Does Pectus Excavatum Surgery Hurt? | Q&A

Johns Hopkins pediatric surgeon Fizan Abdullah specializes in treating pectus excavatum, or a sunken chest, in children and young adults under the age of 30 using a modified Nuss procedure. In this video, Fizan Abdullah explains sources of pain after surgical treatment and how it is managed. For more information, visit www.hopkinsmedi....

[@tiltzzzz7770]

I had this surgery in January of 2020. By far the worst pain I’ve felt in my life. The chest pain isn’t even the worst part, if you have really severe pectus it may give you back pain like it did me. They only put 1 bar on me and 1 month later I got the bar removed in the emergency room bc of the pain it was causing. I am getting this surgery AGAIN in Winter of 2023 but with a more experienced surgeon. Sadly this is the only way to fix this condition and mine is very severe it gives me daily problems. I’ll update when I get it done again…

[@davidmasteryearslater]

Few questions if you have the time to answer: 1. Are you able to get sleeping pills during the operation? 2. After how long did the pain go away? 3. After how long did you notice a change in your pectus?

[@TMert.]

​@@davidmasteryearslater As far as I know, the pectus makes a difference when they turn the bars during the surgery and it almost comes to the right position. I think that staying in those bars for a long time is to ensure the permanence of the bones in that position.

[@davidmasteryearslater]

@@TMert. Thank you

[@TMert.]

@@davidmasteryearslater your welcome 👍

[@anthonyjonas6236]

Did you get a new surgery? Why you think the bar hurt so bad? How did you pay and what was the cost? Did it look better with the bat, were you instantly amazed? Did you see the bar with shirt off like it was a set of fake ninnies?

[@noelwoods4484]

I had it done with two bars in June 2019 and one of my bars moved 90 degrees, so I had a second surgery in July to get that one removed. The pain is awful, probably some of the worst I've ever felt, but I would do it again. I feel like I'm actually living now. For several months after surgery you aren't allowed to twist, pick up anything heavier than 5 pounds, or reach upwards, which was the hardest part of the process for me. If you are considering this, it really is worth it.

[@benjaminpalm5379]

hey! how is it now?

[@gluewz1318]

I'm getting 2 bars too, but the worst part is I'm currently in my last year to study for college

[@mandi957]

The WORST physical pain of my life by far. Be perpared.

[@nicholasagnew5579]

same

[@ayushchaudhary7695]

So truuu😭😭

[@jackmaher7093]

Had me on hard drugs it was so painful

[@krzyash1612]

did you have cryoablation done?

[@heyhi7762]

how old were you when you did it?

[@jrwwp]

I personally have a moderate case of it and don’t plan to have it surgically fixed, even though it’s completely covered where I live. For those who are insecure (and have mild to moderate cases), I can assure you 99.9% of people do not care at all. This includes women from my experience. You can build up muscle to cover it up and you’ll look quite unique, in a good way. Just get used to it being there and owning it, eventually you won’t care either.

[@TzeenSucks]

Bullshit.

[@madbros5613]

I agree. As a 26 yo male with moderate pectus, no one in my entire life said my chest looks bad.

[@tomaszhilfinger8026]

I cant agree i build very good muscular body (5 years training in gym 4-6 days per week) but i dont feel satisfaction when i see hole between my chest and weird feeling when i take some deep breath wtf is this how i can stop giving attention to it tell me

[@saphiree464]

I agree but it’s definitely a case by case situation. if it’s mild they won’t even operate on you. they judge it by a scale and only the severe cases qualify for surgery, because it can lead a better life for the person. I was insecure about my pectus, mind you it was very severe. I got the surgery not for appearance but for my lungs. Now my breathing and heart has never been better.

[@jrwwp]

@@saphiree464 yea, I would hope people with severe cases get the attention they need to have it fixed. Looks like a genuine concern compared to milder cases.

[@BettaFun]

Well, you probably got the operation, or will get it if you're here. It hurts. It fucking hurts, but you'll do it, you're awesome. You can do it!

