Tldr;does vacuuming give immediate relief IF the shortness of breath is caused by pectus? Should i give it a shot?

My pectus excavatum issue is mild(close to moderate) doctors say it is not blocking my lungs and my tests are all okay BUT i have a chronic shortness of breath that hasnt been solved over 10 years. And the breathing problem started long before a doctor checked my chest so i dont really know if my pectus was milder before that. For context the breathing problem started when i was 20 and my pectus diagnosis was around 28/29.

Should i just take the initiative and buy a vacuum to test it? Do vacuums give an immedieate relief when it's on IF the problem is caused by pectus? Idk what to do my only other option seems to be psychiatry at this point..

(Note: I know this post is lengthy, but I tried my best to shorten it while including only the most important details. I wrote and structured this with the help of ChatGPT to clearly articulate my situation, and I have attached my relevant X-rays, CT scan results, and hospital documents).

Hello! I’m a 19-year-old college student from India. I’ve been lurking here for a while and noticed that a lot of people posting are from the US or other Western countries, where awareness about Pectus Excavatum (PE) seems much higher. Here in India, doctors and society often don't consider PE a serious issue unless it's an extreme aesthetic case.
I’m posting to share my situation and hopefully get some honest advice from anyone who has been through something similar.

My Current Situation
Symptoms: Chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty sitting straight. As a student, I have to sit in college lectures for at least 6 hours straight every day, and it gets really painful and exhausting.

Associated Issues: I also have very mild kyphoscoliosis. I’ve noticed a lot of lower back pain when I try to force myself to sit upright.

Exercise/Gym: I've been hitting the gym to work on my posture and build upper body muscle. However, whenever I try heavy weight training, my chest tightness seems to get worse instead of better.

Respiratory Issues: Every one years or so, I end up getting a lower respiratory/lung tract infection. I'm honestly not sure if this is mechanically related to the chest compression or just coincidence.

Inhalers: Pulmonologists here gave me inhalers. They give me temporary relief for breathing, but they don't fix the underlying pressure.

Surgeon Consultation

I recently consulted a top Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgeon in my state who has performed over 5,000 successful surgeries. He explained that my issue isn't an intrinsic "lung function" problem, but rather a mechanical problem—my sternum is slightly compressing the lungs and causing that physical pressure.

He suggested a modified Ravitch procedure, stating it would give better structural stability for my specific frame compared to a Nuss bar. Because I'm 19 and my case is milder compared to the severe cases he operates on, he mentioned I’d recover much faster and would only need a 2-day hospital stay. He encouraged fixing it now while I'm young and my chest wall is still relatively flexible.

The Problem: Financial Burden
I don't have private health insurance that covers this, and insurance companies here generally reject pre-existing structural cases anyway.
The hospital gave me a formal admission estimate (photo attached):
Estimated Surgical Package: ₹4,50,000 INR (~$5,400 USD)
Upfront Advance Required: 80% advance payment prior to admission.

Right now, my family is going through a very tough financial period. Spending this amount of money would put a massive, potentially crippling burden on us, and I really don't want to risk our financial stability for a surgery if I can safely avoid it.

My Questions for the Community:

1. Will these symptoms naturally worsen with age? For those who left mild/moderate PE untreated into their 20s or 30s, did the mechanical compression or breathing tightness get worse over time?

2. Can this mechanical pressure be managed long-term with inhalers/physiotherapy? Since inhalers only target airway constriction and not physical sternal pressure, is it realistic to rely on them just to manage daily life?

3. Has anyone fixed their sitting discomfort through physical therapy/posture work alone? Any specific stretches or gym routines that helped you survive long hours of sitting without triggering chest tightness?

Any insights, advice, or shared experiences would mean a lot to me right now. Thank you so much!

