going to the docs with gynecomostia - what do you think?? Advice Needed

I went to the docs earlier to discuss with him my gynecomostia problem and he said that it is nothing to worry about. Problem is, i am at the end of puberty now and I have still got them - its worse by the fact that I am incredibly skinny, and so naturally, they are much more noticeable and make me feel really insecure.

I went to him and he said that it is a slight "abnormality" in my chest wall, and that for a sake of a couple of cm's it's not worth the hassle/ risks of undergoing surgery.

He has referred me to a specalist so I can see what he thinks but at the moment I am not sure if I really want to go. I mean, I want to get the problem sorted and it will help me feel much more comfertable but I am not sure if I even want to go and see him, even just to get his opinons!

My doctor said that part of the deal of him writing the letter to the referrer is that I then go to the appointment, and don't not go because I feel I am too embarassed. He said that they are both busy men, so I don't want to waste their time by letting them write to each other, and then me, only for me to say, "no thanks."

I was going to post up a few pictures and see what you guys thought if you minded - I just wondered if you could tell me if you think it's something to worry about, or risk getting surgery.

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

OP

photos are attached - just follow the links please

http://www.discussfitness.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2432&d=1152180175

http://www.discussfitness.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2433&d=1152180175

http://www.discussfitness.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2434&d=1152180175

http://www.discussfitness.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2435&d=1152180175

http://www.discussfitness.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2436&d=1152180175

Reply 2

jennyflake

Go along to specialist appointment and have a word. Speak to him and then at the end of the appointment ask him if you can go away and have a think. The specialist will be able to tell you whether in his (professional) opinion you need it doing.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

OP

i haven't told my parents yet. Do you think I need to tell them? I am away next week when I will probably hear from the consultant, but then my parents are away for a few weeks after that so I could have a word with him then. What do you think - my doc said that I would probably need to tell them, esp if i am going to have surgery but I just wondered if i should tell them before I have decided or not?

Also, I have no previous experience in this field, if I here from him, does he tell me when I have to go for an appointment or do i go and see him?

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

OP

sorry i mean, or do i ring him up and make an appointment just like i would for a normal doctors

Reply 5

Talya

16

Anonymous

sorry i mean, or do i ring him up and make an appointment just like i would for a normal doctors

The times when my mum has seen consultants she was sent a letter with an appointment in it and a number to phone if you couldn't make that one.

I don't know if all trusts work the same way though.

Reply 6

jennyflake

Why not have a word with them now, the last thing you want is an appointment coming through, and although youll be the one that opens the envelope, it might be obvious where its from.
And to my knowledge they send you an appointment and thats the one you go to.

Reply 7

sidi

1

You've got nothing to lose by going to the appointment so you might as well. There was a suggestion from you earlier that medication might be possible. As the doctor thinks possibly surgery not necessary maybe consultant will suggest this. May as well explore all options. No need to tell your parents at this stage if you don't wish to. Letter will explain what is required either offering appt time or telling you how to make one.

Reply 8

Pandy

10

It looks fine to me mate. But then again I guess self image is quite important. And as it's clearly bothering you, go see a doctor :smile:

.

No point feeling embaressed, the doctor doesn't care - he sees people like that every day. His job is to help, not to judge :smile:

Reply 9

yossarianlives

7

I think you look fine, but just remember the doctor has seen much worse, and he is there to help you with anything.

Reply 10

Anonymous #1

OP

yossarianlives

I think you look fine, but just remember the doctor has seen much worse, and he is there to help you with anything.

yer, thing is, when i go on holiday I don't want my mates or even girls thinkin "ahhh look at him etc etc"

what do you think - are people like this?

Reply 11

Nocturnalia

1

I've just had a look at the pictures, and not knowing what gynecomostia was at the time (I do now, just googled it) - I'd never have guessed that you were meant to be suffering from it.

Seriously.

I wouldn't look twice at you if you were topless! There's nothing abnormal-looking there whatsoever in my opinion!

Reply 12

yossarianlives

7

Anonymous

yer, thing is, when i go on holiday I don't want my mates or even girls thinkin "ahhh look at him etc etc"

what do you think - are people like this?

It's much more common than you think, no one will be bothered about - its not that noticeable at all.

Reply 13

shinyhappy

14

Nocturnalia

I've just had a look at the pictures, and not knowing what gynecomostia was at the time (I do now, just googled it) - I'd never have guessed that you were meant to be suffering from it.

Seriously.

I wouldn't look twice at you if you were topless! There's nothing abnormal-looking there whatsoever in my opinion!

I had to google it too, although I guessed from the angle that the shots were taken at, that it might be something to do with this.
And OP - you look fine to me! :smile:

Personally I'd be far too much of a wimp to have surgery unless it was absolutely neccessary. (I am a girl though, so perhaps not entirely relevant to your situtation!) I guess if it is bothering you though, its something to consider. And definately go for the appointment with the specialist a) it'd be rude not to, b) he might tell you that he's seen much worse cases and that you've got nothing to worry about (with a bit more authority than everyone on here!) and c) oh there was a c... but I've forgoten what it was *frowns*
Well, good luck anyway. I'm not going to waffle on about the whole beauty being skin deep, and girls not being put off by appearances, because I'd just sound patronising :smile:

Reply 14

Anonymous #1

OP

yossarianlives

It's much more common than you think, no one will be bothered about - its not that noticeable at all.

this is what i was thinking, but problem is, when i developed it when i was younger i got teased, and i still do by someone i know now.

Problem is, it's them noticing it that makes me feel insecure

going to the docs with gynecomostia - what do you think?? Advice Needed

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