Author Topic: Diary  (Read 12266 times)

Offline Ste

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Me and my jellies

I am 33 and I've had gynaecomastia since I was a teenager. Whilst I wasn't particularly happy about it, it didn't really impact too badly on my life. I was never teased about it at school, it was never mentioned in fact. I don't think I had too bad a case back then. I didn't know what it was of course just that I had some kind of hard bits under my nipples that seemed to respond to temperature and go triangulary. I dressed in suitable clothing, avoided prolonged toplessness and kept myself as slim as possible and I lived my life, always had girlfriends and socialised a lot.

A couple of years ago it seemed to be getting worse - much more noticeable I believe - and I started to feel very conscious of my, what were by now, little titties. I started working out thinking that I could train it away - uh uh! Seemed to make it worse. Training my chest essentially presented my titties proudly on little velvet cushions of muscle to the world. I still train four or five times a week but never my chest.

So I tried living with it but my clothes didn't seem to hide it and I began to wilt under girl’s gazes. The self confidence was taking an absolute hammering.

GP

So still blissfully unaware that I had a fairly common condition I toddled of to see my doctor for something other than a sick note. He told me I had gynaecomastia, he also told me he had it and so did a significant number of the male population. I thought he was winding me up, but he assured me it was true and arranged for me to have my blood checked.

Two weeks later my results came back - normal - and I was pleased to be called that word since I had little jellies like a girl stuck on the front of a great big pair of manly shoulders. Man I feel like a freak sometimes.

He really went out of his way to put me off any sort of remedial action and basically said that surgery was deforming and I could expect to come out looking something like Quasimodo. Other potential remedies had horrific side effects and my best bet was to just accept it - What! and have to wear a coat for the rest of my life! Forget it! At that point I felt really down.

"…trying to get information from the internet is like trying to get a glass of water from Niagara Falls.”

Now I had a name for my condition. This is real power because even a numb skull like me can type that word into a search engine and - hey presto! - millions of posts by steroid heads about injecting cocktails of drugs into themselves......and.....All saints Clinic.....and Dr Bermant's website, a veritable font of information. Funnily enough for some reason this site didn't come up or it was drowned out by all the ccrraapp. It was some weeks more before I found it.

Andractim

I ordered this stuff and used it for about 4-5 weeks. It did zilch. At first I so willed it to work that I thought they were getting smaller even though I don't think they were.

The only good thing was that I found out that I didn't have something with this PSA test kit. I was pretty pleased I didn't have it even though I'm not quite sure what it is that I didn't have. If you get my drift.

Boys with breasts

I watched this programme closeted away scared that someone may talk about it the following day and start taking the psiss out of people like me and then what would I do? Admit watching it? Would I stand up and be counted? Perhaps not. Whilst I have nothing but respect for the people who appeared in the programme, I have no intention of telling the world about my turrets.

Fortunately no-one mentioned it or perhaps no-one watched it and that is where I got the name of this website.

This, the afore-mentioned website

Finding this website has definitely changed my life. I read all the diaries. Uk_duzted's, IT100's, Guy_J's, SIMES', sorted.now's and many others. Then I read them again and again for a couple of months and eventually I was left asking myself a question. Am I just going to read about other people sorting there lives out? Or am I going to take the plunge and get myself sorted out?

Having made my decision I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted to undergo Mr Levick's procedure.

01527 577675

That's the number to Mr Levick's office. I was absolutely crrudding myself when I rang up and made my appointment. My voice was really quavering. With fear and emotion. It’s a bit embarrassing but I actually cried a bit after I had hung up.

The consultation

I have only had one consultation so I can only really speak from that experience which was with Mr Levick at The Priory BMI in Birmingham.

Any foreboding that you may have about attending a consultation here forget it. It's a beautiful hospital in tree filled grounds with squirrels gathering nuts for the long winter. The consultation building stands out white against the surrounding trees and rolling lawns. The building itself is architecturally very impressive with large arched windows and a pleasant, inviting entrance. It was probably a house and stables at some stage and it really looks the part. I’m not an estate agent I promise, I’ve always admired buildings.

