dam her condition was far more severe than mine, I'm getting my bar taken out in late April at the Mayo in MN. I really wish my doctor put 2 bars in, the right side of my chest still sinks in a lot, but i notice i can breath better so thats good.
I'm 56 and have P.E. I live in the Bay Area and I was wondering where I could go to have it looked at. Am I too old to have it repaired and would my MediCal cover the proceedure? Thanks.
@Bopalena Most likely your local doctor will refer you to a specialist. You are never to old to better your health. Medicare will cover the surgery as long as it's proven to effect your respiratory or cardiac well being. It's a good thing you've waited till now to do it. The Nuss procedure is fairly new and so much less horrific of a surgery than the old procedure of P.E repair.
@knavic - Thanks so much for your reply. I heard when you hit a certain age the bones are too hardened to move, but I'm glad it's actually not too late.
@Bopalena No problem. During the surgery most of the ribs in the region of the P.E will break. With the bar in the chest your ribs will heal in the correct matter. That's why this is considered the most painful procedure. Best wishes my friend.
I'm 16 male. From Ireland and I have PE. I would honestly consider it to be severe. My older brother who is 21 also has it but my oldest brother 23 does not. I was wondering is the procedure available here? Is it costly? And what's recovery like. I play a lot of sports and have been fit but lately have been struggling with breathing after working out.
@IrishDeadmau5 There has to be a doctor in Ireland that can do it. My advice, schedule an appointment with your family doctor and bring your condition up, they should be able to refer you to a specialist. I am not familiar with health care and costs in your country but my P.E surgery cost my insurance company roughly $90,000.00
I was just wondering for those of us with uncorrected PE is it possible to participate in full contact sports, like MMA, wrestling or football? I have heard mixed things due to the possibility of being hit in the chest and what not...
@TheCharasmaticX Sports are fine if you have uncorrected P.E. but you will probably notice a difference in your respiratory performance compared to your peers from the symptoms of having a P.E. Only once you have had the surgery done full contact sports become dangerous. Not life threatening in most cases. If your a hit in the chest while you have a pectus bar in it, the bar has a chance of rotating, this will cause severe discomfort and pain.
work out, breathing exercises, push ups, running, and swimming can improve the visual aspects and can also stop it from continuing, i had it and it has gotten much better
She said there are 4 places that perform the procedure.. Could you tell me where else? I'm in Michigan and have real problems breathing and almost pass out from dizzy head rushes when I first stand up in the morning.
I remember going to the doctor a while back and they put a breathing machine/device in my mouth to test my lung capacity. They told me I only used about 60 percent of my lungs and assumed I had sports induced asthma. I have Pectus Excavatum and it's obvious to me that's the problem. I have pretty much all the symptoms that I've read...
Kind of depressing because I'm 26 and wasted my youth using two thirds of my lungs...could have been a better athlete. Also sucks that I can't afford surgery
Dr. Jaroszewski says, "Yes, we can get a brace done. They work well. " She also sent a picture. If you want to send me your email address, I will forward it.
I have a 14 years old daughter with mild to moderate pectus carinatum. I have done some research and found that they have a brace that can help this. Is this something you do at the Mayo Clinic?
I'm 19 years old, soon to be 20 and I have, what I think, is a pretty deep "pigeon chest". It goes in about two inches deep and lately, I have difficulty breathing, fatigue, and cannot exercise or do anything...should I check in with my family doctor and see what she says? Could you possibly look at it too, I can email you pictures of it?
My son - age 9 - has severe pectus excavatum and he is seen annually at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee, which recommends the Nuss procedure for him. Is there a best age at which to have this procedure? Can you expect to resume sports and activities after a few months?
@krisnaidl It is best to wait until he has had his major growth curve which is usually by 11 or 12 years. He should be able to play sports within 2 months as long as they don't use the side stabilizers. I would be happy to evaluate him here also. Dr. J
@mayoclinic Thank you, Dr. J. Have you ever heard of the bar being weaved over the ribs, under the sternum and over the ribs again - is that something different than the Nuss procedure or just a variation?
@krisnaidl Dr. Jaroszewski explains that it is the same. The bars go under the sternum and the deformed ribs, then back out on top of the ribs. Thanks again for your inquiry.
