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I Have Poland Syndrome

A girl with Poland Syndrome.*

By: Shelbb
Written on March 9th, 2012
Hi I am a sophmore in highschool, and I have Poland Syndrome.  I am sooo blessed because I am only missing my left pectoral muscle.  Yes it does bring alot of struggles to my life, but I will not let Poland Syndrome define me.  I love hanging out with friends, swimming, and having lots and lots of fun!  I got a breast cancer prothesis, which is practically a fake boob you can slide in your bra.  Since it was considered a birth defect, my insurance covered the expense (Took alot of fighting for, DONT take no for an answer!)  Its not about the struggles life brings you, it's how you decide to handle it.  My overall goal in life is be the best I can be and have as much fun as I can, I will not let my Poland Syndrome get in the way of doing simple things such as going swimming.  I will be the best I can be and have as much fun in my life as possible.  Life is short. Don't let Poland Syndrome get in your way. 
Feel free to message me if you have Poland Syndrome, I would LOVE to chat and answer any of your questions! :))
-Shelby.
By: Shelbb
Age: 13-15
484 people have read this story

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13 responses
  • NeyNey40
    NeyNey40

    Hi Shelby, my name is Renee and I have a 16 yr old daughter with same condition. She is having a hard time with it. She has a twin sister that doesn't have PS. She also has prosthesi. She is very fraustrate and wants the surgery now.

    Sep 26, 2012
    1 like
    • Shelbb
      Shelbb

      I'm sorry to hear, I think having a twin without the same conditioner might make it harder to accept yourself. If she wants to talk to someone with PS she is welcome to talk to me :)

      Sep 27, 2012
      1 like
  • Tambeach
    Tambeach

    Shelby - You have an amazing attitude. I am 42 years old with PS - when I was your age I didn't even know that there was a "formal" name or diagnosis for the syndrome. I thought I was the only one in the world that could be born without a right breast and all of the frustration that comes with it! It wasnt until I was 21 and saw a surgeon for a new implant that I even knew there was a term for it!
    I love my life. Despite having a hard time finding bathing suits and not being able to really wear sleeveless tops, I feel like there probably was a reason for me being born a little different. There are so many worse things that can happen in life. I feel so fortunate to have my health, my husband and 2 kiddos. Life IS short - enjoy every minute of it. We focus to much on trying to look "perfect"! :)

    Sep 26, 2012
    1 like
    • Shelbb
      Shelbb

      Haha, thanks. I really like your way of thinking too. I agree (:

      Sep 26, 2012
      1 like
  • compassionateone89
    compassionateone89

    Awesome attitude!!! I'm 23 and missing my left also! I have always known about my muscle but never knew it was a "syndrome". My parents were told the muscle just simply did not form. It's never bothered me, all my friends know and I have been very fortunate to have NEVER been made fun of. Actually, I even call it my "nemo fin" lol. I've searched for a few months trying to find something like this website just bc I know it will feel twice as good sharing and hearing stories. I hope everyone in our situation has a positive attitude like this.

    keep on keepin' on ;)

    Sep 3, 2012
    2 likes
    • Shelbb
      Shelbb

      I feel the exact same way, glad we have positive attitudes towards it :)

      Sep 6, 2012
      1 like
  • Gene47
    Gene47

    Please check out Poland Syndrome Support (UK) on Facebook and Poland Syndrome (USA) and polandsyndromedocumentary.com

    Aug 19, 2012
    2 likes
  • PhoenixOfTheOranges
    PhoenixOfTheOranges

    Yay!! I love this :) I'm 23, female and missing my left pectoral muscle too. It's really inspiring reading how positive you are about it. I remember how beaten down at 14 I was because my Poland syndrome, it's taken a lot of work to be emotionally stabled and strong in who I am. It makes me so happy when I hear other girls in a healthy place about it too. :D thank you for sharing!

    Aug 11, 2012
    2 likes
    • Shelbb
      Shelbb

      Aw, thanks for commenting! I love knowing i'm not the only one with Poland Syndrome :)

      Aug 11, 2012
      1 like
  • sherry721
    sherry721

    I have a one year old daughter born with PS. I am very worried about what she will be suffering when she gets into puberty. It's very encouraging reading your story. I really hope that my daughter will have the same mindset as you.

    Jun 17, 2012
    2 likes
    • Shelbb
      Shelbb

      My mom said she felt the same way when she first found out I had PS. But if she loves herself, it won't be easy, but she should be fine. I'm glad you like my way of thinking!

      Jun 19, 2012
      1 like
  • evelyn01pr
    evelyn01pr

    Hi, I admire your way of thinking, perhaps because I am 54 and at your age I felt exactly the same...I've used a prosthesis for as long as I can remember and believe me they are a lot easier to find now! I live in the Caribbean so beach is part of my life and this condition never stopped me from doing anything I wanted. Like you say it doesn't define who you are. So, thanks for your candid and straight forward message...God bless!

    May 3, 2012
    2 likes
    • Shelbb
      Shelbb

      I'm glad you commented. Thanks and I'm glad you feel the same way! Its all about your attitude. You can't feel sorry for yourself either. Nice hearing from you and God bless! (:

      May 4, 2012
      1 like