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Pectus Dude
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Posts: 971
Registered: 9-2-2009
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Mood: Onwards and Upwards
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I've Had Enough
I have done my best with the persistent and unwavering intercostal nerve pain and the worsening rib flare. However, I have decided that I am not
willing to allow my life to continue like this. It is not worth it for me. So I have decided to take matters into my own hands. It is time to take
decisive action.
I will have both my bars removed and my remaining rib flare corrected as soon as I can take some time off from my job - which will be in January 2011.
At that time I will have had my bars in for 20 months. 20 months of pain and disappointment. That is enough.
So, for me, only 6 more months until I end this wretched journey. And not a moment too soon.
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Fresh
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Registered: 7-25-2006
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I'm sorry to hear this Pectus Dude. Any chance of you reconsidering? I'd hate to see some of the results disappear due to early removal 
You've made it over the hump of 1 1/2 years. Less than halfway to go...
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Pectus Dude
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Quote: Originally posted by Fresh  | I'm sorry to hear this Pectus Dude. Any chance of you reconsidering? I'd hate to see some of the results disappear due to early removal
You've made it over the hump of 1 1/2 years. Less than halfway to go... |
No, I have thought long and hard and have made up my mind. I have had enough and do not want to live like this for another 22 months until I reach
the 3 year mark.
I have discussed all of this with Professor Schaarschmidt and he is agreeable to early removal and rib repair. He does not see it being a problem to
have the bars out at 20 months.
But if I do regress then, as Ma Sheila would say, that's just tough titties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp8pIQ3Eh2A
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S.T.I.L.L
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Posts: 547
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Hey Troy, I feel sorry for you that you have to go trough all the pain each day, and I know that consistent pain can be a mental challenge. Anyway, I
respect the decission if Schaar say that it should not be a problem then it should probably not be a problem 
Anyway, I think you should wait a little more, maybe 3 - 4 months before you order an appointment. I would guess that some days are better than
others, and maybe this is just a crappy day in a crappy week.
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Carl
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Posts: 77
Registered: 6-17-2007
Location: UK
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Pectus Dude,
I have been in the same position as you; does this pain even persist when you’re not doing physical activities?
I have wanted these bars removed numerous times and set myself time limits such as 18 months but as time goes on I have ended up pushing the goals
further and further and now I’m approaching 2 years 1 month.
It has been one hell of ride and one which has required me to change my life style until the bars are removed, I can honestly say this whole
experience has taught me the art of self discipline and patience.
Some days I have been crippled with pain and had to stop what I'm doing and go home and lie on the bed until the pain passes, I have had to accept I
cannot do the things I could do before the bars were inserted, its not ideal and certainly not the way I imagined it to be, I had visions of pumping
iron in the gym etc but this has had to be put on hold until the bars are removed.
I decided I had spent a lot of money, effort and been through too much pain to have the bars removed before 2 years, I owed it to myself to make that
mile stone.
I don’t know what your current activities are but if you are still doing weights ect, maybe you need to reevaluate the whole situation and have
patience trying to get the body you want, it will happen just maybe a little longer than planned.
I think your thoughts about possible regression being just tough titties would change somewhat if it did happen into what a tit I am!!! why didnt i
just keep those bars in for another 4 months !!!!
whatever you decide I hope it all works out.
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runs
Posting Freak
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Registered: 10-3-2005
Location: colorado
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Hey Troy,
I'm relieved for a moment there I thought you meant you were going to remove your bars yourself over the kitchen sink.
Question........Does Scharr explain why you are having so much pain since it seems so many post op people are experiancing it. And any other
alternatives to deal with it or fix the problem.
Sorry to hear and wish you only the best no matter what....runs
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Pectus Dude
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The pain is not my only issue. I don't want to wait any longer to have my ribs corrected.
I was given to options. The first as I described above. The second was to have the ribs fixed and the lower bar out NOW and then the upper bar out
at a later time in a third and final surgery. I have chosen the first option.
I am not having a bad day. I have just decided that this is what I want to do.
