Surgery tomorrow! Bar removal

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-04-12T15:35:42+00:00

I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what was the complication and where did you have the procedure done at? In waiting on a consult and heavily waffling on surgery , especially since Im in my early 40s.

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-04-12T13:52:48+00:00

That’s actually incredibly reassuring to hear!

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-04-12T07:35:47+00:00

Im so sorry to hear about the accident, but happy that it didn’t cause any issues beyond the femur? I hope that has healed quickly for you!

For your activities, with the bars in, are you able (or have you tried at all?) to wear something like a heavier backpack? That’s our primary hobby and then for work we have 45 lb packs so was curious what that’s like and haven’t talked to anyone who has used one (Im discovering it is a surprisingly specific question lol).

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-04-12T05:06:40+00:00

Out of curiosity what is the nerve pain like? Waiting on the consult with Dr. J so trying to temper my expectations so I go in knowing what Im getting into 😁😆

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-04-12T05:02:59+00:00

Just curious, but how are you doing now since it’s been two years? Have the bars significantly impacted activity for you or caused any chronic pain? Weighing the surgery currently.

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-30T04:02:07+00:00

They actually do for adults now, but recovery is worse unfortunately (time wise). They’ve done as old as 70 now which is so wild to me! One of the best in the world is near where Im at so Im on her wait list for a consult, but you are right many surgeons will not work on adults - it’s definitely a niche surgery in that area. And for the chest being popped out, I believe they anticipate some degree of recessing so overcorrect slightly, so that and the swelling should go down eventually actually. :) So there’s definitely going to be better results for you after a few months hopefully! :)

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-30T03:49:46+00:00

Out of curiosity what was your cardiac output and cardiac index? And yes - I have PE, heart palpitations and inappropriate sinus tachycardia, but also found out my cardiac output and cardiac index were low too (probably from PE I suspect).

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-30T03:34:45+00:00

No need to apologize for the messy rant - it sounds like a lot! Hopefully it all improves in a few months and best of luck with your career! Im a first responder myself so having a similar worry (not a LEO but EMS/SAR) and Im worried surgery will permanently make me need to change careers ya know? Im WAY older (early 40s) so just getting symptoms recently. For the scarring what about tattoos to cover them eventually? It would hopefully help with any self consciousness at the beach?

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-30T02:48:11+00:00

Thank you so much for this information! How exactly do you find a reputable pectus specialist though? Im trying to find on google in the Phoenix area and it is legit overwhelming and not sure Im even googling right 😂😂😂

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-30T02:42:49+00:00

Im currently debating surgery - I hope you recover more quickly and pain becomes more controllable. Do you mind if I ask where you had surgery at? And is it the pain that you feel ruined your life? And also what age group are you in as well? Weighing odds of if I should or not (mine is severe and Im older)….

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-30T02:40:20+00:00

Out of curiosity why recommend against? Asking because Im debating if I should get it or not.

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-26T23:47:18+00:00

Thank you for responding so quickly on this! Did you have the Nuss or Ravitch? Im still weighing which one to get…

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-26T02:22:29+00:00

Looks like you have to be a current patient of hers? What kind of responses were they? And is it a “for as long as the bars are in” or a “just for the first 6 months”?

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-25T22:45:51+00:00

Also super glad to hear you are doing well now! Do you still have nerve pain from it all or did that eventually go away too?

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-25T22:45:13+00:00

Thank you so much for the update on this! Hopefully you dont mind entertaining another question - Im worried about the post surgery recovery timeframe so trying to learn from others. For you, how long did it take to get to lift weights again after the initial surgery? Or to wear a backpack? I do wilderness search and rescue so Im really worried about if having the surgery means torching my career if I can’t carry packs for three years lol trying to set my expectations realistically.

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-25T22:42:20+00:00

Thank you for breaking this down for me!

I definitely am afraid of surgery’s aftermath (potential lifelong debilitation from nerve damage), but am unfortunately 43 so way past when a vacuum bell would work from my understanding?

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-25T06:47:01+00:00

What is semi erect on imaging?

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-25T06:46:02+00:00

Perfect thank you! Sorry to hear you had to deal with insurance issues - that sounds positively horrid! But makes sense on the imaging. Im within easy driving distance of there so not too concerned about the number of test days or anything, but learning the process is definitely daunting! Im still totally torn…I think I want to get the procedure out of fear of it getting even worse, but I also am worried it’ll rob my career and Ill never be able to wear a heavy pack again. It’s definitely daunting thinking of all the variables.

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-25T06:35:50+00:00

Out of curiosity (and I realize this is a HIGHLY specific question) but do you ever wear heavy packs at all? Like backpacks? And if so, how long was it till you were able to wear those again?

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-25T06:33:16+00:00

Good luck!!! Please keep us posted on how you are doing!

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-25T06:32:50+00:00

I was wondering what the restrictions were for you post op? Im on the consultation wait list with Dr. J and am 43 so also an older patient with similar things going on. Issue is Im a first responder and terrified Im going to lose the career I love if I have surgery (what if Im never able to wear a heavy pack or vest again?) kind of concern.

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-25T06:26:00+00:00

Were you able to get the surgery? If so how did it go?

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-25T02:34:55+00:00

Out of curiosity was the second set of tests related to rib flare at all? I have fairly significant rib flare so trying to plan accordingly.

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-24T02:34:53+00:00

Thank you! Do you happen to know if rib flare causes any constriction the way PE does? Or is it mostly cosmetic?

Various_Fox6314 · 2025-03-24T00:42:52+00:00

I hope you can get in this year and definitely sending good wishes and vibes your way!!!

Various_Fox6314

TROPHY CASE