shortness of breath

Had a defib/pacer implanted in January 2012. Hospital stay was longer than usual because of shortness of breath. After 8 months and cat scan and floroscopy, I was diagnosed with damage to the phrenic nerve which controls the diaphragm. Left side of the diaphragm is paralyzed and there is no fixing it. Expensive pulmonary rehab at my expense may help buold up the working lung. Dr. Thinks it was damaged during January surgery. Very frustrated and depressed as my ability to do the most simple tasks is difficult as I get SOB and have to stop to rest often. Anyone else out there with this experience?

2 Comments

Lung Issues

by johnmarykelly - 2012-12-16 03:12:07

I also had lung concerns for 8 or 9 months after implant. Lung fluid build-up that could not be averted. Finally, after multiple lung taps, surgery was suggested. I did it because of SOB for all that time. Ultimate diagnosis was Dressler's syndrome - inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart which displaces fluid to lung instead to proper drainage areas. No problems since but some permanent imparement of left lung due to the chronic fluid problems. Breathing had nicely improved though not totally back to full throttle.

Good luck.

phrenic nerve damage

by ElectricFrank - 2012-12-16 12:12:26

Some day they will develop a pacemaker to handle nerve damage to the diaphragm. We'll have so many pacemakers in our body that they will be networked and talk to each other.
frank

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