• Re: Jordan - Pectus Excavtum Surgery (Nuss Procedure)

I am Jordan’s mother, Dalynn Zampino, and I am writing this testimonial so
that more parent’s of children born with Pectus Excavatum will know that
there is an amazing, less invasive procedure to correct this severe birth
defect. My son, Jordan was born with a moderate/severe Pectus defect. We had it monitored as he was growing up over the years. We were always told by
different doctors (his pediatrician, a cardiologist that just looked at him,
etc.) that it was nothing to worry about and yet, Jordan would complain of
chest pains, shortness of breath, and when he would get ill he would develop
an asthmatic cough at times, which occasionally required asthma medication.
I had done a lot of reading research into the different corrective surgeries
for Pectus, and felt that the Nuss Procedure was the least invasive and had
the best results long term. Dr. Nuss’s office was back East and there was no
way that we would be able to take Jordan there, had it become necessary for
Jordan to have the surgery. At that time this procedure was perfected by Dr.
Nuss and he was basically the only doctor who had ever performed the
surgery.
I thank God that we found Dr. Barry LoSasso and his wonderful nurse, Jackie Chatlain, in Oceanside/ San Diego, California. Dr. LoSasso and Jackie both had studied with Dr. Nuss, and when Jordan had his surgery, Dr. LoSasso had performed approximately 46 surgeries, so we felt extremely confident in
having the surgery. Jordan was 9 years old at the time when we first found
Dr. LoSasso. Jordan had tests done to check his heart and lung capacity, and
at that time the surgery was not yet medically required. We were told that
the perfect time to have the surgery would be between the ages of 9 and 13
years because the defect tends to get worse with every growth spurt and also
the bones harden after puberty, making it a much harder recovery for the
patient.
We had Jordan rechecked at 13 years of age and at that time the Cardiologist found that he had an enlarged Aorta to his heart, a symptom of Marfan’s Syndrome, so I associated at times with Pectus Excavatum. Jordan also only had 75% lung capacity, so his heart and lungs were being compressed by the birth defect. He was checked for Marfan’s Syndrome which luckily, was
negative. It now had become medically necessary for Jordan to have the
surgery to correct the Pectus Excavatum. Jordan’s surgery was scheduled for May 9, 2003, and he came through the surgery with flying colors. Jordan will tell you that he did have a lot of pain after the surgery, but the staff at the hospital and the insistent calls from Jackie Chatelain to the nursing station, kept Jordan as
comfortable and as pain free as possible. The hospital nurses had Jordan up
and walking the very next day. They were also extremely, diligent and
wonderful with him.
As far as the cosmetic result of the surgery, Jordan now has a perfectly,
normal looking chest. The results were immediate the day of the surgery. It
was amazing to say the least. Jordan made a remarkable recovery and was off
the pain medication at about 10 days after the surgery. Jordan’s posture and
bone structure are totally changing as his muscles are starting to loosen,
and straighten out. It will be a matter of time before we know for sure that
the enlarged Aorta and his lungs are performing normally, but I know that
God will answer our prayers.
I can not believe that it has been almost 5 months since Jordan’s surgery
and he is doing ALMOST, all of the things he was able to do prior to the
surgery. I say almost because Jordan is an extremely active boy and his
eventual goals would be to skateboard and finally motorcycle ride again. He
currently is body surfing, surfing, biking (with no jumping), running, and
swimming. He realizes that it is extremely important that he take it easy
while he has the bar inside his chest.
Jordan is extremely happy with having had this life changing surgery, and he feels very fortunate to have met Dr. LoSasso, Jackie Chatelain and all of
his staff. They have become part of our family. Jordan, my husband and
myself can not thank Dr. LoSasso, Jackie Chatlain, and the hospital staff
for the extremely wonderful, loving, care he has received.
For anyone who is contemplating this surgery for your child, I can only say
please do it for your child’s health and well being.

Sincerely,

Dalynn Zampino