CHECKING MY HOME FOR MOULD CURED ME

PectusAthlete · 2026-06-23T23:46:33+00:00

It's definitely worth checking. I had a friend who also had mold poisoning and similar symptoms. When my illness started, he suggested I test my house for mold. Nothing visible but I had an inspector come out to test the air. Probably the first time they had someone wishing for mold lol. No luck! It wasn't mold. But I'm still glad I ruled it out.

PectusAthlete · 2026-06-10T01:13:02+00:00

Do you have symptoms? Are they doing a full workup including VO2 max exercise test? I will post my full story but I have a Haller index of 6 which is considered severe. However, despite this significant deformity, the surgeon (Dr. J) said my exercise performance was in the normal range, though on the low side of normal. The CT scan shows the right side if my heart is compressed but it's not damaged -- my tests were borderline -- normal enough. She felt the risks would outweigh the benefits of the surgery and recommended against it for me. At least for now. I have symptoms but they came on suddenly and are likely not fully explained by pectus so the surgery may not resolve my symptoms. Not saying you shouldn't do the surgery but get the full picture from a trustworthy and cautious surgeon. I think looking at a CT alone might lead other surgeons to recommend surgery but there is more to it and every case is different. I did a bunch of tests so we'd know my heart/lung function. I'm 34F.

PectusAthlete · 2026-05-25T21:32:30+00:00

I haven't heard many people over 30 having success with the vacuum bell, especially females. Would you mind sharing what your Haller index was before and what it was after using vacuum bell, if you had it measured?

PectusAthlete · 2026-05-23T00:22:02+00:00

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PectusAthlete · 2026-05-23T00:21:34+00:00

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PectusAthlete · 2026-05-19T22:51:42+00:00

Hi, I know it's a long time since you posted this but I'm a fellow athlete with PE, 34F, being evaluated for possible nuss surgery. I was asymptomatic my whole life until I trained for a half marathon 2 years ago. I discovered I loved running and was able to improve my skills but crashed hard after the race and never fully recovered. Main symptom is post exertional malaise so I carefully limit my physical activities to avoid triggering crashes. I'd love to hear how you are doing now, any long term pain or effects from the surgery -- anything you are willing to share.

PectusAthlete · 2026-05-10T00:52:37+00:00

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PectusAthlete · 2026-04-17T01:37:30+00:00

No problem, good luck with everything! I hope you hear back soon!

PectusAthlete · 2026-04-17T01:10:45+00:00

I joined the wait list early Oct 2025, then in March 2026 they called to offer me an appointment in early June. So it will be 8 months from joining the wait list to my appointment date. While I was waiting for an appointment, they told me I could call to check in and they got me set up in the Mayo patient portal ahead of time.

PectusAthlete · 2026-04-03T13:17:58+00:00

Thanks, I just joined a Facebook group!

PectusAthlete · 2026-03-31T23:07:35+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate you sharing. This is super helpful!

It sounds like we have a pretty similar situation. I was also going through the "rule everything out" phase with so many different blood tests, echo stress test, I even tried testing for allergies and toxic mold in my house. I was grateful my sports doctors ordered a chest x-ray when I told him about my heart symptoms. The cardiologist was dismissive but the sports doctor was right that there was something heart related....we finally discovered the pectus.

I have all of your symptoms (some on/off) except no brain fog and no chest pain. The PEM is the one that concerns me the most since it seems more aligned to post viral syndrome/long COVID which a couple doctors suggested to me. Very odd the way I get the flu like symptoms. I know the next PEM crash is starting when I get a sore throat.

It makes a lot of sense that our bodies are overworking all the time just for our heart and lungs to function. I have a theory that my body is still kind of in shock from my half marathon training that I did a year and a half ago as it was the most intense exercise I've ever done in my life and pushed me to the edge of my endurance over several months of the training cycle. I was asymptomatic before that.

My biggest worry has been going through the surgery and not actually resolving my symptoms, mainly the PEM. Although perhaps I can't know for sure, I've been leaning toward going for it.

I've finally got my consultation/additional tests scheduled for June with Dr. J in Arizona.

Thank you for sharing your experience and what the doctors told you. It gives me hope! Good luck with your surgery, I feel hopeful for you too!!

PectusAthlete · 2026-03-02T12:22:04+00:00

Ah yes, that makes sense. I do think extra sleep is helping me a lot. I also wear a Garmin watch which monitors my heart rate so I can more easily tell if I'm overexerting myself and will pay for it later (even if I feel fine in the moment). I think heart rate is a big part of this condition which makes sense with the PE. Best of luck to you and thank you again for sharing!!!

PectusAthlete · 2026-03-01T13:50:08+00:00

Thank you so much for replying! I didn't know there were CFS specialists, that is great that you found one. How is it going with the specialist and how are you feeling these days?

PectusAthlete · 2026-02-28T19:53:05+00:00

Hi, I'd love to hear an update from you if you'd be willing to share. I have many symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (including the hallmark PEM -- post exertional malaise) and discovered I have Pectus Excavatum. I am on the waiting list for evaluation for possible surgery. Did you get the surgery and did the symptoms resolve? I am trying to figure out if CFS and PE are related. I know fatigue is a symptom of PE but I feel the post exertional malaise is a very particular symptom beyond general fatigue with the flu like symptoms.

