Excision bilateral gynecomastia surgery w/Dr Fielding on January 18th.

[shaknbake]

The massaging part is the most uncomfortable process of everything so far, wouldn't you agree Azure?  I also have a very large lump of scar tissue on my left side.  I was assymetrical to begin with as well, so it doesn't surprise me either that the left is having more issues than the right.  I'd say in my case, I have a thick "band" of underlying tissue about 5" long and 3" wide (kind of football shaped) from my nipple, to under my arm.  It feels like a golf ball under the arm! LOL.  It protrudes a good 3/4" too, so its noticeable enough.  Especially when I raise my arms up over my head.  Here's to hoping for some good healing, cheers to that!  I've been massaging now for over a week, and its not as painful as when I first started, but it still hurts cause I gotta press so hard.  If I didn't have to do it 3 times a day, I'd take acouple of stiff drinks to take the edge off.  (But I'm back to work now, so that's probably not a good idea!)

[Azure]

For definite Shaknbake, the massaging part is pretty grueling but very necessary in order to achieve the best possible results. Better that than having unsightly, poorly contoured chests, right? It is really hard to focus on the scar tissue because those bits hurt the most to massage but if we don't follow through, we've only got ourselves to blame.

I have to say that my own compression vest (which used to be so tight because of the size of my chest it would cut into my arm pit) fits so snugly and comfortably that I hardly notice I'm wearing it, plus the swelling on my left side has significantly subsided. I'm really glad I did that. I also find that massaging with this vest is a lot easier than with the hospital-issue, velcro-rich (lol) vest that really wasn't working that well for me.

I think I'll buy another vest so that I can switch between the two without having to worry about giving it a wash at the same time as I have a shower/bath. They're not expensive - just have to ensure I buy the right size to provide the appropriate compression. There are some reasonably priced ones on Ebay and that's where I got my original one from, so I'll try that.

Anyhow, let's keep staying in touch as the moral support and advice is a Godsend!

Cheers!

Azure

[shaknbake]

I'm currently looking into a compression vest with painted on abs (like in the movie 300).  That'll drive the wife CRAZY!! . I'd better keep that stick handy......

[Azure]

Ha ha! 

Actually, thinking about the purchase I realise that it would be a good idea to measure my chest to order the right size and now that I've got pecs to show off. lol

[shaknbake]

You mean your new manly chest!  I'm also looking forward to trying on some new better fitting clothes now that I no longer have chesticles.  Just booked a nice trip to the Dominican for the end of March.  I eager to take this new look of mine out for a spin!  Are you as eager for summer as I am?  Boating season can't come soon enough this year LOL!

[Azure]

Ha ha! Yes, my manly chest. 

What a brilliant way to celebrate your liberation from the restriction your chesticles have caused you. Ha ha! Probably just be hanging out on a Lake Erie beach but just the simple act of going downtown, wearing a single tight-fitting t-shirt will do me. That and the alluring stares from middle-aged women that will angst Mrs Azure no end. 

[Azure]

Not sure why but my pain levels yesterday and today have been the worst since my surgery. So much so that I've had to defer massaging. Odd that but it does go to show that our bodies are all different and healing times will vary greatly. Feel pretty down about it but I'm not looking for any sympathy, just reporting that set backs do occur regardless of your best efforts.

Actually, come to think of it I am after just a little sympathy from my fellow former chesticle sufferers. lol

[shaknbake]

Suck it up buttercup!  (LOL, just kidding!  ).  If you read my post about Dr. Lista, I just wrote about a similar experience.  My chest, while not really that painful, was aching.  I felt the need to almost constantly massage the area to eleviate the discomfort.  Weird eh?  After all that time passes from the surgery day, and it feels a bit more painful now.  Mine has subsided, and feels much better.  Hopefully yours will pass just as quick!

[Azure]

I'm trying, honest guv! lol

I really should check your other thread Shaknbake. Have you got a link for it? Cheers.

I've just taken my vest off and that does ease the pain/discomfort somewhat. They're so bloody tender right now I can't fathom it. I guess I really do have to suck it up as you say and take it on the chin. At some point I'll get my pics up; not sure I really feel brave enough to show my before pics but more than happy to show my chesticle-less chest now as I'm very proud of Dr Fielding's handy work although the left nipple still is somewhat indented/different to the right one. I can live with that given where I've come from and I'm so grateful that we have an excellent solution to something we shouldn't have to suffer in silence from.

