"The unexpected aftermath following my surgery"

I presented at casualty with a fracture of my left hip, the result of tripping on a pavement while walking my dog.

I previously had bilateral hip replacements 24 years ago at the age of 42. I have never had a problem with them until I fell.

The Orthopedic Surgeon on call when I went in did a wonderful job on repairing the fracture and fixing my hip. He suggested I get the other one done as it was worn and if I fell again it would not be good. I accepted this.

When I woke from the surgery I had terrible difficulty breathing, I had oxygen on all the time. I did the exercises suggested but just couldn't get my breath right.

I made every effort to get out of bed and get mobile, the nurses were great although run off their feet. I couldn't sleep as my breathing or lack of would wake me up.

I finally  came home and unless propped up on pillows could not sleep. I found walking difficult as I was constantly out of breath.

I went to my GP who suggested I have my heart checked. I went a cardiologist and after testing she found my heart was fine. But she suggested going to a lung specialist. After further testing and CT scans and puff test with the lung specialist it was discovered the lower lobe of my left lung was paralysed. I requested a report from the anaethetist which told me nothing. I feel I am going from pillar to post and not getting any answers.  Almost a year later I am still in the same situation and don't know how or why this happened