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GongoBongo
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Registered: 10-26-2008
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PD, sorry my friend for the ordeal you're going through...I know the pain all too well. I've often thought of doing the same thing, but I'm fearing
that the pain has little to do with the bars and more to do with nerve damage. Therefore, taking the bars out early will not solve anything in theory,
but I'm very proud of your stance and I wish you well. If it goes allright for you, then I certainly might not wait for the 3 year period. You are one
brave dude. It never even occurred to me to take them out early, but it certainly is becoming more and more enticing. Another "old" guy took them out
relatively early (Henry) and he seems perfectly fine, I think...
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itapol
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Posts: 476
Registered: 3-27-2006
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PD,
2 yrs with the bars in is plenty of time. Most people leave them in for 3 yrs because they think it will make a differnece and in fact it doesnt. If
your gonna do it after 20 months you may as well just wait till the 24 month mark.
I dont know what the pain feels like that your experiencing but I thought you had it under control. After talking to Davy quite a bit I can only
imagine that it is rough. He has stated that it is unbearable, at a level 10 eight months after surgery. Something definitely has to be done. I would
say try to get a hold of Dr.Schaar for his opinion but it seems like he isnt responding to anyones messages, not sure what thats all about. Best of
luck mate, sorry you have to deal with this [Censored]. Gotta tell you though, you look prety ripped in this profile picture.
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mjm
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Registered: 9-14-2006
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PD,
Sorry for your situation. I had my bars out at 22 months for VERY similar reasons to you...that was almost 2 years ago and I won't jinx myself by
actually saying the words....but I think you know what I'm getting at
Best of luck to you.
John
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Sinister
Contributing Member
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Registered: 5-6-2010
Location: Oklahoma
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Troy,
You're a very smart guy and have obviously thought this through. I'm surely not in a place to do anything other than support your decision and I do.
This last year and a half has been brutal for you, both mentally and physically.
Hopefully Schaar can give you a near perfect fix with your ribs and allow you to move on past this stage of life and begin to truly enjoy life.
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jojane13
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Registered: 11-29-2009
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PD,
I know you've given this matter extensive thought, and so like Sinister I support you in whatever you decide to do. I hope that you feel much better
with the bars out, and that you find peace with the outcome. You've been an amazing support to so many of us along the way, and you deserve to have
good things happen for you. Hopefully Dr. Schaar can make you feel better and fix your rib flare too.
I have to say, this is making me seriously question my decision to have surgery in the fall! Going through constant pain for 3 years that interferes
with my ability to function isn't something to enter into lightly!
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itapol
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It only seems like the people that are having 2 bars in are experiencing this tremendous pain. Meaning that the one bar that is higher up in the
thoracic cavity were the pain seems to generate. Regardless it shouldnt happen and it sucks for all those dealing with it. Dont let this sway your
decision Jojane13 just do research and ask questions.
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PectsNY
Contributing Member
Posts: 46
Registered: 7-9-2010
Location: New York
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Mood: Well it's alright.!
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`Hi...I'm sorry to hear of all this pain and discomfort.!...Which brings me back to my initial question of Nuss vs. Ravitch(modified)...How many
suffer from this bar placement...and how bad is it in comparison to the Ravitch proceedure...Now I'm confused as ever.I feel badly for you...No one
should suffer through with pain.Are you taking meds and if so what are you taking?...Are the meds NOT working ???...AT ALL???..
best regards,I hope you find some comfort.
PNY
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singer
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Registered: 9-9-2006
Location: Indiana
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Mood: Hoping for pain-free days ahead!
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I sympathize with you, totally. I just wish my problem could be fixed with early bar removal. Unfortunately, I don't have any bars to remove! I think
I waited too long to have the correction done and now I'm paying the price.
I too, have had constant pain since my Ravitch three years ago........just last week Dr. Chen did a "revision" and removed more cartilage that was
rubbing against my ribs. Hopefully, it will improve my pain situation as time goes on. My pain is back to being a 10 on the scale every day so I know
exactly how you feel. Life is hard enough as it is plus add chronic pain to that and you can have some very challenging days. I can understand why you
came to this conclusion......I would have done the same thing.
