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Mandala
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Posts: 107
Registered: 7-1-2011
Location: Bay area
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21 y/o male getting nussed 8/30/11 w/ Dr J
Location: California bay area
Age: 21
Sex: male
Born with pectus excavatum, progressed through teens. Getting nussed at Mayo Clinic Hospital by Dr Jaroszewski.
Here's my initial thread about this:
http://www.pectusinfo.com/board/viewthread.php?tid=8791
Before pics:
http://s1112.photobucket.com/albums/k495/cajillionaire/PE/ pw is pterodactyl
After pics:
http://s1112.photobucket.com/albums/k495/cajillionaire/Post%... same pass
Haller index is a 4.17 on expiration which is considered severe.
The consultation was like 5 weeks ago. When it happened I was willing to go into surgery that day, just wanted that dent gone. I would've taken on
anything to get my chest fixed. She could have pulled out a rusty crowbar and told me it was going into my chest and I would've said "How soon can I
go under?". But time has changed my attitude quite a bit. Now I'm more cautious, I don't think I initially realized how difficult the recovery was
going to be, and I was telling myself I would just soldier through. Lately I've been more realistic with myself.
I've never really acknowledged my PE with anyone. But this whole process has forced me to do so, making me come to terms with myself. I definitely
feel more confident and less self conscious around friends and family. A little bit around strangers too. Almost like I could live with it. Almost.
There were two events that reaffirmed my commitment to getting nussed. The first was a trip to the beach on a nice sunny day where I was relegated to
the confines of my shirt, which reminded me that no matter how I feel around friends and family, if I took my shirt off children would still look at
me like I was in a horrible disfiguring accident. The second was a day of paintball where my chest was sore and painful before the day had even ended.
That never used to happen. Plus I'm setting myself up for health issues down the line.
I wanted to make a comment about my GP. He never considered that PE could be affecting me negatively even after I came in complaining of pain in my
dent area. I did the consult and set up the surgery without his knowledge. However, he wasn't angry or mean. He was very supportive, kind and
professional. His attitude was along the lines of "wow, I didn't know it could be this bad, best of luck to you". Not all primary care doctors are
evil and angry, just misinformed or uninformed.
Anyhow, I'm looking forward to the surgery. Its going to be a big change in my life. A lot of the time I'm averse to changes in my lifestyle but this
time I know its for the better. Hopefully it will help me to change my lifestyle in a lot of other positive ways (be more social, do better at school,
go to the gym, etc.) some of which are related (gym, social) others aren't.
I cannot wait to take my shirt off and tan. Or go for a swim without my shirt. Or walk around on a windy day not giving a single [Censored].
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one
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Registered: 6-12-2011
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who did you set a consult with about pe? i went to my gp and was then referred me to a cardiologist, who dismissed my pe and said i was healthy.
ive asked plenty times for a mri or ct scan but they did every other test
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Mandala
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Registered: 7-1-2011
Location: Bay area
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My consult was with Dr. Jaroszewski at the Mayo Clinic hospital in Arizona. Her email is Jaroszewski.Dawn@mayo.edu
If you send her some pics, tell her your situation and say that you would like a consult she'll forward you through the proper channels and they will
set it up so you do the CT as the same day as the consult.
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Pec T
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Registered: 6-27-2011
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I too am fearful of how difficult recovery from the nuss procedure can be. While I'm comfortable around family and friends like yourself, it's
always the stares that make me feel different too. On top of that all my last two girlfriends have commented on my chest which also made me feel
worthless. PE related health issues have only intensified as I've become older(almost 30), which is why I'm so determined to get the surgery done
soon.
Keep your eyes on the prize and hopefully your recovery will be smooth as silk. Live at the beach after your surgery and embrace the wind like never
before. I truly wish you all the best man, you are going to hit it out of the park.
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mhbrown03
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Registered: 9-16-2010
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Mandala,
Life rejuvenation is headed your way my friend. Your confidence will skyrocket and you'll begin enjoying the simple things as you mentioned that many
of us would shy away from in the past. I am betting you'll have amazing results based on your age and pictures. I was 35 when Nuss'd (Aug. 2010) but
feel as if I'm a kid at times now. I'm doing things now that I never did in all of my life (water parks w/ my kids, ran a half marathon last month).
Make sure you ask away throughout the process if you have any questions. We are all here to help. Look forward to seeing your results in a few weeks.
Congrats man.....
