We just found out that my husband has a weak diaphram. He also had quadruple bypass surgery and a reaction to statin drugs. Mayo clinic in Rochester was where he went for a second opinion. I highly suggest going to the top (Mayo) if you can travel. Our hospital here was tellling him it was his heart and he needed a defribulator. Mayo found out his heart was perfectly fine and it was his lungs. Get a second opinon.
My husband had triple bypass and valve replacement in June, 2008. He had a difficult time getting off the ventilator and after three weeks in the hospital (11 days in ICU), was discharged with oxygen. He was on oxygen for about a month at home and then was taken off. His main issue now is that he cannot recline or lay flat without using a bipap machine.
Does anyone have any suggestions of a pulmonary expert in the Baltimore, MD or Washington, D.C. area? Aos, what procedures are available to help his recovery. We've heard of a pacemaker for the diaphram (his appears to be paralyzed on both sides) and some say it oftentimes recovers on its own. Thanks for your help.