since 2004. I now take 60 mg of methadone daily,dilaudid 12 mg per day and cymbalta.
I know I'm not crazy not being able to breath. I have a long life to live but not looking forward to living with the breathing problems I have today. If you can offer any information, I would be greatly appreciated
I noticed when I got home that I was short of breathe all the time. After several visits to the ER being treated for a possible heart attack, my primary doctor sent me to a pulmonologist, sniff test was done and was told I had a paralyzed diaphragm. I was told about my condition and was sent home without any assistance on what to do or anything. After I complained numerous times to the doctor, he decided to send O2 to my house.
As time has passed, my condition seems to be getting worse and have no assistance from my doctors. I was recently sent at my request for another opinion. this doctor did a series of 5 test, stress test (I couldn't do),Pulmonary function test,sonogram of my heart and everyting is fine. The next test they are ordering is a chemical stress test.
My questions are, the pnuemothorax I had in surgery and the rightside of my diaphragm being paralyzed, are they related to each other by events during the surgery. I have been on pain meds since 2004. I now take 60 mg of methadone daily,dilaudid 12 mg per day and cymbalta.
I know I'm not crazy not being able to breath. I have a long life to live but not looking forward to living with the breathing problems I have today. If you can offer any information, I would be greatly appreciated
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