[@notBrocker]

I'm getting it soon Thankyou i'm hoping to survive

[@dylandemarcusdathird5750]

@@notBrocker r u good

[@notBrocker]

@@dylandemarcusdathird5750 Hey yes I am it's a lot better now, the only downside for me is that I still have a sunken chest it was very deep so my heart is safe now but I just wished i wouldn't have a sunken chest anymore, but I'll try gym and other things to fix it more

[@dylandemarcusdathird5750]

@@notBrocker thanks a lot

[@princeatsegbu5054]

Is the surgery done for free ?

[@JoshIzAPlay3R]

This surgery is ridiculously painful, getting it and removing is ridiculously painful. I had it done 2012 & 2019 The pain on a scale 1-10 easily without a doubt a 10 if not higher.

[@LorD3able]

it is man...you had the nuss procedure right? i also had complications when i got the bars and also after i removed them. i had liquid in my lungs cuz of the trauma caused by the surgery. pretty shitty to be honest, it affected me. had the surgery 2015^2018

[@JoshIzAPlay3R]

When they minimally invasive , they mean a little minimum of what already is ridiculously invasive.

[@mtio2807]

Yes. The pain is undesirable. Why were your surgeries 7 years apart?

[@JoshIzAPlay3R]

​@@mtio2807 I was ignorant about my health , I didn't even know what a PCP was, extremely narrow minded lol it wasn't until I started looking at what exactly I had.

[@Richard-os3yy]

Well now I’m really scared. I’m getting the surgery in 10 days

[@t-rav4683]

Ok so the guy didn’t actually answer the question, but to answer the question, yes, it hurts a lot when u wake up. I scaled it at a 9 out of 10 when I woke up the first time. The pain is like getting braces for your teeth, but instead of moving them in place for a span of 2 years, they would be in place right away. I got the surgery on Halloween of 2019, and was in the hospital for 4 days. I’d say it does suck in the hospital and a couple days out of the hospital. But it’s now been 3 months since the surgery and I can say it was very well worth it. My breathing is insanely better and my chest itself looks unreal. I will get it removed in 3 years, but if you are considering of going through with the surgery, do it! I keep saying I wouldn’t do it again if I had too, but definitely worth it. Plus u get some really cool looking scars and a sweet story to tell your friends. Haha

[@t-rav4683]

Veronica Kennedy hi! I just had my six month check up two days ago and I am now able to do everything except contact sports (which I won’t be able to do for the whole time u have the bar). At this point I don’t even feel it inside of me anymore. Sometimes when I move a certain way, I can hear it creak, but it doesn’t hurt. My life is completely back to normal and has been for a few months now. When I first woke up, I wouldn’t say I never felt that I couldn’t breathe, but I just had to take more shallow breaths because if you breathe too hard, it would hurt a lot. But I could breathe deeper and deeper every day until it didn’t really hurt anymore. So yeah if I were you I would consider doing it!!!

[@c0d3d85]

Hey man, Im 14 and one week into recovery right now and was wondering how long it takes for the constant pressure on my chest to be gone. Also, is there ANYTHING I can do to move along the process like breathing more in the lung thing I was given? I did the surgery at Phoenix Children's so I got the cryogen which supposedly helps recovery times due to the nerve freezing. However, I just am at my breaking point with the constant unabating pain. I hope this isn't too late of a response but any answers would be greatly appreciated.

[@Aj15051]

I had mine in Turkey in May 2019 and had the bar removed in March 2020. Mine was a mild one not so severe. Their bar is different than Europe and the results looks horrendous, I regret having it on a cheap surgery. Omg the pain I never experienced. I wonder if I can correct it and how much did you pay?

[@-sude-naz995]

@@Aj15051 really? i don't have any knowledge about the bar being different but i had my surgery in Turkey too (cos i live in Turkey) and i had it for free.its been 10 days since i had the surgery and my experience is pretty normal yes it hurts but physically everything looks good. maybe your experience is more personal? like was your PE severe? cos that might explain the "not fixing perfectly" part. idk. anyways i hope you're ok now

[@elric3540]

i just got 1 bar in my chest yesterday, this is my 2nd day in and id say my pain level is a 4-5. They used cryoablation to freeze and burn my nerves in my chest so i feel nothing. i was very worried about the surgery when everyone's saying it was the worst pain in their life but to me it really has not been bad. i'm starting on only taking pills and i was able to walk. there is a lot of pressure pain and it hurts but after i walked, i felt so much better. if you're motivated enough to get this surgery then i totslly recommend it, if they don't use cryoablation i don't know how bad the pain will be but i don't want to imagine it. i might be able to leave the hospital tomorrow. but, this is worth it the results are amazing and you'll instsntly gain self confidence, goodluck.

