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Phrenic Nerve issues with AS?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Plain_Bill
Plain_Bill

Anyone have breathing issues with AS? I've got worsenning breathing  over the last few months. The chest x-rays show partial eventration of the right hemi-diapgram. In other words the diaphram is collapsing my lung(s). Reading up on this it says that this can be caused by damagae to the Phrenic nerve. They are still investigating other possibilities, e.g. Cancer, but the ultra sound seemed OK, still have to get an MRI and GI inspection (WooHoo). 

A couple of docs have mentioned the AS as a possibility, but they are just guessing. From what I have read about this it is caused by issues with the cervical vertebrae. But the last visit to the Rheumy showed that my neck was still clear.

Anyone have expereience with this?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • peter21326
    peter21326 Plain_Bill

    Posted

    Bill,

    ?  The only breathing issue I'm familiar with has to do with AS's impact on the sternum and ribcage.  When that stiffens up then breathing becomes impaired because you are not able to expand the rib cage as much when inhaling.  But the effects of chronic inflammation in the body is extremely variable and once the spine starts degenerating you can get all sorts of nerve related problems so who knows.

  • tony68114
    tony68114 Plain_Bill

    Posted

    Hi, Have had breathing issues since my rib to spine fusion, guess over 40 years ago now, and find have learned to automatically breathe from my stomach area. Also understand A.S. scars the lungs that can't help either. Do get out of breath easily but don't move about very much. Problems arise with surgery and anaesthetic. So you are not alone out there but definitely need an AS specialis consultant, few and far between sadly. All the best, Tony

    • Plain_Bill
      Plain_Bill tony68114

      Posted

      Thanks,

      I already have the scarring, which apparently is a caused by the  Atelectasis (collapsing Lung), not sure how the elevated diaphram fits into this. Whether it's the chicken or the egg. I'm waiting to go on Humira, so we'll see if that helps.

      They want to proactively remove my gall bladder, but from what I've read about anesthesia, I think I'll pass on this.

      Sounds like I need to go back to the rheumatologist.

  • peter21326
    peter21326 Plain_Bill

    Posted

    Hey guys,

    ​  Can you please go into more detail about what you refer to as the anesthesia issue?  I have had several spinal surgeries through the years but I wil most likely be undergoing an open heart surgery early next year for an aortic root aneurysm.  Consequently any issues with anesthesia would be most unfortunate.  Thanks.

    • Plain_Bill
      Plain_Bill peter21326

      Posted

      Anesthesia changes your regular pattern of breathing and the absorption of gases and pressures, which may combine to cause some degree of collapse of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. Atelectasis is particularly prominent after heart bypass surgery. Obstructive atelectasis may be caused by: Mucus plug.
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