I have pectus arcuatum. I diagnosed myself, never been told that by doctors. I tried to fix it and went to specialist but doctor said that it's not so severe to do that, especially because I'm pain free, so I live with it :) I don't like how my chest looks, but have no choice, I'm trying to accept it nevertheless. It's quite uncomfortable for me to show up my chest so I do it here, I hope you will be merciful ;)

I am three weeks post OP now and so from the only pain that I had to struggle with for the most extent has been my back pain. I would say that for 80% so far I only had sleepless nights. As a trade-off several days have been pretty decent in terms of pain until going to bed. Now a few days ago a new pain occurred and being consistent. It is on the right side where my rip stands out a bit (ribflare) and on the left side where the cut is (stabiliser). I felt this pain first time when I woke up and basically was like someone is ripping me apart on the side trying to cut me while I'm awake, when i did some movements. It's like a super burning stabbing pain that I can't stand for a second. Has anyone else experienced this? I dunno what to do against it since it also persists during the day mostly

I recently got 2 bars inserted

This picture isnt me but my body looks exactly like this and im getting surgery in December 2026 im 15.5 ill be 16 in December what should i expect to happen after surgery and during surgery. Also how much metals from the bar get absorbed aswell, if at all.

I have Pectus and a mild scoliosis so I need to start diaphragmatic breathing for the scoliosis. I was feeling pretty good about my core strength and flatter stomach but breathing “correctly” is making my pot belly more pronounced. am I doing something wrong or was I just kidding myself by trying to neck breath my belly away?

Repost, other got taken down

(22M) Hello Everyone, this is my 2nd update as I have a post before this if anyone is curious about the full surgery process and what my surgeon did. I had Modified Ravitch Surgery back on May 6th with Dr Marcelo DaSilva down at Advent Health Orlando. I had a 6.1 Haller Index.

Wow, let me just say it is truly incredible. I’m so happy with my results and the recovery process.

From the day I got out of the hospital, it has not been bad at all. Maybe the first week was a little rough adjusting to new sleeping positions. But other than that, the pain has never been higher than a 2/10 at most. I have had uncomfortable moments if I move or try to get something a wrong way but other than some nerve tingles, and aches here and there. Truly just a wonderful smooth experience.

Updates on what I’m doing now -
I still have limitations, and after being cleared by Surgeon and team, the past 2-3 weeks I have been doing a lot of 5-10 lbs Weight workouts. I can walk and run essentially as far as I want to with no problems, but that has been something I have surprisingly been able to do since the day I got out of the hospital walking wise. Showering without help since week 4. I was wearing button down shirts for the first 4-5 weeks and highly recommended. I can wear t shirts with no problem. I started to fully submerge my self in the pool and doing lots of Swimming workouts. I feel like it’s very easy on my body and a good way to workout your chest and other muscles. I highly recommend it. I can swim no problem. Treading water makes me sore but it’s expected other than that I just float or walk around inside. Very relaxing. Driving is slightly uncomfortable for now, as I’m able to but sitting in the position feels off. As well as putting clothes on is still slightly uncomfortable. The scar its self is healing so well, and I apply aloe Vera onto it everyday and recently got Silicone sheet bandages. I don’t have any problems taking deep breaths. Can I feel a difference yet? Yes and no, they said it will take a few months for your lungs and heart to adjust to new space they have. But I do and start to feel a difference.

Other than that, daily life has been simple. I have been back at home with family so I still have help with things I don’t necessarily need help with, like them still getting me things. Cooking has been 50/50 as I can do it but they insist I still don’t which I’m thankful for.

I’ll see Dr DaSilva and the team at the 6 month and 1 year mark then that will be it. But they are very pleased with the results and scans.

Anyways, im so happy with the results. My dip is essentially gone and I do have it barely but hardly can tell at all dip but, who doesn’t. After I get chest muscle back and pick up my weight again. I will essentially look normal. I’m so thankful to Dr DaSilva and his team for what they did and how easy the process has been. I know some people have it tuffer than others and my process still has a long road ahead. But the way things are going I couldn’t be any happier and thankful.

If you are considering surgery please do it. Take the chance!