PLEASE READ im quite lucky i live in wales and i have a doctor who is going to operate on me in 2 days
but i dont no if i want the surgery any more the thought of a chance of dying brings me to tears the fact of how much i would miss my family and how much pain i will be in after so if you are going or thinking of getting it done reconsider i dont have a choice but it ws only earlier that i found out you could work out and get rid of it i hope this help you or motivates you :)
@09YAGYEMEISTERXx Sorry, you are my only hope - I live in England and I really need to know how deep yours is, my GP wont tell me the minimum requirements for the NHS, my PE is cause me a stupid amount of problems, I'm 6' 4" and my oxygen levels get really low, PE putting pressure on my lungs also isn't helping and is making me pass out frequently, I just need to know - how deep is your PE, and have you had it done yet? Thanks, you are the first person I have seen with PE that's also in the UK.
yes i have had the operation now must read very carefully when i say you may have something called marfans syndrome which can be passed down genetically this syndrome consists of someone who is quite large and has PE and regularly passes out IT IS DEADLY my PE was about 2 inches deep and is not genetically passed down but someone in my familly did have marfans so my best advice to you is that the next time you see your GP for your checkup/ operation (hopefully) you tell him ;)
@09YAGYEMEISTERXx I don't have Marfans, my GP is Dr. Kassianos, he's regarded as one of the best GP's in the UK, he said I don't have it when he had my checkup. How has your chest been since you had the op?
@Smokejr2 you have pectus carrinatium man that's a different position and it's better that excavatum believe me I have excavatum and it hurts very much. It's destructing me every day
Dr. Jaroszewski performed the procedure on me and she is absolutely wonderful. My results were fantastic, and the Mayo Clinic staff is second to none.
I'm an 18 year old male with Pectus Excavatum. I've always had trouble with pressure in my chest when I breath in deep as well as decreased breathing capacity/stamina.Which I believe is due to my pectus. I would like to send you some photos for you to evaluate my Condition please.
@jasonralston8 Dr. Jaroszewski would like you to send photos of your chest to her email address: jaroszewski.dawn@mayo.edu. She would also like to know where you're from.
My 17 year old daughter is going to have this procedure. Thanks for this video! We met with a pediatic surgeon at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis today. Based on a recent cardiac MRI, her chest looks very much like the woman's in this video. Her heart has been pushed into the left chest cavity, and she began having the same symptoms, as well as headaches, fatigue, reactive hypoglycemia. How is this woman doing now, physically and cosmetically 6 mos. (?) post op?
I just got the Ravitch surgrey without the plate a little over a week ago, i was in hospital for 4 days, im home now, does it usually hurt to cough, sneeze, and laugh after? I'm 18 btw
From Dr. Jaroszewski -- It will generally hurt for sometime but we suggest you contact your surgeon for specific information after his surgical procedure.
@Smokejr2 I used to get picked on in school for my Pectus when I was 15. I'm 22 now, I had the Nuss procedure and most people would never even know I had PE if they saw me with no shirt on. I live in Alabama and had my repair done in Virginia when I was about 16 years old. Feel free to message me if you want and best of luck to you sir.
@Smokejr2 Dr. Jaroszewski would like you to send photos of your chest to her email address: jaroszewski.dawn@mayo.edu. She would also like to know where you're from.
I am from Australia & I had a similar chest problem. I searched for atleast 8 years trying to find someone to operate on me in Australia to fix my problem I have seen doctors to plastic surgeons & cardio therastics surgeons who told me nothing could be done. Until my last try I was referred by one helpful plastic surgeon to see Dr Dawn Jaroszewski. It has been almost a year since my sugery with her and let me tell you that she has done an amazing job & you couldnt find a more helpful surgeon.
ive had this condition medium pectus caves in... since a child during pool activities I needs my shirt. My chest wasn't like my friends and I was embarrassing. Even as an adult I still wear a shirt in the pool sadly. Repair im 26 I doubt they can fix it, its mild but still physiological for me.
Very interesting- I am a 36 yr old male who has about a 2 1/2 inch depression in my chest. I've had this since middle school I believe. My left arm is constantly going numb, I have severe shortness of breath( which I use albuterol for), and I am constantly pulling my shoulders back so I can breath. When I do this my sternum makes a popping sound. My Doctor said it's nothing to worry about. I am questioning this severely after watching your video. Should I be worried Dr?
Very interesting as I have this same condition only know one ever put a name to it. It is great to know that there is a procedure that can correct this. Whenever I bend over, I become short of breath and it feels as if something is pushing up on my heart, could this possibly be causing it?
