Conditions
Funnel Chest
This condition is variously known as cobbler’s chest, sunken chest or pectus excavatum. It is caused when several ribs grow abnormally, leaving the chest to cave in. Although some may see this as a purely cosmetic issue, it can cause pain in the chest and the back as well as impairing cardiac and respiratory function. Although it’s cause is not fully understood, there is evidence of a genetic connection. Treatment can include surgery through the Ravitch or Nuss techniques, as well as the insertion of a vacuum bell to correct the abnormality.
Comments and Questions
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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
Hi I have pectus and I'm thinking off having the operation to correct it. I'm just worried that they won't let me have it because I'm 30 years of age and I'm not sure if there is a age range for this kind of procedure. Does anyone know what the age range is?? Thanks.
hi im 23 n av got this funnel chest but mine is about 4 inch deep i can fit my full fist in im just wounderin wer i can get it sorted out ?? thanks.
I’m 17 and think I have this condition, I say ‘think’ because I am female and so my breasts seem to make it look less severe, though my bras never sits flat against my chest- there is always a gap. I don't notice the feeling of breathlessness or any such associated symptoms on a day to day basis, though I rarely engage in any major exercise. However, I get severely light headed and I think I have bad circulation in my feet (they become very cold and loose all their colour, though there is no numbness) and I don't know whether these are associated symptoms. In addition, I get severe pain in my shoulders resulting in bad posture as I simply find a position that causes the least pain. I do notice that when hunched over I often find it difficult to breathe and can feel my heart beat (it feels that though my entire chest begins to pulse). I am unsure whether this is due to bad posture or potentially my funnelled chest, can you help determine what symptoms are associated with what? Thanks.
Oh my goodness!!! I have exactly the same problems. Everything you said applies to me, only I play a lot of sport, and so I often have trouble breathing, and get dizzy. I have an extremely healthy diet and fitness, so I know it's not because I'm unfit. My only difference is that I'm 15 and have delayed puberty, so it is therefore more obvious to me! I have terrible posture, due to back problems I've been having. I know I have not really answered your question, but even the feet thing applies YO me!!
I am 21 and its been 6 days since my operation [ravitch] to corrected my PE , I can tell you I found it very painfull and I am up writing this at this time because the pain wake me up! I only had a mild case and regret getting it , if you havbe only a mild case , please think again get back at me for any info
I'm 17 years old and im concerned that i may be developing "pectus excavatum", i always had a slightly caven in chest but it never really concerned me as i thought it was just because i was skinny but as you get older you become more self conscious and now the rest of my body is getting bigger as im working on physically intensive job but the chest seems to remain the same! When i eat unhealthily my stomach gets bigger but chest yet again stays the same and im getting really concerned. I haven't been to see a GP as of yet but im starting to consider it as i don't want to leave it until it's too late, i really could do with some advice Thanks.
My son has it. You would know if you did. Sideways on it really looks like a dent in your ribcage.
I am 24yrs old and I have a funnel chest and my ribs are very uneven. I have just been diagnosed with rotational scoliosis as a result of my ribs twisting my spine. I've also had free breast implants as a result of my chest because a surgeon thought it was easier then breaking my ribs and starting again. And the implants have helped my self esteem a lot. But now I have to deal with the back problems that go with it :(
Hi! How did you manage to have free breast implants?? I have a funnel chest and very small breasts with a little skin tissue and it has been affecting my self esteem A LOT. I can't afford to pay for the procedure because I'm a full time student and mom. I'm considering to ask my doctor about breast implants refunded by NHS but I don't want to feel like I'm trying to exaggerate things just to benefit from NHS refunds :-(
Please respond! How were you able to get the implants for free??! I too have pectus and really want implants to help my self esteem and to eliminate anxiety attacks while bra shopping. Very glad to hear you're feeling better about yourself. But, sorry you're experiencing some discomfort. Hope it's not too bad :/
I live in Australia and was lucky enough to have a public hospital take care of my surgery for me :) so I got everything for free.
Hi there i am a 20 year old female and have now become very conscious of my large rib cage, it has always concerned me' but comments from partners are adding to my self consciousness. I am of a normal weight yet my lower ribs seem to stick out a considerable amount and seem to be quite wide apart making my over all torso shape quite large. And when i lie down they appear to stick out as far as my breasts which are a c cup. Are there others with such a rib cage? And can is there something that can be done to improve it?
I have it as well, including the flared ribs. They don't stick out as much as my c cup but almost. Sucks, doesn't it? You have really 3 options: corrective surgery to fix the dent, breast implants to help hide it or using a corset to pull the flared ribs in (for obvious reasons, get this option approved by a GP first). Also, the corrective surgery may not fix the flared ribs either.
Hi im 20 years old I have pectus excavatum, ive been ignoring it for years, now im embrassed to take my shirt off in swimming and other activities. I just been to the doctors last week on friday and he says that this might be the cause of asthma and breathless of exortion (Exercise), The doctor is asking the NHS if it would fund my surgey, im now worryed they wont because of my age and results. Im also born with pectus excavatum. Will the NHS take it in consideration if i was born with it and have asthma, also breathless of exersing, really want this done.
Get your doctor 2 refer you. if he wont, change doctors. When you see a thorasic surgeon, request a lung function test, a heart echo and a thorax CT scan and get it properly checked out. I would only advise getting the operation done if it interferes with your internal organs or your life. The Nuss procedure would be the best for your age and recovery. You can get this done on the NHS
Hi its tom, you replyed on my comment and i thank you for doing so. Quick question do you know how much it is to get it done if they refuse to fund? In 2weeks ive got my apointment with the doctor in the hosiptal to get a xray done etc.
iye,am 13 and i have a funnel chest,i have had it since birth just wondering how old you have to be to get surgey for it?Xx
i think you have to be 16 x
The best age is 2 have the nuss procedure at 18-19 years old when you have stopped growing and your ribs are still flexable
hi, i'm 15 and i have had a funnel chest since i started puberty. I have had it for a few years now and i have been lucky with no problems except i get tired and out of breath more easily than others but there isn't that much of a difference. i must be quite lucky as i have heard people have had quite sever problems which lead to surgery. if you're like me, you should be proud of it, i am and it compliments my boobs really well actually and makes them look much bigger than if they were if i had a normal chest.
I've had my funnel chest, since birth, and i find it makes me look more musclular
The only problem with a funnel chest is you can develope symptoms as you get older depending how severe it is. Mine grew in when I hit 12, im 33 now and I need surgery! I have severe pectus excavatum that has got worse. Its worth getting a CT scan to get it properly checked out.
Why do i hear a clicking sound when i press on my ribs just below my chest, it also hurts in this place when i take a deep breath. ?
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