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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I am 26 female, I have had a sunken chest from probably my early teens and 2 ribs stick out underneath. I thought i was just weird, you cant help but look at other people to check if it is normal or not. Doctors never seem to comment on it. I've learnt to live with it, ive had to, i thought i was the only one! glad im not!
I am a 39 year old woman with a corrected funnel chest. I first noticed it in my early teens but only plucked up the courage to tell the GP when I was 25 as it was getting me down so much. There was a huge dent in the centre and left side of my chest and my left breast was non-existent as a result. I was told there would be a very long waiting list on the NHS so I paid for private treatment. The GP had never seen or even heard of the condition before and first referred me to a Cosmetic Surgeon who admitted he couldn't really fix the problem. I was then referred to a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon who said he could help. The total cost was about £3,000 and was major surgery involving breaking 10 ribs and the sternum in 2 places. This was in 1996 and I don't know what the procedure is now, however it was drastic and I had to spend a week in hospital. I felt as though I'd been run over by a truck - the pain was horrendous. 4 weeks later I was rushed back to hospital with a collapsed lung and spent another week there. Even now I still have discomfort especially when sitting at a desk for instance or even lying on my side in bed. There is a constant feeling of tightness or pressure round my chest which makes wearing a bra or any tight clothing very uncomfortable. Cosmetically the surgery was a success as I doubt anyone would notice any problem now and the scar is barely visible. The left breast is still smaller than the right but not so noticeable. More importantly however, prior to the operation I had never had any relationships with the opposite sex as I was so self-conscious about my chest but within 2 years of having surgery I met my lovely husband - we got married in 1999 and now have 2 gorgeous children who wouldn't be here if I had not had the operation. The surgery definitely changed my life for the better but I wish it hadn't been so invasive. I would think the techniques have improved since then.
i have the sunken in chest similar to the lad that was on the show tonight on c4 but not just as bad, its never rly bothered me much tbh but was wondering if i worked out n was working on getting biceps and 6 pack, would this mess it up in any way as my chest sinks in? if you could give me some advice would be grateful :)
Im 39 and have a sunken chest and sticky out equal bones which I hate. I did have a breast enlargement as I was so flat chested thinking it would help which it did a little. But I hate feeling the way I do and still struggle when on holiday and with certain clothing. When I was married I use to flintch when my husband went near me unexpected. Just wondering do they do corrective surgery under the NHS is it just certain areas of the country?
Hi, im a 23 year old guy and have the funnel chest and until i watched the embarrassing bodies programme (12th March 2010) i thought i was the only one with this what i call weird thing. I was so relieved that someone else had the same thing and surgery is available as i wont take my t-shirt off in public (for example in the summer when its a boiling hot day). Its also stopping me from having relationships as im so self conscious about it and think its a huge turn-off for anyone. Im just worried the NHS wont pay for the surgery and im stuck with this funnel chest forever. HELP
Hi ya, the NHS will do the 'NUSS Procedure'...I had the bar placed in my chest in 2007 when I was 23...I'm due to have the bar out next week. If you want to go for surgery then do the Nuss procedure (google it) it is very painful for a while but if you feel the way i use to it will be best for you to sort it out and get some confidence.
hi im 16 years old and also have this sunken chest and im a little worried if i am going to need surgery or not. i am a boxer, and was wondering if i could still box if i have to have surgery?
hi im a 14 (going on 15) year old boy. i have this funnel chest problem but its not as extreme as there are in some cases. But i just wanted to know there would this thing affect my body building??
I'm 32yrs old and have the same "sunken chest" and my ribs on the left stick out. Doctors would notice it and only one doctor made a subtle comment on it when I was 19. I have to admit that it does give me nice cleavage. I think the rib sticking out bothers me more than anything. I'm wondering if implants would hide that a little. But overall I love being unique!!
Hi i a 14 year old girl and i have this suken chest problem. I havent had it all my life it just appeared when i started devolping. It does bother me but not enough to have surgery on it. I would like it when i am older but i dont think i would be able to go through with it at this age :/ I know a grown woman (my dads girlfriends friend) who has this aswell and she has just learnt to live with it and it doesnt bother her at all. My GP noticed it when i went to the docotor once because i had a chest infection and thought i had asthma which i dont. I would like to go tot he doctor about it but i live with my dad and i dont really share those things, lol. I normally would go with my mum, and i will when i go back to england to see her. I see it as just being specail and unique aswell as being annoying lol :)
hi i am tom and i am 13 i have a pigeon cheats i think it is getting bigger ive bean to my GP and they said surgry but i wont to know what would they do ? all the girls at school get scared by it i just wont is to go please help!!!!!!!!!!
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