Pectus Excavatum -Clinton- Day Before Surgery

I am 27 years old and this makes my case of Pectus Excavatum a little differnt than most because people usually get this repaired in early teen years.
I suffer from a disorder called Pectus Excavatum. This disorder causes my chest (sternum) to grow inwards instead of across. This disorder is more prevalent in males. It occurs in 1 - 1000 births. The severity of the deformity differs per individual. Mine is classified as "severe" in the America. The cause is unknown but usually if you have it someone in your family might have had a mild case (ex. fa or grand fa). The insurance companies measures the severity of the deformity by the Haller Index (distance between breast bone and sternum divided distance from each axilary wall. To qualify as "medical necessity" you must have a Haller Index over 3.25. Mine was 4.41.

I had difficulty breathing and my heart/chest would hurt when I would work out and ran. I have always had this dent or hole in my chest. I never knew that it was a medical problem until I fainted in the gym back in Feb 09. I was given referral to see a Thoracic Surgeon and Rileys Childrens Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. I had 3 test done. Puliminary Functions (breathing), Echo (heart), and a CT scan. Test Results were: Mitral Valve Prolapse causing heart murmur. PFT tests showed I inhale at 62% and exhale at 68% of a normal person and the CT scan showed my Haller Index to be 4.41.
Surgeon consult suggested surgery with Nuss procedure. This procedure would be very painful and a steel rod placed through my chest for atleast 2+ years. The sternum would be raised by the steel rod and held into place. I decided its a go and on May 5, 2009 I got my surgery. Here are my logs. Hope you enjoy.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Pectus
• Excavatum
• Nuss
• Procedure

[psp5150g]

Right now I am in the process of getting a referral from my doctor so I can get this dam surgery and feel/be normal once and for all. Luckily I do have a 6pack and I am sure if I get surgery I will have an 8 pack =). Thumbs up if you some times think "Dam out of thousands of people I had to have this deformity".

[pearlfan3]

@LBJTV Yeah, same here, but I can't really tell if I have a 6 pack, lol, all I see is a 4 pack and like two little ones at the top. The lower ribs does make me look fat from the sideview as well. Also I have a lot of pectoral muscles, and I can only do about 35-50 push-ups. Thing is, when I reach my hands out, it looks like I'm anorexic. Don't worry man, you're not alone.

[itsmyguitar]

Excellent and informative video. Thank you!!!

[DUB2TH3ST3P]

I had my sugary on the 18th of January in all NOT WORTH IT AT ALL first month was painful and chest perfect next month painful and chest sinking back in and even more Pain if your age 13+ DO NOT GET IT DONE your results are cut by 67% after the age of 10

[DUB2TH3ST3P]

@smoser97 just had my surgery done

Bar in 1-2 year no contact sports as long as the bar is in place.

[MrJrMcLovin]

whats your pec work out ?

[smoser97]

@leythz

The bar stays inside your chest for 2-3 years and you should be able to play contact sports 2-3 months after surgery according to my doctor

[JNicksonSAB]

(This is my bro's account) . But, i have this. Mine is like 1.5" deep, but i'm not really self-conscious of it. I do work out, and one of my pecs does seem bigger because one side of my rib cage is elevated due to the "Deformity". If your self-conscious of your chest, work out. Trust me, once you're bigger than the average joe, you'll feel so much better. (And i am 15, so i do know what it's like it school atm : p)

[Fale222]

hey. I have 14 years,and have Pectus excavatum,what should i do? Am i need to go on surgery now or sometimes i've been older? Sorry for bad english

[Aketuan1]

I'm 15 and i have this. I hope i never have to get this surgery though.

[nicolasc8]

@XxsnowfifteenxX yes omg, i hate it too :( its called pectus carinatum

[TheOriginalarSeo]

I hate having pectus excavatum :/