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I have Pectus Excavatum -- Help -- Does anybody else have this

Hello TSR,

Basically I have been diagnosed with Pectus Excavatum:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pectus_excavatum

Mine is no way near as severe as in the picture, but its making me feel really self conscious. I have this and then 2 of my lower ribs which stick out.

I have been to see a specialist who has said that it is not affecting my health and is purely a cosmetic issue (which is good news). After my exams I am going back to see him where they will run further tests before they decide whether they want to operate. I do not need the NHS as I am also covered privately so it is my choice whether to have it done.

I was just wondering how many people on here have it and how many people have had operations to correct it.

Reply 1

devilschild

One of my best friends has this and really it's something I didn't even notice until she showed me her chest after knowing her for over a year. I think it's something that you're probably more aware of having than anyone around you is, and really if it hasn't bothered you in the past then don't start worrying about it now. Cosmetic surgery should only really be tried in extreme cases or if it's having a massive effect on your mental health. It often leaves unsightly scars, plus it is painful and takes time to recover from.

From a medical point of view it can be associated with a having a small lung capacity and with displacing the heart to one side but if you've had the tests then clearly you don't need to worry about this.

Love the body you have and be grateful that you are healthy!

Reply 2

Helenia

My ex-boyfriend had it quite noticeably (but not as much as that picture). It had never occurred to him to have something done about it - he only discovered what it was when I was in my 4th year and learning respiratory system examinations!

I have it too, but you can't really tell because my boobs kind of mask it. It's very obvious on X-ray though!

Tbh, my opinion is that getting it fixed would be major, painful surgery. For cosmetic purposes only, I wouldn't say it's worth it unless it's really extreme.