For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a dip in the centre of my chest. It’s never really bothered me — it doesn’t (as far as I know) affect me medically — but it does look a little different, making the top of my breastbone appear more prominent.
After my first open-heart surgery, where my breastbone was broken to access my heart, both my parents and I assumed this was simply how my body had healed. Following my second open-heart surgery, my chest still looked exactly the same — which, to be honest, I was quite grateful for, as it hadn’t worsened.
About three years ago, I received a call from my GP surgery asking if I’d be willing to volunteer an hour of my time to help train future doctors and surgeons from universities across the UK. Of course, I agreed. I’m aware I’m a bit unique — not to sound boastful, but I’ve been told this by many specialists over the years. Having multiple health conditions, some quite rare (especially here in the UK), tends to make you stand out medically.
During the teaching session, one of the tutors mentioned to the students that I have Pectus Excavatum. That was actually the first time I had ever heard that term. Since then, I’ve noticed it appearing in my hospital records.
Although it doesn’t affect me day to day, I’ve always experienced chest pain — something no doctor has ever been able to explain. To this day, no one has formally sat me down to discuss my Pectus Excavatum or what it means. Like many of my other conditions, including Noonan Syndrome, I’ve had to learn about it myself through reliable online sources and connecting with others who have similar experiences.
Scoliosis has also been mentioned to me in the past, and more recently again. However, at the moment, there’s nothing to be concerned about — it’s considered very mild and, allegedly, painless at this stage.
Pectus Excavatum
Pectus Excavatum is a condition where the breastbone and ribs sink too far into the chest. You can read more about it on the Mayo Clinic website
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pectus-excavatum/symptoms-causes/syc-20355483
Issues with muscles and bones
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/noonan-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20354422
Noonan Syndrome
According to the Mayo Clinic’s page on Noonan Syndrome, some of the physical and structural issues that can occur include:
- Pectus excavatum (sunken chest) or pectus carinatum (protruding chest)
- A short, sometimes webbed neck
- Abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
These are just a few examples of the many physical characteristics that can be associated with Noonan Syndrome.
