13 year old DS diagnosed with Pectus Excavatum.

[maple]

I've seen people here and there with this depression in thier chest and figured it had to be something. I'm very happy you found someone on here to reassure you during this time in your life. That's awesome. I'm sure your son will do great.

 

[henjoy]

My brother's nephew had this condition and had the surgery. He did very well through the surgery and is now doing great! He was up and about is a very short time. His mom was really scared, but he was old enough to have a say in the matter and he chose the surgery. I'm sure that your son will do well. Good luck!

 

[HHandbasket]

I don't know anyone personally who has had the surgery, but in my 27 years as a medical transcriptionist, I have transcribed the operative reports for repair of pectus excavatum many times. There is also a condition called "pectus carinatum" that is the opposite--the breast bone protrudes, and it is often called "pigeon breast".

I have yet to transcribe a report on a patient who had difficulty with the surgery or significant complications afterward. Any surgery has some accompanying risks and some accompanying pain, but this is one that surgeons have had a lot of success with.

I'm sure your son will do well.

He's young and otherwise healthy, and those are definitely working in his favor.

 

[classicsredone]

My grandmother's foster son (I guess my foster-uncle) has Marfan syndrome, and he had reconstructive surgery a few years ago. I believe he had the more extensive surgery due to the extent of the curvature, and the already existing heart issues. His chest looks a lot better now, and for all of the work the poor guy has had done, the scarring isn't that obvious.

 

[juliechick]

Quote:
That is comforting to know! We know a young man who had it when he was 18 and he talked like it was pretty easy and he recovered quickly. I'm pretty optimistic about it right now. Noah wants to have it done and we are more and more convinced it's the right choice. We did notice him being abnormally tired this last year. He would come home from school exhausted every day and not want to do anything at all. That just isn't right for a 13 year old. I can understand needing a little down time after school, but he just wasn't interested in anything. I don't know how much of that was because of the pectus and how much was just being a teenager. Guess we'll find out.

 

[watchdogps]

I had a boyfriend years ago (we were 19/20ish) who had that. His was pretty notable, he would joke and call it his cereal bowl. He had no problems resulting and never had any surgery. But, he never had shortness of breath or any other issues due to it. He was a high school wrestler and volleyball player.

 

[Mattemma]

I think my ds(9) has the pigeon breast. I remember the ped calling it pigeon chest when he was a baby.Nothing else was ever said,so I am hoping it is not a big issue.Might be a cosmetic one.Best wishes for your son!