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Diggity
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Posts: 53
Registered: 8-15-2011
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Hey bud, I completely understand how you feel. I just got scheduled for the Nuss with Dr. J for the beginning of October. Once I was added to the
schedule, I immediately began to question whether I made the right choice or not. I think it is completely natural. It is like buyer's remorse, only
much worse because we are talking about our livelihood here, not some material object... It seems like the overwhelming majority of people on this
forum that have undergone the surgery are extremely happy that they went through with it. It changed their lives, and they are willing to share their
experiences and advice with everyone who has PE (thank you!). It will be our job after getting nussed to pay it forward just as they have done.
I realized that if I don't go through with it, I am going to spend the rest of my life worrying about how it is going to continue to affect my health
and how the appearance looks. That is probably more painful than the pain I will endure while trying to recover. You are going to do amazing!!! I
will be following your journal closely to see how you are making out. You are in excellent hands! - Adam
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Mandala
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Posts: 107
Registered: 7-1-2011
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mhbrown- I'm really looking forward to it. Going to a waterpark is literally unbelievable at this point in my life.
Diggity- Yeah I actually saw your post a while back but neglected to comment because well, I could only put off studying for my final for so long.
There are definitely a lot of unknowns and it would be easier to just walk away. It's the same way with a lot of important things in life. But I'm not
exactly the kind of person who is averse to risk and change. At least I don't want to be. Sometimes you gotta drive through the fog to see a
spectacular view.
I'd almost say that I'm now more intent on getting it done. Before there was a bit of doubt in my bravado. I've realized this isn't a fight and going
in overconfident and guns blazing is not the right attitude. This is my life, this is how I want my life to be and I want to make it as enjoyable as
possible. I've already missed out on so much in my best years because I neglected to get this dealt with sooner. Add to that the fact that I've not
seen a single post about how they regret the fact that they no longer have a dent in their chest.
Is it odd that I'm worried about her my chest being overcorrected? I've seen some people's post op pics and their chests are just super flat,
sometimes with a bit of PC. Now I've never seen this with any of Dr. J's patients, but its still in the back of my mind. I'm not exactly muscular but
I'd like for my chest not to look awkward if I start bulking up.
Speaking of which I've heard its best not to do a lot of exercising before the surgery so I've been doing a bit of stretching and I'm also eating a
lot of delicious foods (skirt steak, bacon) so I'll have weight to lose while I'm recovering.
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mhbrown03
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Registered: 9-16-2010
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Mandala,
Gaining a few pounds before surgery is a good idea. I lost 18lbs during my recovery. I am one year post op. and have gained it back plus an extra 5 or
so.
That water park experience (Legoland) last month was something I would have never imagined I would ever do. I was a bit uneasy at first (long lines
being shirtless) but quickly became a 36yr old going on 12!! Racing my kids back up to the top of the slide. It was an experience I'll never forget.
Your time is coming
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Mandala
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Posts: 107
Registered: 7-1-2011
Location: Bay area
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I didn't know legoland had a waterpark.
Speaking of water: for the first time in ages I packed a swimsuit. When I'm discharged I plan on taking a dip in the marriott pool. Last time it was
filled with older people so I won't feel too self conscious with my farmers tan.
Quick update: Aced my final. Left college. At home now. Just killing time until my flight sunday. Can't wait for my chest to be fixed.
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OldButYoung
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Posts: 739
Registered: 8-24-2010
Location: Southern California
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Congrats on your final. Now all you need to do is let Dr J ace your surgery!
For sure I would check with her about the pool. The scars as still healing and there may be too much risk of infection in a public pool. That is the
last thing you want. Also, she told more than once, no direct sunlight on the scars otherwise they won't fade as much as they should. Good luck.
OBY
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Mandala
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Registered: 7-1-2011
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Back in Phoenix. I'll be here a grand total of 10 days, so if any other pectus patients are around feel free to contact me.
I'm not too worried about direct sunlight on the wounds. I can always swim in the evening or just put some bandaids on. But if there's a risk of
infection I definitely won't be taking a dip.
Anyway, pre op tomorrow morning. Some blood draws and a talk with Dr J.
Earlier today I went down to the Whole Foods nearby. It completely reminded me of why I'm getting the surgery. My chest has never hurt so bad while
doing everyday activities. It got to the point where I was sweating and breathing harder. It's almost like the dent knows it's about to be eliminated
and it's not going away without a fight.