Inside I was, rather pathetically, expecting Jordan types in for the next boob job in their pole dancing careers, sniggering at me from behind their hands. But the hospital does so much more than cosmetic and people are there for a whole variety of reasons and my stereotypical expectations were dashed instantly.

Mr Levick was extremely nice, understanding and immediately disarming. He went through everything with me step by step drawing pictures and showed me the liposucker instrument. I was given a pack which he had been drawing in and afterwards I went out to make my appointment for the operation with Gail. I was sure I wanted to have this done by Mr Levick and the consultation confirmed everything that had been said. The op is in four weeks time. I can't wait to get rid of these tatties.

Paying it forward

So I'm going to keep this diary as I know that the diaries kept by others helped me to reach this decision, and for better or for worse I will update it with my experience.

Until next time - fair winds

Ste

Offline Oppositions

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  • boys with breasts.. yeah right... whatever!
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u should have seen more than one doctor..
where do u live

Offline unsure

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the sub-headings were great, nice to read something well formatted and clear

Offline Oppositions

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  • boys with breasts.. yeah right... whatever!
    • pics pre and post Op
yeah right

Offline uk_bloke

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hi ste ,
great post ,very helpful as im the same age as you and ive had it since an early age and ive let it affect my life far too much .
anyway ive an appointment with levick on 15 nov which im really looking forward to now thanks to your post .i know what you mean about being nervous when making that appointment !
good luck .paul

oppositions ,do you actually think that your illiterate ramblings on this site are helpful to anybody whatsoever ??

Offline Oppositions

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uk bloke,give me a break..
go and read the pervious posts for god's sake..

Offline IT100

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I don't see why you should see more than one surgeon... If you are happy with the first one. Then why see another. Most people make up their mind from the recomendations on this website... and once you are 90% certain... Mr Levick more than confirms all that you have read when you meet him. I only saw Mr Levick (apart from NHS surgeons) and had surgery with him and am very happy with results... as nearly every one seems to be with Levick.

This was a great first diary post Ste.

Ian.

Offline Ste

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Thanks for the replies guys.

UK Bloke good luck with the consultation - it’s fine – quite enjoyed it. The initial phone call is the hardest part I reckon – well so far, I’m sure the op is even more daunting. I will have had it done by Nov 15th. I can’t seem to get it into my thick skull that it’s happening. Perhaps when I get my homo-erotically modelled compression vest through it’ll sink in.

I’ve had all the documentation through from the hospital and Mr Levick’s office so it’s definitely on.

I’ve just noticed that the board has changed some words. For example s/nig/gering has become sblack personing or something and c0cktail thingytail. Hmmmmmmmm.

Well, thanks again folks - next stop arnica ville.

Ste

Offline Ste

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The ops next week. I’m bricking it!

This'll be my last post before I go under the knife. Eeek! I'll not be able to post until I get back to work but I'll keep a diary on my laptop which I'll post in a week or so's time. I've bought a couple of computer games to keep me going - Grand Theft Auto and some shooty game called Soldier of Fortune II.

I'm Arnica'd and Vit C'd up, on the wagon too. I'm gonna stop training after tonight to give myself a little break before the op.

I hope it goes well.

Ste

Offline IT100

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Have fun Ste!

I actually sort of enjoyed the whole experience... there really is very little pain and lots of being looked after by nurses! Bliss!

Let us know how it all is in a couple of weeks time!

Ian

Offline Boobit

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 Re: Diary
« Reply #10 on: Today at 1:08am »  Quote  Modify  Remove  

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I had mine done earlier this week, and I was scared too. I've never had a general before. There's nothing to worry about. It's a split second between the ceiling fading out and the nurse calling your name. I'm wearing the garment as instructed and take a peek now and then. I'm black, blue, yellow and purple bordering on ultra vilolet. Looks like I've done round or two with a steam roller! It looks a lot worse than it feels. The actual shape of my chest has improved, though it's going to take quite a while before I can see the real results because of the swelling. I was constipated for two days after the op, though that's gone now, also I lost my appetite, but that's back too, and I'm taking anti biotics. I'm not in too much pain, in fact very little considering what I've had done. I'm sure what I'm experiencing is typical. Seeing the consultant next week.  