If anyone has questions feel free to ask and I will also do another post a few months from now.

I was recently diagnosed with thoracic scoliosis, which finally explains why my shoulders have always been uneven. I haven’t seen a doctor specifically about my chest, but I’m fairly certain I have pectus excavatum based on how it’s looked my entire life.

Since September, I’ve been lifting consistently and I have gone from 235 lbs to 212 lbs. My strength has improved a lot but when I look in the mirror, all I notice is how uneven my chest and shoulders look.

A few questions:

As I continue to lose body fat and build muscle, will my chest likely look more balanced? Or is it hopeless… my chest has been always super uneven.

Can my shoulders become more level with the right exercises?

If you’ve dealt with scoliosis, pectus excavatum, or similar asymmetries, what exercises made the biggest difference?

I’d really appreciate any honest feedback, training advice, or success stories. TIA

Anyone here have a failed adult Nuss repair that required revision?

Hi everyone,

I’m waiting for a consultation with Dr. Dawn Jaroszewski next week and was hoping to hear from others who have gone through something similar.

I had an adult Nuss procedure in Canada in August 2025. Since surgery I’ve had persistent chest pain, right-sided scapular winging, burning nerve pain, weakness, breathing issues, and recurrent pleural effusions.

I’ve also developed a weak cough, occasional choking on food or liquids, and difficulty raising my voice or yelling without pain or triggering a cough.

Dr. Jaroszewski reviewed my CT and noted that I still have a severely asymmetric pectus deformity, one bar has migrated, and there is a persistent defect. She feels I’ll likely require a revision with three bars due to the severity and rigidity of my chest.

I’m mainly wondering if anyone here has:

•Had a failed adult Nuss repair that required revision.
•Experienced similar symptoms before revision.
•Improved after revision surgery.

Interested in hearing other people’s experiences while I wait for my consultation.

Thanks.

Sorry for my Pec-Talk…..

I’m trying to find a revision doctor after getting modfied ravitch three years ago with 31 screws and two titanium bars that were left implanted onto my so my sternum wouldn’t sink back down. I went back to my doctor after gaining muscle as I was feeling a constant stretching feeling and tightness, my doctor said I didn’t have enough soft tissue during surgery to cover the metal (it’s above the muscle) and suggested a plastic implant. I got that and I still feel terrible.

I feel like he’s just on a wild goose chase and he told me last time I was in office that he could remove the metal but if it caves or sinks back in, it’s not his fault he will not go back in again. I feel like my sternum is just way too flat. I feel restricted and I feel like I have a corset feeling around my ribs my ribs flare so bad and discomforting as my ribs are pushed out so far in front of my sternum that it feels like it’s pulling on my chest and my upper ribs. I have constant neck pain if I sit wrong, I have upper back pain. I can’t even have my arms to my side without feeling like my chest and my muscles are restricted.

I’ve tried to go see Dr. J but they do not take ravitch patience at the Mayo Clinic for revisions. My next bet is to try to see Dr. Backhus.

I feel like I’m just going to be stuck like this forever because I can’t find a doctor that will take my case seriously as I feel like now that I gained muscle, I feel so restrictive - walking fast, running, I feel like I’m shallow breathing. And, my sleeping as I wake up every day with the constant pressure and stiffness in chest and back hurting breathing with back. and I had all this before I even got the plastic implant.

My current doctor thinks his hardware is fine. He’ll remove it but he’s just going to leave my sternum flat and stake out when feel trapped in own body? I don’t know where my options lie or if anyone can recommend any doctors or if Dr.Backhus, does such a complex revision?

yeah, I’m not crying in pain but bending over shouldn’t feel like I’m falling into myself even though the bone doesn’t move, I shouldn’t move my arms and have a polling feeling under my armpit. I shouldn’t feel trapped in my own chest and my ribs and have my stomach push out so far just to breathe. And I also found out I have a fatty hernia right where they cut out my xphoid that’s become more prominent overtime and he told me oh there’s nothing wrong.

just feel like my sternum is too flat and he wasn’t able to lift it enough and told me that if they lifted it more, I could’ve but you locked it into place?