[@clorox1k370]

Hi did you get the surgery done at Johns Hopkins?

[@elric3540]

@@clorox1k370 no i did not

[@princeatsegbu5054]

Was it free if not how much did you pay

[@haydenbrashier7487]

Thanks for this

[@r06yes29]

Is it free?

[@randycushman1669]

I am 48 years old and finally found out I had Pectus earlier this year. I knew my chest was weird but never knew it was a condition. I started having noticeable trouble breathing at around 17 years old and it has become intolerable. My heart beats so hard and you can see it pulsing just below my sternum and ribs. When I try to take a deep breath I can't expand and I feel like I am about to pass out. My brain feels like it's running on fumes at this point. I constantly have that feeling like when you've been under water too long and your brain is screaming at you that it's time to breathe but I can't breathe enough to make it go away. Randomly like when I am swallowing there is this horrible sensation like I have lost all my breath as if my airway has been squashed. My Haller index is a 3 and no one wants to do surgery to fix this. I feel they are not looking closely enough at what is happening inside my chest and are just going off my Haller index. I am at the end of my rope. I can't live like this anymore. Please if any doctor reads this who understands that even in less severe Pectus cases that symptoms can be horrible please respond to this and I will contact you immediately. Please. I can't stress enough how awful this is. My life is hell right now.

[@Soggersnuggets]

Jesus friend, how come u can’t find a doctor who will help u?

[@ymk14]

Hope you’re doing a little better mentally. Don’t give up

[@speedy4727]

Hey man are you doing good now?

[@LucianFromEarth]

Pectus excavatum is making my life hell, but I am very poor and cannot afford surgery. Also, my insurance doesn't cover any surgery outside of my country, and there are almost no experienced surgeons in my country, so I guess I'm just going to die. Pray for me. I don't want to go to hell after I die. I am a sinner.

[@michaelking4578]

I pray for you.

[@LifeWith_QNA]

pectus doesn’t kill you.

[@mtio2807]

At Mayo it’s only about $50,000

[@LifeWith_QNA]

Mio Tio 50k wtf

[@mtio2807]

Yes. $51,848.42 for the surgery and $21,841.70 for the appointments and tests leading up to the surgery. Truth be told, it’s worth every penny if a world expert is the one doing the surgery.

[@theycallmepressed3491]

I’m 19 now, I’ve been living with a dent in my chest for my whole life and I’ve always been insecure of myself without a shirt around others for so long. I still am insecure. I’ve been doing research on the procedure and I think I’m going to consider getting it done, I’m just scared. I’ve never had surgery before and I have the thought of what if something goes wrong? I’ve also been seeing the comments and a lot of people are saying after procedure it’s painful so it’s making me doubt myself into getting it done, but im also seeing that others are saying it was worth it in the long run. If you’ve had the procedure and you happen to see my comment, could you possibly explain what it’s like after?

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

For specific questions, we suggest reaching out to a doctor.

[@inosuke__5873]

I had pectus excavatum surgery 3 days ago, please be prepared becouse it will be continuous pressure and pain for the next days. After the surgery please try to walk/move a lot so your nerves dont harden up.. I was stupid and only got out of bed the 2nd day and it hurt really bad. Im now on day 3 and i havent layed down for a few hours and im in much pain rn..

[@krzyash1612]

hello. did you receive cryoablation?

[@inosuke__5873]

@@krzyash1612 yes i did :)

[@krzyash1612]

@@inosuke__5873 my surgery is scheduled in a few days. i’m getting the cryoablation done to help with pain but i’m sooo scared it’s still gonna hurt super bad :/

[@krzyash1612]

@@inosuke__5873 i keep getting mixed answers from different people in terms on pain levels, but of course, everyone’s pain tolerance is different

[@inosuke__5873]

@@krzyash1612 oh dont worry just remember to take your meds and you'll do fine :)

[@DaddySaddo]

2 weeks post op had 1 bar only and honestly it's getting better with time but the first 4-5 were the worst days of my life the pain was unbearable.

