Going to School with Your Brace: A Small Guide for You

1. Getting Ready for School: Feel Comfortable, Feel Good

• Choose comfortable clothes: Wear flexible and loose clothing that makes it easy to put on and take off your brace. Wearing it over a thin undershirt can also make you feel more comfortable.💡 Tip: When choosing clothes, don’t forget the duo “comfort + convenience”!

• Watch your backpack: Keep your bag as light as possible and distribute the weight evenly. If the bag presses against the back pad of your pectus carinatum brace, you can put your brace on once you get to school.🎒 Tip: Wear your backpack on both shoulders, not just one!

• Give yourself time to adjust: If you’re new to your pectus carinatum treatment and brace use, start with shorter wear times at school during the first few days, then gradually increase it. You’ll be surprised how quickly you forget you’re even wearing it.⏳ Tip: Be patient—getting used to it will take less time than you think.

2. How to Talk to Your Friends About Your Brace

At school, your friends may be curious about your brace. That’s completely normal!

• Explain briefly: Tell them why you’re wearing it. You can mention that pectus deformity actually occurs in 1 out of every 500 people, and it often improves within just a year.

• Show them if you like: Demonstrating how the brace works can satisfy their curiosity.

• Be helpful: You can even suggest that they check their own chest for pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum.💬 Tip: Having a prepared sentence makes it easier: “This brace helps my chest get better.”

3. Confidence: The Brace Is Your Strength

Wearing a brace doesn’t make you weak; on the contrary, it shows that you’re doing something good for yourself.

• Don’t mind curious looks: Most people just want to understand. When you explain, they’ll learn too.

• Remember: You’re doing the best for yourself, and that makes you strong.🌟 Tip: Think of your brace as your “secret superpower”—it makes you stronger and braver!

4. Make Your Daily Routine Easier

• Stay comfortable in PE class: If you want to take off your brace while playing sports or games, keep a small cloth bag with you.👜 Tip: A small cloth bag makes things much easier.

• Be ready for cleaning: When you take off your brace, you can clean the area the pad touches with wet wipes or cream.✨ Tip: Always keep a “mini care kit” in your bag!

• Share with your teacher: Especially in PE or during long lessons when you have to stand, your teacher knowing about your brace will make things safer and more enjoyable.

• Don’t forget expert checkups: If you’re having trouble using your brace at school, be sure to tell your parents so you can visit your specialist.

If You’re Using a Vacuum Bell for Pectus Excavatum

If you’re doing Vacuum Bell treatment for Pectus Excavatum, all you need to do is plan your session times:

• Vacuum Bell treatment is applied twice a day.

• There must be at least 3 hours between the two sessions.

• You can do one session before going to school in the morning, and the other when you come back.

• If you have trouble waking up early, you can do your first session after school and the second one before bed.⏰ Tip: Set a reminder on your phone so you never miss a session!

Final Word 🌟

Wearing your brace at school doesn’t make you different. On the contrary, it makes you stronger, more confident, and more special. Share with your friends, talk to your teacher, and ask for help when you need it. And remember: your brace is right by your side, and together you’re taking stronger steps every day.