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!