[@SolomonKane71]

Had this done the old way in 1980 and it was bad enough that I was on continuous morphine for almost 3 weeks after. Back then it was the equivalent of having every rib broken and then put in new places, along with have holes drilled in all of them, as well as in multiple places on the sternum. The scar is around half the circumference of my chest.

[@simonlund3787]

Im 19 years old from sweden did this surgery 2 days ago. I think the pain is what scared me the most bc i saw everyone saying it was so bad but for me it hasnt been anything i cant handle just feels a little bit bruised and like a fat person was sitting on my chest the worst pain i experinced was today when we cut the morphine pump off but it is still not so bad like people was saying. So to you who read the comments of people saying its extremly bad it isnt its handable any questions feel free to type

[@aaronsmarvelousworld5855]

How severe would you say your condition was?

[@RenaiTsuboku]

Whether or not the pain is bad largely depends on what they do in the surgery. If they do cryoablation, you likely will have minimal pain

[@Sorrel_Equestrian]

Out of 10 how bad was the pain?

[@Piterepan]

it is I had it in 2021 and I didn't had a pain pump mine didn't work and would peep al the time so I had to lift my self up and if you had it you would know you can barely move zo the pain was 20/10

[@andrzej.tatycz.poland]

Sleep as much it possible. First night after surgery is the worst

[@pieter2866]

Ok so i got the surgery 3 months ago it was really intense because i had a severe pectus excavatum. Everyone in the comments who is saying don't do it are WRONG because it will make u feel better more confident and physically stronger. U just gotta go true the process and at the end everything will become alright. It is 3 months ago now and i still have pain but i am a different person

[@Campa249]

I have the same birth defect but I’m currently into bodybuilding and planning to get the surgery. Do you think I’ll be able to go back to weight lifting even after post recovery? Thank you

[@mohamadabdullah3608]

@@Campa249 yes but when the surgeon says ok

[@erised-san]

@@Campa249 don’t ask for medical advice on KZbin bro ask a doctor

[@BadMouth6454]

After surgery I totally agree! I’m in month 5 and hurt pretty bad mainly because I lifted weights yesterday for one of the first times since surgery. I had 3 bars and the stabilizer put in my Dr. J down in Mayo Clinic at Arizona. My whole life has been haunted by not being able to breathe or keep up with others in sports and it made me depressed, no one believed me and my basketball coach from high school thought I was just faking it all. Pectus is a real thing, and I’m glad someone is speaking the truth about it on here.

[@zadevourer5830]

Got it a exactly a week ago and i'm not too old but it still hurts a ton feels like everything from your rib cage up is bruised badly

[@DodgeMyViper]

@@veronicakennedy2836 In case this person doesn't respond I will tell you my personal experiences. I went in and got anesthesia and got put out to be honest the anesthesia wasn't horrible i definitely was aware that i was asleep but at the same time wasn't. I woke up pretty drugged out but wasn't hurting because well... i was drugged out. I got back to the room and fell asleep and within a few hours I woke up and could for sure feel pain although it was never completely crippling it still was not pleasant. You have an epidural feeding pain meds into you so it prevents a bunch of pain but not all. You will be asleep for the majority of the recovery in the hospital and won't even think about using your phone or anything. The nurses will try to switch you to oral meds the 3rd night in or so and they take longer to kick in so you have much more pain while waiting for them to work. 4th or 5th day they may have you try to walk or get up and move and you may be clear minded and think you are ready to walk but reality kicks your ass and proves you wrong the first time you stand up. It will be painful to move but once you start it gets easier. Eating is not very fun because if you eat something that your stomach doesn't like you will throw up and it hurts like a motherf*cker. In final day they might try to get you to shower so be aware. Overall the worst most unpleasant thing that happened in the hospital was the pulling of the Catheter. After you go home it gets easier but you need to be very careful and take your time with getting up and lifting things and to not lift heavy items. In my personal experiences i think that it was completely pointless for me to do other than my chest looks better but personally even after doing breathing exercises my breathing has not improved one bit and possibly got worse. And it's just been a pointless nuisance surgery that i could have lived with out.

[@BettaFun]

Same

[@alexa2979]

How are you now?