Boobit

Offline Ste

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In the words of Formula 1 commentating legend Murray Walker "... and they're off". It's done. Wasn't as bad as I had thought. Waiting for the op was the worst part and what an anti-climax, all I had to do was stay very still while the anaesthetist injected me. The next thing I knew I was in the post op come round area. I was then whisked back to my room and was watching telly a couple of hours after I had been called to theatre. I have to admit I have always been terrified by the thought of operations and I was really scared by the time I was in the little pre-op room. Everyone was great and the nurse was a god send, as I think it was obvious I was terrified, she put her hand on my shoulder and that really provided a lot of reassurance. As I've already said the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room. Oh yeah Mr Levick took my photo and drew on me tatties.

When I was taken back to my room I was told that I had a tube coming out of each armpit which led to two little bottles which drain any fluid or blood from the operated area. Basically I had to carry these little bottles to the toilet, not that easy as I was all trussed up in Mr Levick's trademark bandage thingy. Painkillers are layed on and although I wasn't really in that much discomfort I still took them. I got a little sleep and ate a little of the food, which was very nice.

There really is not much I can say about the operation or my time at the hospital as I was passed out for the op and the rest of the time was spent watching television or having the numerous health checks. The hospital is great, very comfortable and everyone was really friendly and supportive.

The next day, after I'd finished my bacon butty and croissants, firstly the anaesthetist came to see me and he said that everything went fine. Mr Levick then came to see me to check everything was ok and talk about the op. According to him it went very well, there were no complications and I was cleared to go, I was told to keep the bandage thingy on for at least seven days and take it easy. When I remove it, should there be any fluid build up I should call him to arrange an appointment to have it removed. If no fluid, I should arrange an appointment for in 1 month’s time.

The drains - which were more or less completely empty - were removed by the nurse, I was given my antibiotics and Mr Levick's instructions were reiterated by her and I was picked up by my Mum at about 10:30am. As the drains were only removed today I'm counting this as the finish of the operation, so I'll be 1 day post op tomorrow.

This bandage thingy: Whilst I've heard differing feelings about it, I love mine. It is a reassurance. Firstly that the area is getting sufficient compression - it totally prevents any swelling in the region of the cavity left by the gland removal. Secondly it's padded underneath and makes the tender area seem protected - I don't feel anywhere near as vulnerable as I would wearing that flimsy compression vest that I've bought. Thirdly it stops me from mucking about - taking peaks etc, and it restricts movement enough to prevent any over exertion.

I've just thought, this board changes the word co.ck to thingy so for all you know I could be calling the bandage thingy bandage co.ck - hey hey. Anyway I wouldn't be without the bandage male thingy.

Op +1 & 2 days

The last two days have not been too bad. I've been able to do everything without assistance i.e. eat, get dressed, wash, cook etc. I've been rattling about the house and becoming a demon on Grand Theft Auto. I have had quite a lot of swelling around the bandage particularly on my left side - which was larger pre-op - and this has seemed to get worse over the last two days. The bruising is also starting to come out which is good as that shows the body is healing. There isn't really any pain, more of an occasional burning sensation inside my chest, I haven't had any pain relief since I left hospital. I can't lift my arms higher than shoulder height.

In myself, I feel relieved to have got it over with but I'm not looking too hot in the mirror without my tracky top on. With it on...I've...well...got no breasts basically. It looks loads better.

Op +3

Today the swelling seems to have gone down a little. Looking in the mirror it's obvious that my chest is a hell of a lot flatter. I've been out for a walk and typed this diary so far. I've discovered that I have quite a bobbing gait as walking causes me a lot of discomfort, I can feel everything moving. So I'm trying to walk normally without much success, I feel like I'm doing a John Cleese style funny walk. In all honesty typing this so far has been quite hard on the old chest as I have to hold my arms out in front of me, so I'll stop now and check in tomorrow. Adios.

