UAtraveler
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Registered: 8-11-2010
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My PE Photos. Your Opinion Would be Appreciated.
Hi, Everyone.
I'm 32 years old and have struggled with PE since I was a teenager. Some people tell me my case is mild and nothing to worry about; nonetheless, that
doesn't make me any less self conscious about running around shirtless.
I realize I need to lose a bit of weight, and since the photos were taken I've already taken off five pounds.
If you all wouldn't mind rating me, I'd appreciate it.
Also, if you all could let me know how serious my case is and whether or not you think I should consider getting surgery, I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks!
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Pectosaurus
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Registered: 3-4-2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
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Mood: weaning off pills...
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I'd like to see a side photo of you... You definitely have some PE but it always seems less severe (at least to me) full on from the front. I don't
think you need to lose any weight though mate! You look good!
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UAtraveler
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Links to Photos
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate it. I added a link in my initial post with some pictures of me on the side that may change your opinion about
me losing weight and the severity of my PE.
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Sinister
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Registered: 5-6-2010
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Mood: Optimistic
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Hi UA,
Welcome to the boards.
It seems to me that you probably have moderate PE, some upper and lower and symmetrical as far as I can tell. Just out of curiousity I'd be
interested to hear who it was that told you your case is mild and not to worry about it. I'd guess a.) a doctor and b.)someone without PE. Funny how
they always say the same thing 
You'll find many, many more on here that have been told the same exact thing as you only to suffer both physically and mentally over the years.
I don't think you need to lose anymore weight either.
Nussed 7 Jul 2010 by Pilegaard
Aarhus, Denmark
" Whatever you have, you must make the most of it. Rest assured that you can
transform yourself, no matter where you started from. The most important body part is
the mind.”
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UAtraveler
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Thanks for your feedback and welcome! The two people that told me this were were my mom and best friend. I should have figured that they would
naturally sugarcoat things to make me feel better about myself.
It's crazy how people in this situation just can't even begin to comprehend what we go through. I never take my shirt off in public, something most
men never think twice about doing.
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stephanie001
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Registered: 11-29-2009
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HI UAtraveler! From the frontal view it looks like just some mild PE, like other commenters i think a side photo would be helpful.
and by the way you DO NOT need to lose any weight!!!
-steph
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UAtraveler
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Hi, Steph.
Thanks for your comments. I posted two side photos at these links:
http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx248/UAtraveler/Summer2010310.j...
http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx248/UAtraveler/Summer2010338.j...
Maybe that will help you guys better determine how serious my case is.
P.S. Can anyone tell me how to post more than one photo here? Every time I try, I'm limited to one.
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jojane13
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Registered: 11-29-2009
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Hi and welcome, UATraveler! It's nice to meet you and I hope you find lots of support and answers to your questions here.
As for the pictures, your PE doesn't seem "severe" to me. I'm guessing maybe it's somewhere in the moderate range? It's hard for me to judge based
on photos though. Plus mine's really, really deep and asymmetric, so compared to what I see in the mirror every day, yours doesn't look so bad. But
all that matters is how you feel about it. If it's affecting you psychologically and you're unable to cope with it, then you should definitely look
into your options. I haven't had surgery yet so I don't feel I'm qualified to advise you to do that. From everyone's accounts, it's an extremely
rough ride, so only you can know if it's worth it for you.
Your first step though is to see a doctor and get the ball rolling with the required testing to find out just how bad your dent truly is. It's
traditionally been a CT scan of the chest to start with, but recently I've been told that they're changing that and recommending an MRI instead. (CT
scans expose the patient to a lot of radiation, whereas MRI's are safer.) Either way, make sure your ordering physician asks the reading radiologist
to calculate your "Haller Index". That's a numerical rating of the defect based on the dimensions of your chest, which the insurance companies use to
assess severity of PE or PC.
Also, your doctor should order an echo of your heart, a pulmonary function test, and an exercise stress test. All of those tests would be looking for
signs of heart and/or lung compromise as a result of your PE.
Good luck with things. If you have any questions feel free to ask because everyone here is very helpful and supportive.
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vanessa_b
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Registered: 10-5-2009
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Welcome UAtraveler! I think your PE is somewhere in the range of mild to moderate. The good news is it definitely doesn't look severe. As for
losing weight, I think the issue might be that you have the charaacteristic little pot belly associated with PE. Almost ALL of us on this site have
the strange paradox of being thin but having a bit if a belly. For many people, it's caused by flared ribs. It looks like you might have some rub
flaring but nothing too bad. Either way, I don't think you need to lose weight. I think you're quite good looking!
Anyway, the bottom line is that you do have PE and it's emotionally affecting you. You have to decide if you want to go down the serious path of
surgical correction or if you want to keep the PE and learn to be at peace with it. Whatever you decide, there are people here to commiserate and
give advice.
Good luck!
Another thing just occurred to me. I notice that you have long, thin fingers. Are you by any chance double-jointed or particularly flexible? Do any
of your joints dislocate easily? You might want to be checked out for Marfan Syndrome or another connective tissue disorder if so.
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UAtraveler
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Registered: 8-11-2010
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Vanessa and Joanne,
It's nice to meet you both as well; thank you for your comments and kind thoughts. Your sentiments mean a lot to me.
When I was 17, I was checked for Marfan Syndrome and fortunately, the results turned up negative. I am completely inflexible, and I've had the gamut
of tests related to lung and heart issues and they all show I'm healthy for my age. Although, I've never had an MRI, that's something I will consider
doing when I get back to America later in the year.
Also, you guys are teaching me a lot here. I had no idea that this mini-pot belly was associated with PE. I seriously have to work out like crazy to
thin it out, and when I'm not hitting the gym daily, the appearance of being three months pregnant comes on rapidly.
When I tell people I need to lose weight, they look at me like I'm nuts, but they really have no idea what's under my shirt. The other skinny features
of my body (i.e. arms, legs, fingers) mask what's really going on underneath the dent.
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Skiddy
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Posts: 431
Registered: 7-30-2009
Location: Nottingham.UK
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Mood: Great. No P.E!
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Hi. I too think moderate. It always shows more if you have a bit of a tum. Slight rib flaring too. Which can make it look worse.
Again if it is causing problems then you need to get it checked out. Wether it be physical or mental problems.
All the best.
Don't take crap from doctor's. Some will be very negative about p.e. If you feel its affecting you then get some help.
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