Posts by John Barnes6

Any updates on this?

I’ve given the Vacuum Bell some thought myself. It isn't exactly cheap, though, which is why I’ve been hesitating.

Even after digging through a mountain of reviews, I still find myself skeptical—especially when the websites look so amateurish. That said, I’ve looked over a few studies, and I honestly believe it actually works.

https://pectushealing.com/
https://www.pectusvacuumbell.com/pro...ctus-excavatum
https://vacuumbell.net/

I noticed quite a few reviews where people were venting about terrible customer service, missing orders, or being stuck waiting forever for their shipment to arrive.

Regarding Josip Pejić, I might ask my doctor for a referral. I want to rule out surgery entirely if I don't meet the criteria, especially since paying for an operation out of pocket isn't in my budget right now. My goal is to get this sorted while I'm still young.

What kind of issues are you running into specifically during high-intensity sessions?

For me, the issue happens after I push myself to 100% during high-intensity training—things like Rogue bikes, rowing machines, or sprints. I often feel lightheaded, sometimes even nauseous, and my head and neck start feeling incredibly heavy. My eyes get so tired I just want to drop to the floor and pass out.

So, here’s my theory: since there's such a massive demand for oxygen, my lungs are essentially squeezing my heart, causing these symptoms after a hard workout. I have no idea how much sense that makes, but that's where my head is at.

Peter Clark4 said:I saw Josip Pejić recently, and your info is only partially right.

Here is the actual deal:

If they diagnose actual medical complications, then the surgery is definitely covered.

If there are no medical issues and it's purely cosmetic, they usually only operate if your Haller index is >3.5 (probably because that's when they decide it starts hitting your self-esteem and mental health, so they'll work with you).

My Haller index came back at 2.9 and I don't have major issues, so it's unlikely they'll agree to operate on me. I'll probably try to go to Milan Mijović privately, maybe out in the North America. (P.S. Surgeons over there still have to decide if you're a candidate; you can't just throw money at them and expect it to happen.)

Hey, thanks for keeping me posted on the progress.

Is there any way to get a rough estimate of that Haller index? Do you happen to have a photo I could look at?

What does it actually mean when they say the "heart shadow is almost entirely projected into the left chest"?

I have an asymmetrical deformity, so I’m wondering how much that actually impacts my Haller index.