"Coming Out" About Gynecomastia

[gynecomastiabreastredux]

Today, I told my first person about my gynecomastia.

Well, first non-doctor that is. I learned during my consultation that I need someone to be with me after the surgery -- to help me to the hotel, make sure I'm okay, etc.

My gynecomastia has been a secret my entire life (28 years) and I never discussed it with anyone. It's partly because I'm too private as a person and partly because I'm embarrassed about it and how long it's taken me to address it. But, with my plan to schedule the surgery soon, logistically I had to find someone to stay with me... which meant finally sharing my secret.

I'm fortunate enough to have a best friend with whom I'm extremely close. He's incredibly sensitive, understanding and, most importantly, as discreet as I am.

Candidly, I was a little shaken up at the beginning of the call, but I quickly got explained what it is, where I am in the process and why I needed his help. He offered it with no questions asked and was very sympathetic to my situation.

It's a relief to have someone to talk to about the process.

[Grandpa Bambu]

That's awesome dude!!!  

You finally got it off your chest...  ( no pun intended... ). Gynecomastia is such a lonely condition... Yes, it's a great relief to be able to confide in someone about it....

Best of luck on the big day...

GB...

[Eric Robertson]

Hi,

This is great! It's amazing to see how people react to you when you tell them, huh? Well, I was suprised as to how my friends reacted when I explained to them what I had suffered from (more of confusion rather than "disgust"). But, trust me when I say this. It tends to get easier telling someone about gynecomastia after you've told so many people. So, keep up the good work!

I highly doubt anyone will think less of you if you tell them....so don't be afraid to express yourself.

-Eric

[Paa_Paw]

GB I've been guilty of the same pun. I think that learning to laugh at ourselves is an important part of dealing with our condition.

Open dialog is probably what gynecomastia needs more than anything else. Congratulations on making that step.

[Dr. Cruise]

It is not uncommon for men to have the surgery without having a friend help them through it.   What you are referring to is the fact that most surgeons will require any patient undergoing general anesthesia be watched the night of surgery.  In my office, we are often presented with this issue.  Typically what we will do, is to have our patients stay at an overnight facility that we trust.