[@sylviag8871]

@@DodgeMyViper Thank you for your story

[@keanayoung7084]

I had both pectus carinatum and excavatum. Yes I am a girl, and it runs in my family as my oldest brother has it. My surgery was severely painful. I felt like I got hit by a bus. It hurt to move any part of my body. The titanium rod removal wasn’t at all bad for me. But god. Glad it’s over

[@mohamadabdullah3608]

Wtf it runs through families ??? Guess i will never have kids

[@fruitieluvr6050]

yeah my dad passed it on to me it really sucks and i can’t get the surgery

[@sylviag8871]

I am so glad that you are well now. Thank you for your information. My 14 yrs old son will have surgery for pectus. I pray that it won't be as painful as most people are saying.

[@raulcalderon5686]

@@sylviag8871 I am also about to get it miss, I’m 2 months I will be getting the surgery, I pray to god it won’t be as painful as it is, tell your he won’t be alone during this

[@wafer2114]

Was every day of it painful?

[@Nigthsck]

M17 Im thinking about doing it my pectus doesn’t affect my health but it just looks horrible i got a giant hole in my left chest, do you think it is worth getting it done?

[@sigmasithlord5828]

Had this done before i turned 12. And holyyyyy, that was the worst 2 months of my life. Now it re-caved in again!

[@peppa8920]

Done at age of 24 Pain in first operation was insane. Literally moaning and screaming for weeks. with using the strongest drugs called fentanyl I had hallucinations sometimes. The worst pain I’ve ever had in my life. Second operation was fine. Still painful af but took a week to recover. Ask me anything

[@Piglin4]

Did you feel pain while you were still

[@davidmasteryearslater]

Few questions if you have the time to answer: 1. Are you able to get sleeping pills during the operation? 2. After how long did the pain go away? 3. After how long did you notice a change in your pectus? 4. Why are you 24 and have a peppa pig profile picture?

[@saphiree464]

how long did it take you to feel like you were getting better after the first operation. I’m a week out in and the pain makes me cry everyday. I just want to know when things started looking up for you after the surgery. I have a job and school and just laying in my bed is too much for me with this amount of pain. Idk how or when I will be able to get back to normal.

[@saphiree464]

⁠@@davidmasteryearslater I know you were asking him, but I just got the operation myself I can answer a couple of your questions. You asked if you got sleeping pills during your operation you’re deathly under anesthesia if you mean during your recovery you’re on a bunch of pain meds for sure. You see a difference in your pectus right away because the metal bar is flipped and lifts your bone up during the operation. also just to warn you, recovery has been the most pain I’ve ever endured in my life. you can’t drive for a whole month and takes a while to heal.

[@pleasepeople7477]

My son is having this surgery this summer as he has a severe case. He is having the cryo done to freeze the nerves initially but worried about pain control after it wears off. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@elixorvideos]

I'mma fight whoever invented pectus excavatum, probably evolution.

[@ll_lucmaaster_ll3097]

Getting my bar out in 2 days, glad it wont be as bad as the insertion of the bar😅

[@CorbinDoesVlogs]

Surgery isn’t that sore Recorded the whole experience

[@tiffany1382]

Had this done at age 10 and they removed the bar at 13. Absolute worst pain of my life. My chest still bears the scars and gives me pain on rare occasions. But, I’m 22 now, and so grateful it was done when I was young. I owe my life to the doctor that operated on me.

[@davidmasteryearslater]

Few questions if you have the time to answer: 1. Are you able to get sleeping pills during the operation? 2. After how long did the pain go away? 3. After how long did you notice a change in your pectus?

[@peytonchandler2113]

@@davidmasteryearslateryou get put to sleep with anthesteisa

[@spamgwin4166]

@@davidmasteryearslaterit’s instant improvement. Im getting it Wednesday this week

[@uknown776]

SOMEONE PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION DO YOU LEAVE THE METAL BAR INNSSIDDEE YOUR CHHEST??? When you get pectus excavatum surgery

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

For specific questions, we suggest reaching out to a doctor and/or health car expert for more information.