I wish you God's Blessing's over the next few months and that your health issues continue to improve.
Martie
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PectsNY
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Location: New York
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Ravitch
Hi Martie,How old were you when you had the Ravitch done?...Where and by whom?...I'm leaning towards a Ravitch but the Nuss is tugging at me.Are you
really experiencing chronic pain from your chest?...I have a chronic lower spine that I've learned to manage over the years.I sympathize with you
brother it's awful.Please let me know.Any and all info is helpful.Take care.I hope you find relief somewhere.Have you ever tried accupuncture?
REGARDS,pny
| Quote: Originally posted by singer | I sympathize with you, totally. I just wish my problem could be fixed with early bar removal. Unfortunately, I don't have any bars to remove! I think
I waited too long to have the correction done and now I'm paying the price.
I too, have had constant pain since my Ravitch three years ago........just last week Dr. Chen did a "revision" and removed more cartilage that was
rubbing against my ribs. Hopefully, it will improve my pain situation as time goes on. My pain is back to being a 10 on the scale every day so I know
exactly how you feel. Life is hard enough as it is plus add chronic pain to that and you can have some very challenging days. I can understand why you
came to this conclusion......I would have done the same thing.
I wish you God's Blessing's over the next few months and that your health issues continue to improve.
Martie |
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Young_Man
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Good decision, i would have had mine out at 18 months if i'd had the funds. IMO all that extra year would buy you is about a 1-2% reduction in risk of
regression. I always thought the job was complete by 18 months and anything after is just playing it safe. Your not growing any more, i don't see
any reason to prolong it when you hate them so much. Good luck!
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Reynolds86
Contributing Member
Posts: 286
Registered: 4-21-2009
Location: North West England
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Troy I have been on your journey from the start and have listened to your ups and downs, I really hope your making the right choice, I dot know what i
would do if you got regression, i really hope you dont! please at least wait untill the 20 month mark then decide pal! ideally you want those bars in
for as long as you can! When i get nussed those bars are never coming out!!!!!!!!!!!
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Pecribz
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20 month mark seems about right, good luck!
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withPC
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Location: Washington DC
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Dude, you are pillar of this site. People are looking up to you. Lead us for the victory!
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girlwithpec
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Hey PD,
I also support you whatever you've decided. I can imagine the pain that can be unbearable at times eventhough I haven't felt it ever before.
So if you feel like taking your bars out a little earlier than planned, than just go ahead, we'll all support you here, that's what we are here for
after all. You and many others have been such a great help for all of us!
Take care!
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Randy
Contibuting Member
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Location: St. Louis MO
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Hey Troy
Man that pain train just wont let go of you, that stinks! I know how you feel, I have the same pain too. We all handle it differently. 20 -24 months
may be fine for some people, each body composition is different, so some will not experience any regression and others may.
Carl stated:
I can honestly say this whole experience has taught me the art of self discipline and patience.
Great Statement, and so very true. We all need to understand and practice each day Self- Discipline and Patience. It is a major ingredient in the
success of each endeavor we undertake. With out discipline we become mushey and dull. Discipline allows the growth we seek from endeavor we choose. As
those who read my post's understand my srtonge stance on Carls' point. Without Discipline there is no growth or learning or advancements or internet
or Nuss or Ravitch. There is, with out discipline, obesity. stress, poverty, violence, quitting or not trying.... endless list of problems.
With that said. Troy, if you are convinced this is the absolute best derision that is in the best interest of your physique, then move forward with
early bar removal. You have practiced discipline in waiting for the pain to lower for 14months?? soon to be 20 months. Let me ask you this question.
