diaphragm higher on left side

[Westie2012]

I had a pacemaker fitted in November 2020, three days after the procedure a lead went through my heart wall and was pacing my diaphragm so one week after my first procedure I needed a second procedure to replace both leads , the lead that moved caused pericarditis and a pericardial effusion. . Since then I’ve been diagnosed with costochondritis and asthma . I had an appointment with a respiratory consultant yesterday as I’ve been having increasing breathlessness which is worse when I lean forward or bend down and pain mainly by left ribs , I have a pacemaker but my cardiologist doesn’t think my symptoms are heart related . Anyway on a few of my X-rays it’s shown that my left diaphragm is higher than the right when it should be the other way around which could be the reason for my breathlessness , one X-ray showed that my bowel could have pushed my diaphragm up, I’ve read up on it and it can be caused by damage to the phrenic nerve. As I mentioned already just one week after having my pacemaker one of the leads went through my heart well and was pacing my diaphragm so a week after having my pacemaker I needed a second procedure to replace both leads , I then developed pericarditis and a pericardial effusion . When that had settled the pain returned and I was diagnosed with costochondritis . More tests are needed and possible surgery on my diaphragm .  It feels like since having my pacemaker it’s leading to more issues . Has anyone had problems with their left diaphragm ? I’m wondering if the pain on my left side is caused by that rather than costochondritis . It’s too painful to lie on my left side and I constantly have a dull ache on my left side that goes from the front and travels around the back .

[Jaybird19]

its all too complicated for me to comment and don't know about mu diaphragm. you must talk to your doctors when you can.

[gardenalan]

My husband had a defibrillator fitted 5 years ago and it took him ages to get comfortable he still can’t sleep on his left side other than that once he recovered he is really fine I think they don’t warn you about recovery time try and take it easy I know it’s hard with family but you need time to recover you will be fine best wishes xx

[Alberta56]

Best wishes. I hope this can be sorted soon.

[Ergendl]

My costochondritis makes it hard at times to lie on my left side, and I have no problems with my diaphragm. It is usually caused by my not taking a reliever inhaler (Ventolin) before doing something that requires deeper breaths.

As others have suggested, do talk to your doctor about this as they will have a better understanding of all the other things going on in your body at present.