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Randy
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Mood: Always Fun & Positive
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M
The next few day will be a mind blowing challenge. Just keep your mind in control, understand the pain will be managed. In many cases it takes 2-5
days to get the proper medication, none the less you will back to normal in a few weeks. DrJ will see this to be true. If I were there I would visit
you and any one there for PE or PC surgery. Keep us posted.
Randy
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Mandala
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Registered: 7-1-2011
Location: Bay area
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Thanks Randy. And special thanks to OBY for the very kind U2U messages. So far I'm in good spirits though it could be the afternoon of shooting down
at the Scottsdale gun club. Seeing my mom handle an AR15 was priceless.
I wish I could just wake up to a new chest in a hospital bed but unfortunately I have to get up early tomorrow, haul myself out of bed, get stuck with
needles, sign documents, etc... Oh and can't forget about those steel bars repositioning my sternum.
A note about the Mayo clinic- they're great, and they have top tier staff and facilities. However, they're still a hospital and in hospitals nothing
runs 100% smoothly. I was told that I would be getting a blood draw at 8am and I'd talk to Dr. J at 9am. But only the Dr. J visit made it onto the
schedule (which was supposed to be mailed to me but was not). So it turns out the order for me to get a blood draw at 8:00am went through at 8:36, at
which time they were still processing it. Right about that same time I came up and asked why I hadn't got the blood test. They worked it out and took
me in but switched the appointments (Dr J before blood test) and a chest x ray was added to the list. Turns out the x ray was unnecessary. But they
also tried to take pictures of my chest again for before and afters (I had already done this at the consult).
The takeaway lesson? Be proactive in every aspect of your time at the hospital. Me and my parents asked Dr. J a litany of questions, all of which were
answered well. But, hospital encounters don't end with the doctor. The hospital may leave out something you think you need and they may throw in
something you think you don't. Don't just go with the flow and think they know best, the current should go in your direction, you're the patient. Got
a problem? Make it known.
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OldButYoung
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Mandala,
Good luck, you will do great. Say hi to Dr J and let us know how you are doing when you're ready. Enjoy your last night with a dent!
OBY
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Sinister
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Today is your big day M. I wish you nothing but the best today and look forward to hearing a big "yippee" from you afterwards!
" 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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lxnnxrt
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Registered: 8-23-2011
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Mood: optimistic!
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Hey there! Best of luck to you! I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible for you! Keep us updated!
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catj
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Registered: 7-5-2011
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Best wishes today! I will be thinking about you and your great results!
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Mandala
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Posts: 107
Registered: 7-1-2011
Location: Bay area
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I'm doing pretty aright. Aside from the chest tightness of course. I havent gotten a good look at my new chest but it's miles ahead of what I had
before.
Again, thanks for the support guys.
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OldButYoung
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Congrats, nice work Mandalla, no more dent! Let us know how its going when you can. It may not seem like it but you are already healing and on the
road to recovery. Stay positive and expect a few ups and downs over the next few days. Hope to see some pics soon.
OBY
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Mandala
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Posts: 107
Registered: 7-1-2011
Location: Bay area
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Yea we took pics but I have no way to upload them yet. Pain is not too bad. Dilaudid didn't work too well but they're giving me toradol and that's a
lot better. Pain is around a 2 or 3 but without toradol it's a 4 or 5.
I've been eating and sleeping but not walking yet. Getting to 1250 on the spirometer.
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adamjr4
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Registered: 8-28-2011
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Mood: taking things slow but steady
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Wow! I'm glad you're doing so well at this point in your recovery. I didn't actually eat until 2 weeks after my surgery. The next few days will rush
by, and it'll seem like the blink of an eye before you're 1 month post op and feeling fine.
I just passed the three week mark and I feel like I could take on the world, so It's amazing what a few days can do.
Stay strong bud and chug on through.
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Mandala
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Wow. 2 weeks? That must have been rough
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Mandala
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Btw I've been sleeping on and off about about an hour to hour and a half then I've been active for about 2 hours to 2 hours and thirty minutes. Kind
of odd but it works out.
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Mandala
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Registered: 7-1-2011
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Went for a walk around the area today. It was quite nice. Had to walk slow because of the catheter. Todays nurse has been fantastic. Nap time now.
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Hiccup
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Hi Mandala. I just got out of Mayo not long ago! It helped me to sit in the stiffer chair in the room. I found that the hospital bed hurt my back
more....just wanted to share that. Seemed to work for me. I wish you the best with the rest of your recovery.
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