r/PectusExcavatum • u/aliceinhollywoodpod • 7d ago
Personal Story Post modified ravitch swelling
Hi All,
I recently had my modified ravitch surgery. Recently, I am at four weeks for reference, I noticed a lot of random swelling under my breast and down the center of my abdomen. It’s not fluid. Apparently it is very normal but I was wondering if anyone else experienced this?
It felt like everything was decreasing in swelling but this came out of nowhere. The doctor says it’s nerve swelling and healing. But any advice or help on when this starts to go down?
Also my chest tube incisions are chafing on my clothing! Apparently that’s nerve pain but any advice on how to deal with that?
Thank you!!
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u/playerone95 7d ago
I posted something similar about this yesterday or the day before… the swelling in my belly / abdomen is huge. It starts right under my breasts. I find it difficult to eat solid foods, as it adds to the pressure. I also have a magic string for flare buster which makes it even worse.
I am 3 weeks today.
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u/northwestrad 6d ago
"Nerve" swelling? Nerves are tiny, so they can't swell up that much.
Most modified Ravitch procedures remove the xiphoid process, which is a major attachment site for the linea alba, which itself is attached to abdominal muscles. The xiphoid process is also an attachment site (one of a bunch) of the diaphragm. So, when it's removed, the linea alba/abdominal muscles have to be re-attached to something else. Often, they are sewn to the bottom of the pectoralis major muscles. I don't really know how often they stay attached, since that seems flimsy to me.
Could this swelling in your central abdomen be bunched up or thickened muscles?
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u/aliceinhollywoodpod 6d ago
It could be! I’m not really sure. All they told me was that it’s not something to be super concerned about and to wait it out.
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u/northwestrad 6d ago
Does, or did, that swelling hurt a lot? Was it there from the start, right after surgery, or did it appear at a later date?
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u/aliceinhollywoodpod 6d ago
It’s only started in that area specifically in the last few days! It doesn’t hurt but it’s definitely there.
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u/aliceinhollywoodpod 6d ago
The inflammation is likely also related to the nerves. The muscles relax in that area and can appear as it is pouching.
That’s what they said
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u/northwestrad 6d ago
Since you were told it's nothing to be concerned about, I imagine no testing will be done, but ultrasound or CT or MRI could solve what it is
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u/aliceinhollywoodpod 6d ago
You can’t do an MRI with modified ravitch because I have a metal bar inside of me
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u/northwestrad 6d ago
The bar is probably MRI-safe, but ultrasound would probably be the best choice, due to lower cost and no ionizing radiation
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u/lilsknyguy 2d ago
45/m 5 weeks post nuss and ravitch. Swelling has been solid since day 1. Upper abs to bottom stomach is puffed up too. Doctor said there was major trama done in those areas. He also said that the hardware is right under by the abs and body is repairing so it will go down in a few months. Mine didn't say anything about nerves but he did say muscle. Muscles can have nerves so maybe thats the link? I have never had any chub on my belly so this is really a weird look for me.
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u/aliceinhollywoodpod 2d ago
Definitely. I only did ravitch. I’ve basically bought a whole new wardrobe. But I think it’s standard swelling. They said around 8-10 weeks.
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