That said and having read the divergent views from folks on here, I am in awe of all those that have grown to accept their chests and rather than feel sorry for themselves, celebrate their chests in such an open, honest and dare I say it, heroic way. Without sounding insulting, derogatory or hurtful, I am humbled by the strong characters of my fellow gynecomastia sufferers and struck by their resolve and total acceptance of their chests.

[masked_1]

{That said and having read the divergent views from folks on here, I am in awe of all those that have grown to accept their chests and rather than feel sorry for themselves, celebrate their chests in such an open, honest and dare I say it, heroic way. Without sounding insulting, derogatory or hurtful, I am humbled by the strong characters of my fellow gynecomastia sufferers and struck by their resolve and total acceptance of their chests.} 

Agreed. Even though I personally would not have been able to accept gyne I completely applaud and respect all the men who do... Now thats what I call a real man with character. 

And Azure just a little bit longer and our soreness and pain will be gone forever. Then the fun starts 

[shaknbake]

www.gynecomastia.org/smf/19/my-experience-so-far-with-dr-lista/

Hey Azure, I've never posted a link before, so hopefully that worked.  The above is a link to my thread of before and after surgery, and it has some pics on there.  I haven't looked at them for awhile, but HOLY CRAP have things changed for the better since those photos were taken!  I'm going to take a couple more tonight when I take the vest off for a washing.  I'll post them again in my thread as a follow up.  The difference is really astonishing!  Not perfect, but I wasn't perfect before so I'm not worried about any of that.

As far as the other men on the site who have accepted their gyne and proudly move on, I totally applaud them!  I lived with it for almost 30 years myself, and was on the fence as to whether to get surgery or not.  In the end, I just didn't have the courage to live with it I guess.  Does that make me a coward?  I dunno...I guess that's up for debate.  But I can say without hesitation that it takes a lot more strength and will to accept and live with gyne than go through with the surgery that's for sure. 

[masked_1]

Hey shaknbake hell no you aren't a coward! Just be cause we chose surgery just means we made a personal choice to help our happiness in life. All respect due to all the men who chose to decline surgery . But hey I would say you (we) are pretty damn brave to open up to people about our hidden insecurities and get something done about it. That's not a coward in my opinion that takes bravery in itself. Can't say it enough I'm happy for all of us! 

[Azure]

Cowards or heroes, insanity helps. Ha ha! I agree with Masked. Ours is a different kind of bravery requiring a different approach, that's all. One thing's for sure, we are all truly brave for sharing because in sharing, we are undoubtedly helping others make up their minds about a lot of things, including lessening the burden/shame we have all had to endure, helping ourselves come to terms with our condition, recognising that we have a choice and that there are real alternatives, including surgical intervention and acceptance.

In helping others in this way, it goes without saying that we are united in our struggles and that we will conquer and overcome, whichever path we choose.

And amen to that!

[ap123]

congrats man, hope ur doing well in recovery!
and I have a somewhat random question for any1 to answer.
When having the surgery, I am aware that u wear one of those hospital gowns with a chest opening area. So do you still wear clothes underneath with a shirt off or nude or something? I have the surgery in a few days and didn't want to wear clothes under with a shirt off than be told otherwise lol. Pretty random I know aha, but I've been playing things in my head according to other ppl's experiences and wondered what you do at that point lol.

And hows the chest looking after a few weeks now? I imagine it looks great since all Dr.Fielding patients have positive things to say about him. I most likely will too lol, and my case is pretty pretty small.

Thanks,
ap123

[shaknbake]

I was told to wear my normal street clothes there, but bring some freshly laundered pyjama pants and button up shirt to change into.  When there, I had to change out of my street clothes, and into the pyjama pants only.  They gave me a gown to wear temporarily while waiting though.  Once they were ready for me, I was taken into the O.R to prep for surgery.  I had to take off the gown once I laid down on the operating bed.  After that, next thing I remember is waking up wearing a compression vest!  No need to worry about being nude or anything mate, you'll be clothed pretty well the entire time except for the actual surgery.  Good luck ,hope it all goes well for you