Re: snd vs MSA and breathing problems

July 22, 2002

Hi , It's me again (Annette) thought I would add my thoughts

on the name here since I've read all the posts on the subject, I

hope. I think of SND OPCA and SDS as subdivisions of MSA....not MSA

just another name for Shy Dragers. I am glad that you asked for

people that have been diagnosed as SND because I am of the opinion

that they have symptoms somewhat different then those with blood

pressure problems. My husband is not able to move anything to

speak of besides his eyelids and index finger. He does not seem to

have any difficulty breathing.....IN MY OPINION. However he breaths

very shallow and has for several years. When he could still speak,

he had the sound of being out of breath that several have mentioned.

It was difficult for him to fill up his lungs to get any volume. For

the past three years or more, he does not talk and his respiration

stays at 18 to 20 (it is checked daily).Just this morning, the nurse

heard some congestion in his left lower lobe (she said it sounded

like he just needed to caugh, but can't caugh!

This " congestion " probably is the result of allergies or sinus

infection that has drained and due to his swallowing difficulty, is

going into his lungs. I think that perhaps those MSA patients that

have more difficulty with siffness,(SND) might be more likely to

have this " stiffness " in the chest muscles as well..

By the way, I have called 's doctor this morning and expect that

he will order antibiotics by IV here at home (we did that once before

when this happened) I think that if we don't, this could very well

develope into pneumonia. Pneumonia is a real concern for

because it is very hard to diagnose in his case. they can no longer

get a good X=ray because of the curve of his spine and the fact that

he can not " Hold his breath " for them. His temperature is not a

good indicator either. 's temp has been about one degree for a

month now. ..nothing that anyone else will consider a cause for

concern but when we put that with other " signs " , our doctor knows

that we can't let things go much further. when you're life is

already shortened, best to err on the side of caution we think.

> Hi . Thanks for answering. Did your Dad ever experience

> shortness of breath and lack of movement in his rib cage with

> respiration? Does anyone ever go into the chat room by the way?

> Thanks

> Pat from N.S.

Recommended Posts