Rich has posted a list of links to various articles over on the general board. One of them I found very interesting and relevant to adults with a TBPI
http://www.assh.org/Template.cfm?Sectio ... entID=4654
I must admit that I cringe every time I hear or read about surgeons using the phrenic nerve in this way. I have a damaged phrenic nerve along with the TBPI and it does affect my breathing quite badly sometimes. IF I had ever had a choice, and I knew then what I know now, I personally would never have let a surgeon use the nerve in this way, even a small part of it.
The reasons they give sometimes for using the p. nerve do sort of make sense, but I have heard that on some occassions, they have used it instead of the sural nerve grafts for various reasons, one being to save the patient from having scarring down the leg(s)
I know what I would prefer...shortness of breath v. scars on legs? No contest as far as I'm concerned.
I would love to hear others thoughts about this.
Lizzy B