For those of you in the UK....

I was contacted by a lady who is the Senior Researcher on the casting team for a new TV series in the UK. 
She has asked me if I would be willing to help her spread the word.

It is such a good feeling to be an advocate and possibly help others who are just like me!!

Is it part of the medical television documentary series for Discovery Networks International and they are looking for UK patients in need of surgery and treatment for Pectus Excavatum to take part. Please see the attached flyer below and call or email her if interested.  Her name is Jaydene.

One month to go!

I just got my second pair of pjs for my surgery!! You are going to die....its a onsie! LOL
I had to do it! I cant wait to wear it either because it looks so comfy and it has cute little cupcakes on it.  It zips all the way down the front so it will be very easy to get in and out of and is not tight.
Yesterday was my one month mark until my surgery! I am getting a little anxious.
Things are still kind of up in the air with my balance bill and my insurance so that is a little scary but I am sure it will all work out somehow.

Last Call for Wristbands!

Today will be the last day to purchase wristbands from my ebay store! I will be closing the auction down first thing tomorrow morning.  Please click the link below to purchase yours today before they are gone!

Purchase a Wristband

Getting ready for surgery!

I got my first pair of post surgery pjs!  I had to order some for after surgery so I had something to live in for the recovery weeks.  I needed some that buttoned down the front as I imagine I will not be able to lift a shirt over my head right away.  They are so comfortable and cute.

I also went ahead and purchased a book.  My girlfriend just wrote it and I figured it would be nice to have a book to read while I am recovering.  I am excited to get it!

As the time gets near I am becoming just slightly nervous but more anxious just to get it all over with. =)

Video #8 - Pectus Awareness Wristbands

Pectus Awareness Wristbands!

My wristbands are now for sale!!

My Ebay Store

Deposit

I had to put my first deposit down for my surgery a couple of days ago.  I would not have been able to if it weren't for my donations.
Thank you to everyone who has donated thus far...it really helped me and I appreciate it!!
My donation page will end October 1st so there is still some time to help me out as I still need all the help I can get.

I have made some Pectus Awareness wristbands that will be arriving today.  As soon as I get that situated I will update as to where you can purchase them!

Have a great Tuesday!

Video #7 - Mayo Clinic Appointment with my surgeon!

Watch me talk about my most important appointment....with my surgeon!

Here is the video from the Mayo Clinic with Dr. J

Dream

I had my very first surgery dream last night...yikes!!!

All I can remember is that I was called into the hospital immediately and they put me on the bed and 4 surgeons came in and looked at me. I dont know who 3 of them where but 1 of them was Dr. Terry Dubrow.  For those of you who watch the real housewives of Orange County...that is Heather's husband! LOL

They told me my body was at dangerous levels and I needed to have the surgery right then and there and I was freaking out because I had not trained anyone at work yet to take over for me while I was gone.

Then I woke up.

I am sure there will be more to come with 2 months to go.

Video #6 - Cardiology Appointment - Echocardiogram

Video #6 is ready to view! Here I will go over my appointment at the Cardiologist which includes an Echocardiogram and 24 hour Holter Monitor

Picture explaining Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation

 

 

 

Picture of me with my Holter Monitor

 

 

Couple of Things

First off...I would really like to get some input. I need to have it as quickly as possible too.

Pectus excavatum mainly affects heart and lungs. Without telling you why..which slogan do you like the best. I really need your opinion!
Only pick one.
#1 Just Breathe
#2 Follow Your Heart
#3 Do your part, Revive a heart
#4 A Hearty Challenge
#5 Don't let your dent Prevent

Please help!! It is very important!!!

Also....I wanted to let everyone know that I have a final and permanent surgery date! This off course is pending all of my approvals and of course my money situation...but if everything goes as planned and I can raise the money for it....my surgery date is November 8, 2013! YAY

Video #5 - Pulmonary Appointment

In this video I will explain what happened at my Pulmonary appointment.

YAY!

This is an update to my "current insurance battle" post.  I heard back today that my insurance made an exception and I was approved for in-network! YAY
So now the contract negotiation starts with the hospital and insurance so once that is over I will know the exact amount out of pocket for my surgery. Atleast it will be drastically lower than if I was out-of-network.

I am also waiting to hear back from the surgery scheduler regarding a permanent and final date of surgery!

My Links

Please make sure to check out my "Links" tab above.  I have several other websites and I just added a public facebook page and group!

Classifications

I am borrowing this from one of my Pectus forum friends, Julie.  She posted this and I thought it was kind of interesting. Based on this classification I would put myself at a type 1/type 3.  I am asymmtrical with sternal rotation but it is not unilateral and it is important and deep. Anyone reading this with PE...which type are you?

 

Video 4 - Most Important Test - CT scan!!

Current Insurance Battle

I am trying to play catch up since I JUST started this blog but have been seeing doctors for 2 months now. Here is what is CURRENTLY going on.

This week was a really hard week...lots of crying.
Basically the Mayo has to request that my insurance company pay at an in-network level versus out-of-network.
There are no other doctors in this whole state that do this so I have no choice. They need to make an exception.  Not to mention, Dr. J is sought out all across the country because she is an EXPERT in this surgery and very few surgeons in the United States even do this on adults.

The Mayo has put the case request into my insurance and now we cross our fingers and wait on pins and needles to see if they will make an exception for me or not.
Even if they do...I will be stuck with Mayo's large balance bill, but it will still be cheaper than out-of-network completely.

So cross your fingers for me and send me good luck wishes as we wait to hear!!

Happy Friday everyone!!

To end on a happy note...look how cute my little snuggle bear is!!

 

Video # 3 - My First Step

If anyone would like any of the contact information I mention in my video please comment and I would be happy to provide that!
Dr. Dawn Jaroszewski

Video Definition

Video # 2 - What is Pectus Excavatum?

What is Pectus Excavatum?

This comes directly from the Mayo Clinic.

Definition:

"Pectus Excavatum is a condition in which a person's breastbone is sunken into his or her chest.  The chest bows inward instead of outward.  In severe cases, Pectus Excavatum can look as if the center of the chest has been scooped out, leaving a deep dent.
While the sunken breastbone is often noticable shortly after birth, the severity of Pectus Excavatum typically worsens during the adolescent growth spurt.
Also called funnel chest, Pectus Excavatum is more common in boys than in girls."

Symptoms:

"In severe cases of Pectus Excavatum, the breastbone may compress the lungs and heart. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Rapid hearbeat or heart palpitations
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Wheezing or coughing
- Chest Pain
- Heart murmur
- Fatigue    "

Complications:

"Severe cases of Pectus Excavatum can compress the lungs and push the heart over to one side.  Even mild cases of Pectus Excavatum can result in self-image problems.
If the depth of the breastbone indention is severe, it may reduce the amount of room the lungs have to expand.  This compression can also squeeze the heart, pushing it into the left side of the chest and reducing its ability to pump efficiently."

 



http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pectus-excavatum/DS01136



So this is basically what it is in a nutshell. I will make a video as well describing Pectus Excavatum in my own words so please watch for that to come shortly.
                   

My story..video 1!!

About

My name is Kristen Adair. I am 27 years old and live in the Arizona desert. I am about to embark on my journey in surgical correction of my medical condition called Pectus Excavatum.
In doing my own research I have found that there is not very much information available online for females going through this for it is found mainly in males.
My hope is to change that and create a portal in which people can learn from my experience and join me in my discovery of a healthier and happier life!