[@coolhandluke4091]

Yes usually for a few years then you have a surgery to remove it. Mine was hell getting it put in and not nearly as bad getting it out

[@thatjazzybee3211]

Getting it done tomorrow wish me luck

[@thatjazzybee3211]

Want as bad as you guys said, just hard to go to bathroom and eat

[@Nicholas-kq8bf]

@@thatjazzybee3211 I’m getting it on Wednesday ! Super excited. I hope it went well for you

[@alexa2979]

How are you now? Tell me your experience, the pain, etc.

[@extreme000]

i just got the operation the worst is back pain that i haved becuse i wasnt allowed to sleep on the others parts but now i m doing recovery and it s doing good i finally have my chest relevied and my lungs could breath normaly and my heart beating more good.

[@cr_quint5714]

Soo I had my surgery this summer but my pain pomp that thing that gives you pain meds 24/7 didn’t work all the time so it was 2 as painful and something went wrong to soo now I had to do it again just did it again so pain full

[@anthonyjonas6236]

Guys I have a pretty bad pectus on 1 side. Pool parties were never my favorite but with that being said I lived my life like a good humble guy and I sware I pulled some 10s. I'm not talking those lip injection Kim Kardashian girls who people sat are the top woman I'm talking Natural absolutely beautiful woman who I rate a 9 or a 10. Now none ever lasted past 5 years. Not sure if my flaw was part of it. But I can say I slayed the best tang the world has to offer. Work out and carry yourself with respect and honor ,have many good friends in your life. You will slay if you obey what I say.

[@MoonRoach88]

😂 hell yea, i got pectus dawg, ive been made fun of but i never let it get to me. Ive been in a relationship for about 4 years ive never had surgery for it. Everyday i do pushups and try to stretch out my chest. Honestly pectus aint so bad just gotta keep your shoulders back and stretch it if you can. Ive had pain from it but stretching makes a HUGE difference. Idk but your comment is by far the best and most funny. Hope you doing good bru and keep slayin 😂 🙏

[@anthonyjonas6236]

@tylerlewis7094 Same to you bro. Best luck to you as well. I appreciate the love. Sending it right back at you brother. Keep slaying as well.

[@koolkevinc]

Does insurance cover this? What do you have to provide insurance for them to cover this?

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

For specific questions around insurance, we suggest reaching out to your individual insurance to find out if it is covered.

[@koincollector]

28 and did the surgery now nearly 6 months again. As I have a very painful other chronic illness I am accustomed to pain but the pain after the surgery with cryo was just a different level of horrible. With morphium it was kinda bearable but oral morphium had bad side effects for me so I was on maximum dose of non-morphium oral pain meds after I got release from the hospital and I couldn't really sleep for a very long time as I was in so much pain especially when lying down. 6 months after I am still in daily pain. And also important it really changes the shape of your chest, so especially if you have boobs, just be aware it will really change how your body looks, and obviously that's what we want, but for me not only in the way I had imagined or expected my body to change and the doctors didn't really mention that to me unfortunately beforehand. I honestly don't wanna scare people, you will 100% get through it and it's manageable. But for me with a like moderate case, I am not sure I would do it again. But I think you can never know how the pain is going to be as some people here are describing a very easy recovery. Good luck!!!

[@therealmarkzuckerberg]

I am considering having the surgery this summer. I am thirteen and my lower sternum is sunk in about 1 and a quarter inch. Can anyone give me a description of the pain?

[@RiverHope]

im 4 weeks late but whatever lol. this is a really long comment, so i don't wanna seem threatening, but hopefully this can help you a bit! (I'm also 13 btw, and i was 12 when i had the surgery) for me, the pain actually wasn't that bad until i had to get up. that was the worst part of the whole experience. every time i had to get up to reach for something, get out of bed, or just go on my laptop, i would feel excruciating pain. the only way i can explain it is the feeling of accidentally biting metal really hard, but in your chest (this lasted for about a month). other than that, the pain is kinda what I'm sure you imagine. i think the bad part is what most people don't talk about, after recovery. it's been over a year since my surgery and i still get pain every now and then. the way they put in my bar, it's slightly lopsided to the right. sometimes when i reach out with my right hand it hurts really bad. it got to the point where i was out of school for two weeks in fear of getting embarrassed or stuck. maybe this is just me, though (but all of my doctors say its 100% normal so idk). ANYWAY, back on topic, the other worst thing about after the surgery was actually the side effects of the anesthesia. basically, for some people after surgery, they can't use the bathroom. so, i woke up at 1 am, having to pee REALLY BAD, so i wake up my mom so she can help me to the bathroom (this was the first night after surgery, so we were still in the hospital in the same room together). we finally get to the bathroom, i sit down, anddddd nothing. then i started freaking out and crying because i really, really, REALLY had to go. so we get some doctors in the room, and they tell me i have to go back in the bed so they can do a thing to help me (needles. in the area. yeah.). SO, that was really painful and embarrassing. and guess what? IT DIDNT EVEN WORK. I don't wanna be TMI, but there was literally BLOOD. so, what was the point of me typing that all out? well, if you ARE getting the surgery, and you have this problem, PLEASE just ask for a warm damp washcloth, because that was the only thing that worked. don't let all this stuff discourage you from getting the surgery though, because if you really think you need it, you should get it. and if you do, i wish you good luck and a speedy recovery! :)