@jd450lh thanks for your note. If you have a very deep defomity it could be causing symptoms. The only way to really know is to get a work up with CAT scan and testing. I would be happy to see you here if your insurance will allow you to come to Mayo.
dam her condition was far more severe than mine, I'm getting my bar taken out in late April at the Mayo in MN. I really wish my doctor put 2 bars in, the right side of my chest still sinks in a lot, but i notice i can breath better so thats good.
knavic 1 month ago
I'm 56 and have P.E. I live in the Bay Area and I was wondering where I could go to have it looked at. Am I too old to have it repaired and would my MediCal cover the proceedure? Thanks.
Bopalena 1 month ago
@Bopalena Most likely your local doctor will refer you to a specialist. You are never to old to better your health. Medicare will cover the surgery as long as it's proven to effect your respiratory or cardiac well being. It's a good thing you've waited till now to do it. The Nuss procedure is fairly new and so much less horrific of a surgery than the old procedure of P.E repair.
knavic 1 month ago
@knavic - Thanks so much for your reply. I heard when you hit a certain age the bones are too hardened to move, but I'm glad it's actually not too late.
Bopalena 1 month ago
@Bopalena No problem. During the surgery most of the ribs in the region of the P.E will break. With the bar in the chest your ribs will heal in the correct matter. That's why this is considered the most painful procedure. Best wishes my friend.
knavic 1 month ago
I'm 16 male. From Ireland and I have PE. I would honestly consider it to be severe. My older brother who is 21 also has it but my oldest brother 23 does not. I was wondering is the procedure available here? Is it costly? And what's recovery like. I play a lot of sports and have been fit but lately have been struggling with breathing after working out.
IrishDeadmau5 1 month ago
@IrishDeadmau5 There has to be a doctor in Ireland that can do it. My advice, schedule an appointment with your family doctor and bring your condition up, they should be able to refer you to a specialist. I am not familiar with health care and costs in your country but my P.E surgery cost my insurance company roughly $90,000.00
knavic 1 month ago
I was just wondering for those of us with uncorrected PE is it possible to participate in full contact sports, like MMA, wrestling or football? I have heard mixed things due to the possibility of being hit in the chest and what not...
TheCharasmaticX 1 month ago
@TheCharasmaticX Sports are fine if you have uncorrected P.E. but you will probably notice a difference in your respiratory performance compared to your peers from the symptoms of having a P.E. Only once you have had the surgery done full contact sports become dangerous. Not life threatening in most cases. If your a hit in the chest while you have a pectus bar in it, the bar has a chance of rotating, this will cause severe discomfort and pain.
knavic 1 month ago
work out, breathing exercises, push ups, running, and swimming can improve the visual aspects and can also stop it from continuing, i had it and it has gotten much better
xBounty9 1 month ago
She said there are 4 places that perform the procedure.. Could you tell me where else? I'm in Michigan and have real problems breathing and almost pass out from dizzy head rushes when I first stand up in the morning.
theehealthnuts 7 months ago
@theehealthnuts John Hopkins or Pittsburg would be the closest for you.
mayoclinic 7 months ago
@mayoclinic i live in new jersey and i have it where can i get surgey
TheMarlon6868 3 months ago
don't the bars get cold in the winter
theehealthnuts 7 months ago
@theehealthnuts no
knavic 1 month ago
My metal bar feels like it's droping down and going out of place like its loose within me, what should I do?
Chowwaah 7 months ago
@Chowwaah see a gp/doctor
MrSnorlaxFTW 7 months ago
"Severe" is based on how deep your chest goes and what is compressed. To assess this we need to do imaging like CT or chest x-rays.
mayoclinic 7 months ago
Mines about an inch deep at age 14 how severe is this?
Dabestcryevar 7 months ago
I remember going to the doctor a while back and they put a breathing machine/device in my mouth to test my lung capacity. They told me I only used about 60 percent of my lungs and assumed I had sports induced asthma. I have Pectus Excavatum and it's obvious to me that's the problem. I have pretty much all the symptoms that I've read...
Kind of depressing because I'm 26 and wasted my youth using two thirds of my lungs...could have been a better athlete. Also sucks that I can't afford surgery
Michigan1985 8 months ago
Dr. Jaroszewski says, "Yes, we can get a brace done. They work well. " She also sent a picture. If you want to send me your email address, I will forward it.
groenke.joyce@mayo.edu
mayoclinic 9 months ago
Dr.J,
I have a 14 years old daughter with mild to moderate pectus carinatum. I have done some research and found that they have a brace that can help this. Is this something you do at the Mayo Clinic?