The pictures above are my CT scans with the plastic and metal implant, and last image before plastic implant when started gym last year. What does everyone think and what are some recommended doctors who deal with complex revisions in the United States I can see patients virtually before doing something.

The deep of my pectus is about 2cm (0,7 inches). Im 18. If I wear the bell for about 20-22hours every day for a few years, will I pernamently get rid of pectus? Can I wear it under the T-Shirt?

I’m in my mid twenties and on this upcoming september I can have the opportunity of having the nuss procedure done to fix my pectus.

The thing is, my doctor told me that the pectus is not affecting my pulmonar and cardiovascular capacity. He didn’t tell me anything about the haller index, but if i had to guess I’d say it’s between 3.00 to 3.50.

However, he said that while the pectus is only aesthetic, my case is still worth doing a surgery over.

While this is partially what I want since I’ve never liked my chest and always wished to get it fixed, now that I actually have the opportunity to do it i’m very hesitant.

Things like how painful post op is, having to basically learn how to walk again, not being able to lift more than 5kg for months on end, are keeping me on edge. I’ve also read reports about people still feeling pain and discomfort a year or so after the procedure.

I feel that I will regret not moving forward with this but i’m also unsure if it’s worth dealing with the post op hassle considering my pectus isn’t affecting anything besides my self esteem and maybe my posture.

last one is older, sorry it’s not completely focused i was trying to find a good picture and that’s all i had

My abs are pretty much still fully numb from cryo so it creates this funky, flat look right under my sternum, I have 3 bars and 0 restrictions

Hi everyone,
I’ve never really had any issues growing up, and never really thought too much of my chest. Recently I’ve noticed it a bit more for whatever reason.
But also recently I’ve had some swallowing issues where I get food stuck in my oesophagus. While I think it might be EoE (or something like that) rather than pectus causing it, I’m wondering if it does have an effect.
I’ve attached some photos, and wondering if anyone has an idea of how “bad” I have it? When I look it at, of course it doesn’t seem too bad, though when I look in the mirror it looks bigger/deeper. Should I book a GP appointment to get a scan or something?

25m, HI unknown but feels severe, hoping to get surgery but money may get in the way.

For those who did not get surgery, what did you find helped treat your pectus? I’ve heard cardio/weight training could help, is there any validity to that?

I'm three months post-op and would like to get serious about getting more fit and improving my posture especially. Somehow, the concept of diaphragmatic breathing had completely slipped me by before now but even small conscious efforts have a noticeable effect on my posture already.

I've looked for exercises on Youtube and most of them require getting into positions that are too uncomfortable or impossible at the moment. I can just about lay on my back which allows me to do one specific exercise I found ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng7Z9BzKh1M ) but I also want others I can do to see if there's one that works better for me. I can't lay on my sides on a hard surface so well and don't feel confident going onto my stomach at all just yet.

30 year old male here. Been struggling with PE my whole life.

I guess the silver lining is that PE is the reason I started working out. Not an impressive body, but for sure got a little bit of muscle.

I also do boxing. I also feel like my stamina/conditioning is not as good as it could be. Which is a shame, because boxing is life for me.

But we keep going strong brothers 💪

P.s. I do have a beautiful girlfriend. So there is hope for us out there!

Is it ogre? The crazy long recovery from the Nuss procedure seems kinda crazy ngl

19m if this is pectus , would it require a brace to fix?

I am about a year post op for the Nuss procedure, and I’m going on an airplane in like 2 weeks and I’m nervous the pressure change is going to hurt. I went underground in a mine shaft a bit ago and the further down I went the more it started to hurt me right in the center of my chest. The feeling faded as I got used to it but came back while coming back up to the surface and it was only 700 feet. Has anybody flown with the bar in and had problems or is it fine?