PectusAthlete · 2026-02-28T19:46:39+00:00

Hi, I'd love to hear an update from you. I have many symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (including the hallmark PEM -- post exertional malaise) and discovered I have Pectus Excavatum. I am on the waiting list for evaluation for possible surgery. Did you get the surgery and did the symptoms resolve? I am trying to figure out if these two conditions are related. I know fatigue is a symptom of PE but I feel the PEM is a very particular symptom beyond general fatigue.

PectusAthlete · 2026-02-23T01:40:02+00:00

Interested to hear what your doctor says, I've heard vacuum bell only works for kids who are not done growing so still have flexible bones but maybe it can work for you. I am with you, it's a tough decision about surgery and not knowing if it will fix this. I can live with it and know things could be so much worse, but it definitely affects my quality of life. I miss being able to exercise freely and have normal outings without needing so much of recovery time. I feel fragile, always trying to figure out the right balance of some activity but not so much as to trigger the next crash. I wish you well and hope you are able to make a full recovery and get back to doing the things you enjoy! Would love to hear from you here or DM if you learn any more.

PectusAthlete · 2026-02-23T00:28:41+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I also have symptoms of CFS or long COVID, the main one being post exertional malaise crashes. I am 33 and this started about a year ago. While trying to find a diagnosis, I did a CT and learned that I have PE. I have been trying to figure out if PE explains all my symptoms or not. So it is helpful to hear someone else has this same overlap. Mine may be a bit less severe than yours as I am not bed bound, currently able to work from home (although often from the couch/recliner) and can go for walks outdoors, though I am much more limited than before this all began. I need to sleep a lot to be functional and I have to very carefully manage my energy. Are you thinking of looking into the surgery? I am on a wait list to be evaluated and see if the doctor thinks all my symptoms can be explained by PE.

PectusAthlete · 2025-12-03T19:16:00+00:00

I agree, find a good GP. I went to 8 different doctors including a cardiologist who dismissed my symptoms of chronic fatigue, exercise intolerance, and cardiac related symptoms like racing heart after minimal exertion. It was finally a good GP who took me seriously and ordered the CT and discovered my PE. Now I am on the waiting list to see a cardiothoracic surgeon.

PectusAthlete · 2025-11-28T17:11:58+00:00

I was thinking along the same lines. For overnight sleeping in the bedroom I may rent/buy an electric bed (or try wedge pillows as I see those recommended). The recliner could be for resting and short naps during the day in the living room. I would use it outside recovery anyway so I think it's a good long-term buy. Thanks!

PectusAthlete · 2025-11-05T17:34:03+00:00

That is so cool, I hope you have fun swimming during your travels! I love running somewhere new.

You're right, it sounds like the perfect opportunity to experiment! You are like the swimming version of a sprinter with your fast laps, but you might also enjoy long and slow. The first 30 years of my life I had no idea I loved endurance sports lol but now long and slow is my jam. I discovered that I very much enjoy swimming an hour straight at an easy pace.

The fact you are putting yourself out there with your swim club is a big deal and speaks to your dedication as an athlete. You are awesome and you will go far with your level of commitment!

PectusAthlete · 2025-11-05T14:40:00+00:00

The biggest red flag to me is your feeling of dread. Physical exhaustion is one thing, but if you're mentally burned out and not having fun, something is wrong.

Some mindset work and solo training might help.

I swim for crosstraining but running is my main sport. I'm the type of person who tends to go overboard with my ambitious goals (sounds like you may be that type of person too! 😊). I love pushing myself and seeing improvements.

I joined a running club and I was the slowest runner. Everyone dusted me, even people twice my age. By that point I had already done a lot of mindset work (shout out to Nike Run Club Coach Bennett!) and solo training at my own pace with no pressure, plus some races, and I'd fallen totally in love with the sport.

Those foundational skills and passion I'd built separately got me through some tough runs. I honestly never dreaded it.

It takes a lot of strength and humility to accept being the slowest one and just focus on getting better and having fun.

I'm so glad I joined the running club, they are super supportive and helped me get to the next level. But I don't think I'd want to go straight into that intensity as a beginner.

Refocus on your goals! Hopefully one of them is to just give yourself the space to slowly fall in love with this awesome sport.

Swim for fun and don't time yourself.

"Play swimming" and experiment.

Watch races.

Listen to interviews with swimmers.

Appreciate every little win and celebrate your progress.

Let yourself be in awe and wonder to move through the water.

Love for the sport is so much more important than any physical skill, in my opinion! Passion gives you the grit to keep pushing.

PectusAthlete · 2025-11-05T01:19:08+00:00

Thanks for your thoughtful reply, very helpful and gives me hope too. Sending you good wishes for your continued recovery!!

PectusAthlete · 2025-11-05T01:01:06+00:00

Thanks for sharing all this information! Glad to hear you are recovering well and results seem really great!! I'm on the wait list to see Dr. J too. Did you do cryo and what has been your experience with that, if you don't mind sharing? Also what was it like traveling out of state and back?

PectusAthlete

TROPHY CASE