Heidi
Negev9 9 months ago
Hello,
I'm 19 years old, soon to be 20 and I have, what I think, is a pretty deep "pigeon chest". It goes in about two inches deep and lately, I have difficulty breathing, fatigue, and cannot exercise or do anything...should I check in with my family doctor and see what she says? Could you possibly look at it too, I can email you pictures of it?
Kaci
kacilove18 9 months ago
My son - age 9 - has severe pectus excavatum and he is seen annually at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee, which recommends the Nuss procedure for him. Is there a best age at which to have this procedure? Can you expect to resume sports and activities after a few months?
krisnaidl 10 months ago
@krisnaidl It is best to wait until he has had his major growth curve which is usually by 11 or 12 years. He should be able to play sports within 2 months as long as they don't use the side stabilizers. I would be happy to evaluate him here also. Dr. J
mayoclinic 10 months ago
@mayoclinic Thank you, Dr. J. Have you ever heard of the bar being weaved over the ribs, under the sternum and over the ribs again - is that something different than the Nuss procedure or just a variation?
krisnaidl 9 months ago
@krisnaidl Dr. Jaroszewski explains that it is the same. The bars go under the sternum and the deformed ribs, then back out on top of the ribs. Thanks again for your inquiry.
mayoclinic 9 months ago
I have Petcus Excavatum. I'm 41 I have a strong pain in my left chest, shortness of breath and some Fatigue.
I spent 2 days in Danbury Hospital where they made some exames and told me that my heart was ok, and told me "to take ibuprofen 400-600 mg
every 6 hours, and If the pain don't stop in 2 to 3 weeks I'll need to contact a DR. again."
I still feel the pain just like before. I'm leaving in hell with this paint 24 7.
Emizael
emizaelfrancisco 11 months ago
i wish i had them bars, when i was 9 i nearly died in hospital from my lungs collapsing
MrJokkster 11 months ago
PLEASE READ im quite lucky i live in wales and i have a doctor who is going to operate on me in 2 days
but i dont no if i want the surgery any more the thought of a chance of dying brings me to tears the fact of how much i would miss my family and how much pain i will be in after so if you are going or thinking of getting it done reconsider i dont have a choice but it ws only earlier that i found out you could work out and get rid of it i hope this help you or motivates you :)
09YAGYEMEISTERXx 1 year ago
@09YAGYEMEISTERXx Sorry, you are my only hope - I live in England and I really need to know how deep yours is, my GP wont tell me the minimum requirements for the NHS, my PE is cause me a stupid amount of problems, I'm 6' 4" and my oxygen levels get really low, PE putting pressure on my lungs also isn't helping and is making me pass out frequently, I just need to know - how deep is your PE, and have you had it done yet? Thanks, you are the first person I have seen with PE that's also in the UK.
JordanWells15 8 months ago
@JordanWells15
yes i have had the operation now must read very carefully when i say you may have something called marfans syndrome which can be passed down genetically this syndrome consists of someone who is quite large and has PE and regularly passes out IT IS DEADLY my PE was about 2 inches deep and is not genetically passed down but someone in my familly did have marfans so my best advice to you is that the next time you see your GP for your checkup/ operation (hopefully) you tell him ;)
09YAGYEMEISTERXx 8 months ago
@09YAGYEMEISTERXx I don't have Marfans, my GP is Dr. Kassianos, he's regarded as one of the best GP's in the UK, he said I don't have it when he had my checkup. How has your chest been since you had the op?
JordanWells15 8 months ago
@JordanWells15 3 months and im still in pain :(
09YAGYEMEISTERXx 8 months ago
@09YAGYEMEISTERXx Still serious pain or just annoying pain? I thought 3 months is about the recovery time? :/
JordanWells15 8 months ago
@JordanWells15
no its just when i make sharp sudden movements it begins to hurt
09YAGYEMEISTERXx 8 months ago
@09YAGYEMEISTERXx Are you happy with how your chest looks though?
JordanWells15 8 months ago
@JordanWells15
EXTREMELY :D
09YAGYEMEISTERXx 8 months ago
@09YAGYEMEISTERXx Good, that's reassuring to hear :P
JordanWells15 8 months ago
@Smokejr2 you have pectus carrinatium man that's a different position and it's better that excavatum believe me I have excavatum and it hurts very much. It's destructing me every day
hksMovies 1 year ago
Dr. Jaroszewski performed the procedure on me and she is absolutely wonderful. My results were fantastic, and the Mayo Clinic staff is second to none.
brikeibur 1 year ago
Dear Mayoclinic/Dr. J
I'm an 18 year old male with Pectus Excavatum. I've always had trouble with pressure in my chest when I breath in deep as well as decreased breathing capacity/stamina.Which I believe is due to my pectus. I would like to send you some photos for you to evaluate my Condition please.
