Hello everyone - I am new to this group. I have been swimming freestyle for several years now and really enjoy it. I have worked hard at perfecting my stroke. I know what I should be doing and try hard to put it into practice. I have definitely become a stronger swimmer. I have a condition called "pectus excavatum". It makes my chest look a bit goofy with a depression in the centre and oversised lower ribs (called flared ribs). Some of you may have noticed that Peter van den hoogenband has it. I have read some articles that it can reduce your lung capacity. When swimming freestyle I have to stop for several minutes every 50 metres and was wondering whether this could be caused by my condition. Has anyone had any experience with this?
Regards Johnathon:confused:
Parents
Former Member
When I started swimming back in August I could not travel more than 50 yards in a 25 yard pool without feeling winded. After that first 50 I would need a breather after every 25. My heartrate was up around 160 after swimmng over 100 yards so I saw my cardiologist. He said more than likely I was just out of shape and that I should keep pumping along and watching my heartrate. 220 minus your age is the maximum, 190 is my max. Since then I have worked my way up to swimming 800 yards in 18-20 minutes and 1750 in under an hour. I suggest that you keep plugging along and you will probably surprise yourself with you capability. I have seen writeups from people online that have had PE reversal surgery and the majority do not notice any newfound athletic ability. Give it some time would be my guess. I think the reason most people have the procedure is for cosmetic reasons. I figure that if I can swim and swim well with PE that is better than somebody who can swim well without PE. Be proud of the body you have and don't let others opinions affect you. I know I have gone off in left field here but I think you catch my drift. BTW, I would say that my PE is similar to Hoogie's but it is difficult to tell with a 2 dimensional picture from the front. Not much worse and not much better.
When I started swimming back in August I could not travel more than 50 yards in a 25 yard pool without feeling winded. After that first 50 I would need a breather after every 25. My heartrate was up around 160 after swimmng over 100 yards so I saw my cardiologist. He said more than likely I was just out of shape and that I should keep pumping along and watching my heartrate. 220 minus your age is the maximum, 190 is my max. Since then I have worked my way up to swimming 800 yards in 18-20 minutes and 1750 in under an hour. I suggest that you keep plugging along and you will probably surprise yourself with you capability. I have seen writeups from people online that have had PE reversal surgery and the majority do not notice any newfound athletic ability. Give it some time would be my guess. I think the reason most people have the procedure is for cosmetic reasons. I figure that if I can swim and swim well with PE that is better than somebody who can swim well without PE. Be proud of the body you have and don't let others opinions affect you. I know I have gone off in left field here but I think you catch my drift. BTW, I would say that my PE is similar to Hoogie's but it is difficult to tell with a 2 dimensional picture from the front. Not much worse and not much better.
