Please don't report this thread, this is personal to me, as you may or may not know I have a rare chest deformity called Pectus carinatum, it only occurs in every 4 out of 1,000 males (I posted it on the 5 random facts about you thread), I hate it so much, it causes me so much pain especially if I'm sleeping on my side and especially if I'm running the pain is really bad, my doctor said to me that because I'm now an adult, I won't be a candidate for bracing as I'm too old, he had said that surgery was an option but my mum said that I wouldn't be getting it as they have to break my sternum while putting a metal bar in my chest and it's also two surgeries, so the thing is I am sick of having it and since I'm old enough should it be my decision to go for the surgery if I need it? It's also affecting my self confidence as well since it literally looks like a bow, other people have been a bit weirded out by me having this, one girl even asked if I was wearing padding when myself, my sister and her friends went out trick or treating one year I also don't ever like getting changed in front of people as I'm scared of them asking why my chest is like this.

Does any other guy on ATRL have this?

Hmm well if it causes you pain and affects your self confidence, then I say get rid of it. It may be tough to go through those type of surgeries, but it'll be worth it in the end I bet.

I don't know anything about this but if you feel like it would better your life, then I say do it.

Otherwise, can you gain weight and proportion your muscles so that it's not as visible and physically uncomfortable?

Do what will make you healthier and happier hun, if that surgery will allow you to live a better life....I say go for it! You should definitely consider the risks of the surgery though as that sounds VERY intrusive. I hope everything works out for you honey

Tbh you should do what makes you happy.

if it gives you pain or if it would make you feel better about yourself, do it
if your general practitioner (or someone in the medical field) suggests it, do it
if it would improve your health, do it

You need to discuss with your family and doctor but ultimately it's your life and your body therefore it should be your decision. It's causing you pain and deep insecurities about your condition that may lead you to depressions. It's not fair for you to go through that for the rest of your life. If the survey helps to alleviate that then you really should.

I wouldn't ask ATRL about a major life thing like this It's up to you in the end

I don't have this condition myself but I just had some medical lectures about the respiratory system and chest and Pectus Carinatum was one of the conditions touched on.

I think if you want the surgery you should go for it but make sure you are aware of all of the risks and possible outcomes of the surgery before you fully make your mind up. Have a good talk to your doctor about it and ask them if the surgery will help to alleviate your pain you're experiencing.

Wishing you all the best.

If you're in pain, I think you should consider.

Wait I think I might have this. My ribs look weird and ***** out like that too lol I don't think it's a problem because it doesn't hurt but hew knows

You may have it, I had it on both sides of my chest, but it flattened on the left side and is now only noticeable on my right side, it hurts me when I run and when I lie down on my side when I have my arm on my chest. I don't know why though, it annoys the hell out of me and I wish I never had it.