Thankss
Jason
jasonralston8 1 year ago
@jasonralston8 Dr. Jaroszewski would like you to send photos of your chest to her email address: jaroszewski.dawn@mayo.edu. She would also like to know where you're from.
mayoclinic 1 year ago
@mayoclinic Thanks so much for the reply. I just sent them to her. Thanks again!
jasonralston8 1 year ago
My 17 year old daughter is going to have this procedure. Thanks for this video! We met with a pediatic surgeon at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis today. Based on a recent cardiac MRI, her chest looks very much like the woman's in this video. Her heart has been pushed into the left chest cavity, and she began having the same symptoms, as well as headaches, fatigue, reactive hypoglycemia. How is this woman doing now, physically and cosmetically 6 mos. (?) post op?
xEnchantedx77x 1 year ago
I just got the Ravitch surgrey without the plate a little over a week ago, i was in hospital for 4 days, im home now, does it usually hurt to cough, sneeze, and laugh after? I'm 18 btw
DevilDriver251 1 year ago
From Dr. Jaroszewski -- It will generally hurt for sometime but we suggest you contact your surgeon for specific information after his surgical procedure.
mayoclinic 1 year ago
im from australia my self,and damn,im commin to the US to get it done no doubt!
mateliamfarac 1 year ago
@Smokejr2 I used to get picked on in school for my Pectus when I was 15. I'm 22 now, I had the Nuss procedure and most people would never even know I had PE if they saw me with no shirt on. I live in Alabama and had my repair done in Virginia when I was about 16 years old. Feel free to message me if you want and best of luck to you sir.
green3488 1 year ago
@Smokejr2 Dr. Jaroszewski would like you to send photos of your chest to her email address: jaroszewski.dawn@mayo.edu. She would also like to know where you're from.
mayoclinic 1 year ago
@misterknuddelfeck
Yes
mayoclinic 1 year ago
@misterknuddelfeck
It does in most cases. If you want to send photos to my email at jaroszewski.dawn@mayo.edu I would be happy to look at and let you know.
djaroszewski 1 year ago
Why do you have a fireplace in Arizona??
davidguywilson 1 year ago
@davidguywilson
yes, it actually gets down to the 40's in the winter here. FREEZING for us!
djaroszewski 1 year ago
I am from Australia & I had a similar chest problem. I searched for atleast 8 years trying to find someone to operate on me in Australia to fix my problem I have seen doctors to plastic surgeons & cardio therastics surgeons who told me nothing could be done. Until my last try I was referred by one helpful plastic surgeon to see Dr Dawn Jaroszewski. It has been almost a year since my sugery with her and let me tell you that she has done an amazing job & you couldnt find a more helpful surgeon.
RChoker06 1 year ago
ive had this condition medium pectus caves in... since a child during pool activities I needs my shirt. My chest wasn't like my friends and I was embarrassing. Even as an adult I still wear a shirt in the pool sadly. Repair im 26 I doubt they can fix it, its mild but still physiological for me.
oddsource 1 year ago
fix me please mayoclinic uk surgeons will not nuss me :(
43210minus1 1 year ago
Very interesting- I am a 36 yr old male who has about a 2 1/2 inch depression in my chest. I've had this since middle school I believe. My left arm is constantly going numb, I have severe shortness of breath( which I use albuterol for), and I am constantly pulling my shoulders back so I can breath. When I do this my sternum makes a popping sound. My Doctor said it's nothing to worry about. I am questioning this severely after watching your video. Should I be worried Dr?
MrShankster1 1 year ago
I am a 52 year old male from Melbourne, Australia, with mild PE that would be considered cosmetic. Am I too old to have it corrected?
keithbrooks11 1 year ago
Very interesting as I have this same condition only know one ever put a name to it. It is great to know that there is a procedure that can correct this. Whenever I bend over, I become short of breath and it feels as if something is pushing up on my heart, could this possibly be causing it?
Thank you,
Jeff
jd450lh 1 year ago
@jd450lh thanks for your note. If you have a very deep defomity it could be causing symptoms. The only way to really know is to get a work up with CAT scan and testing. I would be happy to see you here if your insurance will allow you to come to Mayo.
djaroszewski 1 year ago