[@alexa2979]

Don’t you have to be 18 to do that?

[@AntonioBalducci41]

Yes, it hurts a lot.

[@hou1381]

I’m 22 years old anyone know if I’m too old I seen that it’s best to get it when you’re a teen

[@thomasm8051]

I know a guy that got the surgery at 23 or 24 I believe. Talk to your doctor about it

[@sterben5405]

I’m 13 and I have this, I notice that I run out of breath a lot faster and just recently I’ve been considering surgery. I’ve never had surgery before and the thought of having to clean stitches and stuff freaks me about but I feel like the benefits of the surgery out weight the temporary negatives. I just wanted to share this with someone.

[@t-rav4683]

Mushrumx yes dude, definitely get the surgery. Got it on Halloween of 2019 and the pain sucks. I scaled it as 9 out of 10. But the doctors take great care of you and my pain went down every hour a little until it only hurt when I took deep breaths or fast movements. I’m 16, which means my bones are a little harder and tougher than yours. So the pain might even be a little less for you. But the feeling once u can move around and breathe normally is incredible. I was so happy after I got it done. So to some it all up, yes you should get the surgery. Plus u get some cool scars on both sides of your chest, and u have a cool story to tell after it’s all done and your chest is back to normal😏

[@sterben5405]

T- Rav thanks for the positive words I’m going to see the doctor to talk about it soon

[@theknowgo5186]

I had the surgery about a year ago. I’m gonna tell you that the pain after surgery is extremely painful. I had really bad back pain and chest pain for about a month and a half. But in all honesty i am very glad I did have it. My self confidence grew and I feel a lot better. It is definitely worth it just know that it isn’t easy. But Good Luck!!!

[@kylie-xz7fn]

hi i’m 13 too, i’m a girl and i run out of breath so fast too and my chest looks really flat but i want to get a surgery but i’m afraid of scarring and stitches

[@DodgeMyViper]

@@kylie-xz7fn you say your chest is flat? So do you also have an indentation that goes inward or?

[@icedrop1812]

Getting this tomorrow, my chest goes in extremely the most the surgeon has ever seen praying it goes wel

[@sebasc1663]

Good luck man I had mine recently I hope it goes well

[@zakariassubeh1376]

How did it go?

[@Rgzz10]

How are you now?

[@Soggersnuggets]

People who comment here they will have surgery never come back to answer again. I think they all die after the surgery wtf

[@alexa2979]

How are you now?

[@davidmasteryearslater]

Few questions if you have the time to answer: 1. Are you able to get sleeping pills during the operation? 2. After how long did the pain go away? 3. After how long did you notice a change in your pectus?

[@SillySandiego]

I haven’t got it done yet but it’s under anesthesia. For me they’re doing the whole killing nerve cells thing and a guy said it didn’t hurt that much because of that. And the change is instant according to my doctor.

[@fireclips4u]

@@SillySandiegohow did it go?

[@whois6169]

I'm considering this surgery, im 17 but my biggest worry isnt the pain, it's my gym progress actually, does anybody know for how long i will not be able to workout or do some other harder activities?

