I had pulmonary vein isolation surger... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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I had pulmonary vein isolation surgery and the EP damaged my phrenic nerve since then I have difficulty breathing and no energy. Any help

Tramel profile image
7 Replies

I could use some advice on a damaged phrenic nerve after pulmonary vein isolation I have trouble breathing and no energy.

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Tramel
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7 Replies
CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Very sorry to hear that, I know there have been a couple of posts from people similarly affected and hopefully one of them may see your post and respond.

My understanding from reading these posts and a little of my own research is that dependent upon the damage, there is possibility of regaining some function but it may take a long time 6-12 months.

Have you been advised upon treatment to help your breathing? Have you seen a pulmonologist?

Tramel profile image
Tramel in reply to CDreamer

No I haven't after almost 3months my EP is sending me to a pulmonary specialist

Lynnsj63 profile image
Lynnsj63

Sorry to hear you had damage during your surgery. I had PVI last August and my vagus nerve was damaged resulting in severe gastric problems, causing gastric dysmotility and was fatigued a lot of the time. Migraines was another side effect too after the surgery for me. Fortunately though the nerves can repair, mine started to improve after 6 months. They do say between 6 and 12 months, so hopefully the same applies with the phrenic nerve. Have just had second ablation and my surgeon kept away from my vagus nerve. It will resolve but in the meantime go to your g.p. and get relief and advice for your new symptoms you are suffering. Take care and hope you get some relief and help soon. Keep us posted. x

Barry24 profile image
Barry24 in reply to Lynnsj63

Hi Lynn,

May l send a private post to you, regards to the vagel nerve.

Regards

Barry

tcpace profile image
tcpace

This happened to my wife when having a cryo ablation. It took 10 months to resolve. Until then she basically adapted to the situation by not trying to do too much. She found that sleeping in a slightly propped up position made things easier at night. Eventually one day she experienced a sensation which she describes as "running" pins and needles. That seemed to signal the phrenic nerve was back working. It didn't make a drastic difference - she just found that going up the stairs became easier and didn't get her out of breath any longer.

In her case the ablation had to be aborted partway through so it didn't fix the AF problem. She went on to have a second ablation (this time RF heating) which seems to have done the trick - she's now been AF free for about 12 months (touch wood).

Not sure whether any of this is much help but at least you know you're not alone and that the prospects for recovery are very good in time. Fingers crossed for you.

Tramel profile image
Tramel in reply to tcpace

This very encouraging 😄

Tracyrdh profile image
Tracyrdh

Sorry to hear you had phrenic nerve damage. Hope you get some improvement over time.

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