Damage during VATS surgery

jsewell · #1 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011, 03:39 AM

I have had a severe lung restriction ever since my VATS surgery by DR. Regan in 2009. I was put on a respirator in the post anesthesia area. I have been short of breath on any activity , such as climbing up one flight of stairs and show only a 45% lung capacity. Today i finally had someone do a nerve conduction study on my phrenic nerve which controls the diaphragm muscle, thus breathing. The conclusion of that study and my diaphram muscle study show the phrenic nerve is definately damaged.
DrRegan never addressed why i was put on a respirator , or helped with any investigating after the surgery, in fact he never came to see me.
I finally have a diagnosis and once again i made the diagnosis!!!
I also found one neurosurgeon in the country who has been studying the nerve for 20 years and thinks he can surgically fix it. I am very excited. Still not happy with Regan
judy

Maria · #2 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011, 10:33 AM

Judy,
That is exciting to find someone that thinks he can repair the nerve. Is that here in CA? Hope it can be done and give you back your respiratory capacity.
Please keep us informed!

mmglobal · #3 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011, 12:39 PM

It's great that you are making some progress. Who is the surgeon that says he can fix it?

Keep us posted. All the best,

mark

jsewell · #4 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011, 03:35 PM

The neurosurgeon is Dr.Abbott Krieger who luckily is here in Beverly Hills. His son with a thoracic surgeon will do the surgery under the guidance of his dad. Dr.Abbott Krieger is an older gentleman and has stopped doing the actual surgery.
I called my spine surgeon in Pasadena , Dr.William Costigan, as he wanted to know what the results of the test were. I told him i am also sending the results when i receive them to Dr.Regan. He is then going to call him. He has called, sent a letter and spoke to him in person about my lung damage and lack of care. Can't wait to here what Dr.Regan has to say.
judy

dshobbies · #5 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011, 08:19 PM

Judy,

We all hope this surgery works for you and your breathing can get back to normal. My fingers are crossed.

Dale

jsewell · #6 (**permalink**) 03-26-2011, 05:47 PM

I emailed my endocrinologist to let him know how the test went at Cedars Sinai hospital. I told him it was available on line. He is on staff there and emailed it to me sat morning. I am so glad as i have not received it from the hospital yet. I sent it to all doctors involved or asking to be involved. DrKrieger's office is setting up an apt. with a thoracic surgeon for me . I should here early next week. My pulmonologist said it is nothing we didn't already know. Of course he totally disapproved of me even having the nerve tested! The report came out with a slight weakness on both sides of the nerve, but also a 35% decrease on the injured side. so at 45% lung capacity now, i would go up to 80% lung capacity if the surgery worked. Big difference for me.
My pulmonologist thought it was a little improvement and maybe not worth the risk. A friend of mine said, i bet if you tell him he is getting a 35% decrease in pay it would no longer be a little !!!
So i hope it all happens soon. But once again i am just recovering from a big surgery and headed into another one. Story of my last 3 years.
judy