Op +4

Hey diary. The swelling is definitely going down on the front of my chest above the bandage male thingy but seems to have sprouted up at the side under my armpits, especially on my troubled left side. I'm worried that I might have some fluid there. I've got at least today and 3 more days of wearing the bandage so it's still probably too early to say. I'm drinking a lot of water in an effort to help my body purge. That reminds me, I've had no problems having a Forest Gump at all for the whole time, as has been the case with some other people. I also weighed myself today and I've lost half a stone. Switched my mobile phone on for the first time since the day of the op and I've been ringing and texting a few people. My female friends seem to want to give me a cuddle and make meals for me, aaaah the sympathy vote - I'm not proud :)

Op +5

The swelling has definitely gone down a lot or I'm a Dutch man. Every day for the last 3 days I've woken up feeling better. The bruising is taking on a yellow hue and I've been familiarising myself with being a tiitless wonder. Every time I walk past a mirror, window, any reflective surface I have to do a double take. Wot no breasts. Today I think maybe I won't have any fluid on my left side as it's settled down a lot, I'm even contemplating a spot of socialising this weekend.

Op +7

It's bandage off day. It came off easy enough, a bit of pain as it pulled hairs out but I'm not too hairy so it wasn't that bad. The look of me though. Sh.it. My chest is totally sunken. My nips are a deflated mess and I've got a massive bulge under my left armpit. I've got a lot of bruising as well. I look terrible.

I'm now wearing the compression vest which is surprisingly comfortable. Not restrictive at all. It gives plenty of compression. Basically, I'm not going to worry about whether my chest is now too small as it's early days.

Op +9

The last few days I've been getting used to not having a prominent chest, in fact the opposite - it's ridiculously puny. I'm trying to rationalise this by telling myself that:-

a) I've just had surgery and the surrounding area is still swollen making it look smaller and it still hasn't come back to life yet.
b) I've always been used to having a prominent chest and have no experience of having a puny chest.
c) I've always weight trained the rest of my body but never my chest, so it could probably do with a bit of bench.

But in all honesty I've been really depressed about it because at the moment it looks too sunken. I feel like I'm in one to those moralistic short stories on the Sci-fi Channel - The Outer Limits or Tales from the Crypt - entitled "Be careful what you wish for..." where a vain man wishes his chest was smaller and so his wish is granted and he has to spend the rest of his days with an impossibly sunken, disfigured and puny chest as a lesson for his vanity.

At least with clothes on it looks quite normal, still a bit underdeveloped but so much better than before.

Going out tonight for a bit of socialising tonight so I'll see if anyone goes "Hey where have your tiits gone you sunken chested freak?"

Op +11

Went back to work today no-one said a dicky bird about my chest - phew! My chest is looking better or I'm getting used to it a bit more. It still seems a little sunken and my nips are still scabby but it looks more flush now than sunken. Again, in clothes I look totally normal. Elation at this is being kept in check because I've still got a bit of healing to do. I'm still swollen under my left armpit and I can't feel large areas of my chest. This creates weird sensations, especially when showering, when drying myself I can feel a drip of water run down my shoulder then I stop feeling it and then it starts again below my chest.

That's the story so far. I'm still glad I had it done. It can only get better. I just hope that it becomes a little more prominent over the next few weeks. Never thought I’d want a more prominent chest.

Til next time

Ste

Offline unsure

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congrats

strange about the ovenight and the tube things, but glad to hear things went out right

congrats again

Offline uk_bloke

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nice one ste

glad to hear it went well.

Offline IT100

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Hey Ste!

Well done mate... its all good from here!

Please please don't worry about how your chest looks now... exactly the same initial reaction as me, and most of the other Levick patients on here! Sunken chest etc... maybe even concave?!

From here miracles occur over the next 2 months and your chest regains a perfect shape most of this happens within the first few weeks. I know you will be very pleased! Trust me, I'm not a doctor! But I speak from 1st hand experience!

Ian


 

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