Phrenic nerve damage-unilateral diaphragm paralysis

[Onxgirl]

Hi all. New here but not to heart surgery. Had my second open heart on the 24th of October to have my stenotic mitral valve replaced with an On-X valve. First open heart was to repair the mitral valve and an ASD in 1999.

My question involves a surgical complication. I have phrenic nerve damage and a paralyzed right diaphragm muscle. My right lung is prevented from inflating due to the elevated diaphragm on that side. I'm experiencing pain deep under my right scapula and breathlessness (esp if lying down).

My surgeon said it might come back and that there is nothing we need to do energently. Just wait a year and see what comes back if anything. I'm thinking I should be doing something...respiratory exercises like powerbreathe, maybe?

Does anyone else have experience with this type of surgical complication? Did your surgeon refer you for respiratory therapy/follow-ups?

I had left vocal chord paralysis after my first open heart and it mostly came back after a year (still get sluggish response and choking when tired). It just seems wrong to not be seeing a respiratory specialist and maybe getting some exercises or devices to keep trying to get the muscle to respond.

Thanks

Onxgirl

 

[pellicle]

Hi

sorry, I can't offer experience, fortunately I've not had any nerve damage from surgery (or any other cause)

I do agree with you that it seems funny not to get a specialist opinion about the respiratory stuff ... if you feel inclined I'd say go get an opinion. You can always just go "oh well that was a waste" ...

Best Wishes

 

[epstns]

Hi

sorry, I can't offer experience, fortunately I've not had any nerve damage from surgery (or any other cause)

I do agree with you that it seems funny not to get a specialist opinion about the respiratory stuff ... if you feel inclined I'd say go get an opinion. You can always just go "oh well that was a waste" ...

Best Wishes

I'd second the motion for a second opinion. It is your body, not your surgeon's, so you are entitled to the care you desire. What the heck, if your insurance covers it, your only risk is time and the co-pay. You may need a referral to a pulmonologist, but if the surgeon refuses that I would be surprised.

 

[dornole]

New this could happen, my daughter has left vocal chord paralysis from a complication of heart surgery she had as a newborn. Fortunately she has good compensation from the right side. No therapy recommended for it. Not sure if there is any kind of PT or procedure for nerve damage but worth asking. I wouldn't be too happy with the wait and see without exploring options. Some kind of nerve stimulation?