If the pain swiftly left you for no know reason, Would you still seek bar removal at 20 months? If you say Yes, then Pain would not be any reason for
bar removal. Would you still seek bar removal at 20 months? With no immediate pain, the only issue that remains is the rib flare. Would you seek early
bar removal, assuming no pain, to fix the flare? ok ok ok ok enough Q's, you can see my probing questions and where I am going with them. Let me
suggest to move forward as you have expressed with early bar removal. Yet, keep an alternative option available should your pain mysteriously
disappear. You can be extremely rational when the issue demands, would it be worth the slight risk of experiencing regression by early bar removal in
exchange for an un-guaranteed flared rib fix. Please evaluate all the current data to formulate your decision for early bar removal. Keep in mind
current data leaves open the option for the unknown future data that is coming.
Wanna room with me at Helios? Im looking at January 2011 (if I have the cash) for Bar-Removal and a little rib flair fix. That would be a trip! My
sister said she would go with me so she could take care of both of us when we are all smashed up for Schaar.
Looking forward to your reply.
Check yor Skype account.
Randy
well, just taking one day at a time and Praying our Great Country "Gets Back On It's Feet"
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Davy1
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| Quote: Originally posted by Reynolds86 | | Troy I have been on your journey from the start and have listened to your ups and downs, I really hope your making the right choice, I dot know what i
would do if you got regression, i really hope you dont! please at least wait untill the 20 month mark then decide pal! ideally you want those bars in
for as long as you can! When i get nussed those bars are never coming out!!!!!!!!!!! |
Hello there! When I get nussed those bars are never coming out??? I like that. Lets see if your in lots of pain. You might feel a bit different. I
love my new chest but cant wait till I get rid of these fliipin bars!!!!!
Wishing you tons of success with your nuss and wishing you no pain as well!
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Davy1
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Registered: 5-23-2008
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| Quote: Originally posted by Pectus Dude | I have done my best with the persistent and unwavering intercostal nerve pain and the worsening rib flare. However, I have decided that I am not
willing to allow my life to continue like this. It is not worth it for me. So I have decided to take matters into my own hands. It is time to take
decisive action.
I will have both my bars removed and my remaining rib flare corrected as soon as I can take some time off from my job - which will be in January 2011.
At that time I will have had my bars in for 20 months. 20 months of pain and disappointment. That is enough.
So, for me, only 6 more months until I end this wretched journey. And not a moment too soon.
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Wishing you tons of success with the removal. I think 20 months will be long enough. I repeat I "think". Not sure but think so.
Interesting was that graph someone posted on the boards about regression rates and 2 years and 3 years were both very similar. So why have the bars in
for 3 years then? Good question.
One thing a few mentioned was that they totally thought it was fine to have them out after 2 years if the person had no pain. To them they meant no
pain = bones have stopped moving around and are now strong in there new place.
For me as you know I have tons of pain. However if it is nerves, then my bones are probably solid in there new place right??? Hmm I dont feel like
they are solid. I still feel like they move around. Or is that my mind playing tricks on me???
Wishing you tons of luck with bar removal. I think it will go well and hopefully that will be the last you see of herman as well.
Davy
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Pectus Dude
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| Quote: Originally posted by Randy |
Let me ask you this question. If the pain swiftly left you for no know reason, Would you still seek bar removal at 20 months? If you say Yes, then
Pain would not be any reason for bar removal. Would you still seek bar removal at 20 months? With no immediate pain, the only issue that remains is
the rib flare. Would you seek early bar removal, assuming no pain, to fix the flare?
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Randy, the pain is not the primary reason. As I have mentioned before, the pain is an annoyance but I have learned to deal with it. I am having
early removal to fix the worsening rib flare. Without the rib flare, I would be very happy.
Professor Schaarschmidt has told me that removal of both bars at 18 months is feasible. I will leave them in a little longer than that. I am led to
believe that the risk of regression between 20 months and 36 months, for someone of my age, is insignificant.
The other option given to me by Professor Schaarschmidt is as follows:
(1) Remove one bar and fix the ribs NOW (i.e. next month).
(2) Remove the second bar and have a go at the ribs for a third time, if necessary, at 3 years.
I don't want to have two more surgeries. So I have opted for removal of both bars at 20 months. Hopefully, God will smile upon me. If not, then I
will have to decide what to do at that time.
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