Breathing problems continue - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Cathric · 06-26-2003, 12:30 PM

Today I see the pulmonary doc finally, for the serious breathing problems that have continued since the surgery [ACDF C5-6,6-7 5/19/03]. Every time I move I start wheezing and try to catch my breath. Even sitting still I wheeze and need to take deep breaths. I hope these issues are just temporary so my neck can heal and I can move on.

After all my 'episodes' I'm finally feeling knocked down. I've never lost hope but admit I'm coming close. All of us know how physical issues change us. A few weeks ago I had to fill out Social Security Disability forms that required my husband to answer questions. The question was regarding how these issues had changed the person – he said that she HAD been vital and independent…I know that’s an accurate statement but it really hit me.

Time to go to doctors. Later.

1968 Chronic pain since car accident - fractured neck and back vertebrae, broken ribs, concussion
1968 ‘Bells Palsy’ - on/off for over 30 years - now considered facial nerve damage
1976 Fibromyalgia (fibrosis then) diagnosed chronic pain
1984 Back surgery – Laminectomy L4-5, 5-6
1993 Car accident 1993 Breast Cancer
1995 Breast Cancer again
1995 Car accident - rear ended neck problems increased
2000 Total Hysterectomy
2002 Stroke due to brain lesion left temporal
2002 Craniotomy - left temporal Cavernous Malformation
2003 5/19/03 Emergency Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion and Plating C5-6 and C6-7
NS said more neck surgery would be needed

firefighter_101 · 06-26-2003, 04:50 PM

Cathric,
I'm so sorry your having such a hard time breathing. I'm having problems also but not as bad as what you are. My surgery was May 2nd. They are going to scope me next week, ( my gastro doctor ), and I hope balloon my throat to open it up.

Please let us know what the Doctor tells you. Good luck and I'm thinking about you.

Harvey

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Three Level C 4-5,5-6,6-7...Fusion, Grafts and plating.Bone Growth Stimulator worn all the time.

Cathric · 06-26-2003, 05:13 PM

Just got back from the pulmonary doc. He says the breathing problem isn't from surgery swelling - thinks that either the vocal cords or the air passage are damaged. He wants me to be scoped in Out Patient surgery asap. He said that if there is 'tissue mesh' in air passage he can laser. If the vocal cords are the problem he will send me to a ENT doc to fix. He said that it's also possible that nerve damage might be the problem but won't know until I'm scoped diagnosed. I'll do what ever it takes to breath easier. He asked if I would do it tomorrow but later told me there wasn't an opening. Next week they will call and schedule.

Harvey, thanks for responding. Are you having a 'broncecope' (spelling) or what? Did the doc say that your lungs look good? Mine are fine so the problem is before the lungs - thank god! Are you wheezey? coughing? Bronical tubes and upper lungs burning? Let me know. Take care of yourself!

more · 06-26-2003, 06:55 PM

Hopefully they will find the cause of your breathing problem. There is nothing worse than fighting for each breath you take. I never had that problem after the surgery but I have had bronchitis and pneumonia which gives you the same problem.

I will tell you though - after my surgery for about the first two months I did have a feeling in my throat like there was something pushing in from the back. The surgeon told me it was the muscles going back into place after the swelling went down. He said it could take some time to go back to normal. Hopefully that is your problem also.

Good luck with your appointment next week and if it is something other than the swelling and moving back of the muscles may it be minor.

Cathric · 06-26-2003, 10:58 PM

The Pulmonary doc did breathing tests that indicate some breathing obstruction since the surgery. Did anyone else have breathing tests and a bronchoscope? What did you experience?

I keep telling myself that the problem is the one the doc can fix so this won't continue. I really am praying for the 'easy answer'.

Any info from anyone would be helpful. Thanks.