Since everyone's doing these 10 year glo-up pics figured I'd post one as well. First pic was June 2009 right before I had surgery to correct pectus excavatum, a sternum deformity from birth. I used to be so self-conscious and hated taking my shirt off for any reason. I refused to go swimming all through my teenage years because of it. It was as much a physical deformity as it was a psychological one for me. Health-wise, the concavity caused stamina issues when doing physical activities. I remember feeling extremely dizzy after running even half a mile in gym class. When I went in for xrays in preparation for surgery the doctor told me the concavity was pressing on my lungs and shifted my heart to the left slightly, owing that to my exercise intolerance. I had a surgical steel bar placed into my chest for 3 years (called the Nuss Bar Procedure), much like a metal rib, that forced my sternum into proper alignment. And in 2012 it was removed. If I had to do it all over again I would because it felt like an immense weight was lifted from my body and mind after the bar was placed. I remember talking to my mom later that year in 2009 and she told me it was like I was a different kid. So much more talkative and outgoing. It changed my life. #10yearchallenge #glowup #pectusexcavatum #nussprocedure https://www.instagram.com/p/BsqZdbUAPXN4yrpUBlYA3o6ueo8nnWbzbT3Qzk0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=esp1ae2b4klh