[@TeddySteezy]

I got told around 3 months

[@TeddySteezy]

Could be around 5 moths

[@davidmasteryearslater]

I'm 17, I first noticed my pectus a few years ago when someone in the changing rooms asked why I had a hole in my chest which I never noticed since it gradually sunk without knowing. It got worse and eventually started wearing shirts when I went in the pools, my friends were always confused as some were fat and they're the ones with their shirts off. My friends and family thinks I'm insecure of being skinny which I couldn't care about being skinny. Around 15 I did researched and noticed it was fixable, started doing exersises, didnt work. I wanted to go doctors to either get vacuum bell or surgery but I was too scared to tell my parents since its too embarassing. Now I'm 17, it could have probably been fixed by now but I was too scared to ask. Hate life

[@davidmasteryearslater]

Still havent asked btw

[@DaddySaddo]

@@davidmasteryearslaterYou should do the surgery immediately before it get worse and if you're wandering yes it hurts am 2 weeks post op and the first week was the worst I have ever felt but the pain disappears with time

[@pleasepeople7477]

As a parent who’s son is having this surgery this summer at 16, I would recommend talking to your parents and if you are in a state where you have say in your health you can request surgery. I wish you the best of luck

[@greyson_boi6301]

coming from someone who got this done its not worth it

[@cia744]

So don't do surgery??? or use brace??

[@thizfeeling799]

answer me brotha, I got the surgery now im 16 mine is still deep but not that bad I will never ever get second surgery. How is yours??? Pls answer mee

[@greyson_boi6301]

@@thizfeeling799 alright i still have it in me but im doing good no it's not worth the pain but im can't really tell you how it is for me becuse i still have it in

[@greyson_boi6301]

@@thizfeeling799 May god bless you, bro

[@thizfeeling799]

@@greyson_boi6301 thank you brotha, I hope i dont grow up anymore I can easily take a breath, do workout, it doesn't effect my heart and lungs but now I'm a little bit good.

[@Ryland-n1e]

Welp im Getting that soon so

[@claysmor9807]

How much does it cost in the states? With a d without insurance?

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

Unfortunately, we cannot provide that information via this communication.

[@showmesaber9748]

i hate my pectus excavatum, i want to get this surgery im just scared of the pain. is it really that painful? Will the process be done to me while im awake? and what happens if i wake up during all this? ultimatley im asking if im awake during this operation and if it actually hurts. im a multi sport athlete. all my sports being high contact, so should i wait to get this procedure after i finish playing sports?

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

Hi, we suggest talking to your doctor about your concerns. If you would like to make an appointment at John Hopkins Medicine please call 855-695-4872. Please note, many of our offices are reaching out to patients to reschedule appointments as video visits; this will depend on visit type and currently, these are only available for existing patients. Please call the above number to learn more about what options may be available for your specific situation. You can see more on our patient and visitor guidelines at www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/index.html#patient-visitor-alerts

[@reddeadshots1]

Mine is extremely deep and I'm terrified to have the operation

[@joshmeaker2861]

Just had mine done I went to Levine children’s hospital I was rated to have a 7 on the severity scale which I was told was pretty bad I’m about 5 days in right now and damnnn it hurts like a mf for the first 4 days but bro after that it just feels weird. Number one thing was to get off the opioids ASAP. After that I delt with the pain it was excruciating. But it’s so worth it. my self esteem is way higher and I feel great I’d say get it man

[@reddeadshots1]

@@joshmeaker2861 yeah I don't have a choice 😅

[@androw5342]

How was it

[@krzyash1612]

@@joshmeaker2861 i’m glad to hear your doing better. quick question, did you receive cryoablation for pain management?

[@amirsheikh3998]

How much money will be needed for this surgery???

[@t-rav4683]

Amir Sheikh around 70k all together with procedures and scans before surgery up to when u leave the hospital after surgery

[@amirsheikh3998]

@@t-rav4683 Dollars???

[@t-rav4683]

Yes

[@theknowgo5186]

Insurance covered most of mine so I only paid around 4-500 dollars. But altogether mine was only about 63k it really depends where you get it and how severe it is.

[@oscarstald]

I am going to get mine for free cuz i live in Denmark

[@villageidiot4782]

why couldn't I have just been born normal

[@jrwwp]

You could’ve been born completely deformed, as well. Work with what you have.

[@coolhandluke4091]

I hear you friend but understand there are people born with diseases and things that are far far worse. I have friends with a genetic form of muscular dystrophy, that is hell.