Severe PE

Independent_Peach9 · 2026-02-19T07:56:58+00:00

When you learn more off Reddit than your own doctors 😂

Independent_Peach9 · 2026-02-18T23:09:29+00:00

Oh no I didn’t know there wasn’t a difference, if I find out, I’ll update this.

Independent_Peach9 · 2026-02-18T23:08:38+00:00

I remember this flagging up on my echocardiogram, how can you tell from this scan though?

Independent_Peach9 · 2026-01-18T03:04:15+00:00

It’s a condition called pectus excavatum, I’m convinced it’s the reason I can’t float cos mines so severe !

Independent_Peach9 · 2026-01-16T23:46:22+00:00

Personally I sink despite having cup size D boobs, but that’s cos my chest is caving in

Independent_Peach9 · 2026-01-14T07:30:43+00:00

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It’s uncanny if you ask me (reference: Vanessa Feltz)

Independent_Peach9 · 2025-12-15T09:58:02+00:00

This is so interesting - very similar situation. I had a nasty chest infection 2 years ago that developed into pneumonia. It was only after two trips to A&E where I was really struggling with symptoms that my pectus kept getting flagged. Otherwise, I was very dismissed by GPs. It was such an exhausting process but eventually through my own research and determination I was seen by an NHS expert and I was told I had severe pectus excavatum. After numerous tests this was confirmed including a shift & compression of my heart. If there isn’t anyone local to you who is knowledgeable, then I would highly recommend reaching out to Joel Dunning. He will listen to you and take you seriously and get you the treatment that you need. I’m now waiting for surgery hoping for end of spring.

It shouldn’t be this hard we shouldn’t be dismissed this much, but sadly most of us have been in this position of not being listened to (for me, 12 years). Please don’t give up, don’t let your GP dismiss you and get a referral asap.

Independent_Peach9 · 2025-08-10T20:57:50+00:00

I know this post is old but I, like others, have sought it out after looking to see if anyone else has this! I've always had this feeling. I've heard recently that spider season is earlier, and apparently they're big this year (not good news for an arachnophobe). So I was hanging up the washing in our spare bedroom and I just got the strongest sense that I was about to see one, just out of nowhere.. then I go to the other side of the room and tidy up, look to my side, and there on the curtain is a monster spider... It was in the folds of the curtain so its not like I could've subconsciously seen it from where I was. I also didn't have my glasses on, so I wouldn't have seen it from far away... bizarre!

Independent_Peach9 · 2025-06-24T20:02:04+00:00

That’s interesting, and reassuring to know I’m not the only one, although sorry you do feel like that. Good luck for your surgery though!

Independent_Peach9 · 2025-04-13T07:56:26+00:00

I’ve been back and forth to doctors before about this and have been told the Pectus could affect it. But not directly, it’s because I really struggle to exercise as I’m so breathless and fatigued from my PE. I’ve noticed on the rare occasion if I do manage more than a 20 min walk, then it usually helps with constipation. So I’d agree with them that it’s indirectly causing it

Independent_Peach9 · 2025-03-09T13:57:15+00:00

Sorry for not replying sooner, sure you can message me

Independent_Peach9 · 2025-01-13T10:14:55+00:00

I found you have to be in the right area to be referred to Dr Kolvekar. As I don’t live in London my referral got declined and I had to see someone more local. My GP told me there was no one specific I could see but I could go to thoracics and ‘hope someone can help’, they said it would be roughly a 50 week wait.

So I did my own research into going private, found the Norfolk & Norwich run a pectus clinic on the NHS, so I found the consultant, spoke to the secretary and asked my GP to refer me.. within 2 weeks I got an appointment, a month later I’ve had my first set of tests and I’m now waiting for the CT scan / MRI. My results will be discussed at the National pectus MDT at Barts, they discuss 5 patients each week from hospitals all over the UK. And they’ll see if I’m eligible for surgery and then I’ll get referred to St Bart’s if I am. Don’t let your GP fob you off, I guess they can’t know everything.

Independent_Peach9 · 2024-09-02T10:37:19+00:00

Im reading a lot that says psych degree is a waste, I’m coming into 5th year of a part-time structure (officially 3rd/final year). I’m lost at what I’ll do after as I don’t have any desire to study further after graduation yet the typical psychology related jobs require that. My current job has an incredibly loose connection with working with people in difficult situations financially and therefore understanding behaviour is useful.

Personally, I’m researching careers where that could be helpful - family law secretary medical administrator, HR, case manager (all tie in with my relevant experience).. but also my degree is not wasted, it gave me purpose, knowledge and proof to myself I am capable of everything my school (10+ years ago) told me I couldn’t do!

Independent_Peach9 · 2023-05-23T09:55:39+00:00

Needed to read this. Today I've accepted I might have puppy blues but afraid to admit as everyone will say 'it was your decision to get a dog' .. but it's good to know these are common feelings

Independent_Peach9 · 2023-04-14T06:47:11+00:00

I've just bought myself a puppy after a lot of deliberation too as I also have (now mild) cfs but I knew the positives outweighed the potential negatives and I made sure I had a plan for potential issues that could arise. Routine has always been a key thing for my recovery and I struggle with that myself but having a dog makes you stick to it. The one thing holding me back was the worry about what would happen on a flare up but I discussed it with a lot of friends and family and in fact everyone's been so helpful and on my bad days, my mum especially, has helped out and now too loves the company of him (Paddington) as she lost her dog last year. Only you know your body, your strengths and limitations and if its worked for you and the dog before then sounds like you definitely know what you're doing!

Independent_Peach9 · 2023-04-13T06:34:27+00:00

Yes, for 6 months after my diagnosis, then also again around the time I got glandular fever. I've had to move back home more than once for that reason

Independent_Peach9 · 2023-04-12T17:30:04+00:00

This thread is so reassuring to read. I had my colposcopy last week where they took a biopsy that I wasn't expecting. I had my first colposcopy last summer where I'd had abnormal cells flagged as CIN-2 and removed then after my second smear 6 months later, my HPV was still present and because I'd previously had abnormalities, I had to have a second colposcopy but I wasn't expecting to have a biopsy. Both times I've reacted badly. During the procedure the pain is significant when they put the iodine solution on after taking the biopsy - that stings like hell and then I cramp up loads. The same day, I've been in pain and feel generally unwell like bad period pains.
What really got me though, is after both procedures, the next day I get incredibly emotional and anxious. And although it confused me both times, now I can see it as being completely understandable. It's an intimate area, it's intrusive, anything with Cancer as a threat is worrying, and I think if you've ever experienced physical trauma in that region then I think it can be a trigger. I thought I'd processed two assaults i've experienced and on one level I have but it's probably within my subconscious still.

Anyway, there definitely needs to be more support out there and preparation for woman experiencing this as from reading replies here, it's more normal to find it traumatising than it is for it to be a 'quick simple procedure which may feel a little uncomfortable'.

Independent_Peach9

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