Wouldn't it be nice?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Many men on this forum regret that their gyne was not treated much earlier so that they did not have to suffer the embarrassment and ridicule of this condition -- they often suffer in silence.  Part of the problem is that many doctors don't know much about it -- or they patronize their patients by "poo-pooing" it and not taking it seriously.  And parents of teens with this problem oftentimes are mis-informed or actually led astray by their pediatricians who tell them that their son's gyne will disappear spontaneously.

How do we who suffer from this condition change the perception? We remove the taboo and talk about it openly! That's what happened with "erectile dysfunction" (previously, another taboo subject) -- and presto, it became fodder for the cocktail party.  And soon thereafter, Viagra and Cialis came along.

Well, what about talking openly about gyne and how it has affected each of our lives?  Not just on this forum, but in the media.  Our friend Hammer has suggested sending an email to Dr Oz, trying to bring it to his attention. What if 10,000 of us sent Dr Oz an email as well??  I think he would listen.  Or Dr Phil or any of the other talk show hosts who deal in human problems?

I believe by bringing it out into the open for discussion, much of the ignorance about it could be dispelled and young men would be more able to have it treated and not suffer during their teen years.

And another possible plus. Perhaps, with a ground-swell of public sympathy and support, our hard-nosed insurance companies might be persuaded to cover the surgery.

How about it, guys??

Dr Jacobs

[hammer]

If i could afford the trip to New York I would even be willing to go on with you Dr. Jacobs. I have 40 years with this, enough is enough!

Bob aka Hammer

[Paa_Paw]

Just did a search for Dr. Oz and then scanned several sites.

What was not found was a place to input a note.

Does anyone have an address?

[hammer]

doctoroz.com bottom of the page click on contact us, this will take you to a form to fill out on line. It is in the far right hand side, fifth one down, black section of the page.

[dussaghun]

That is exactly what happen to my son.  When he first expressed concern, we took him to our family doctor and was told it would go away on its own.  The doctor examined him without my husband or myself in the room because my son was embarrassed for us to see him.  If I would have saw his chest at that time I would have known it was not going away on its own and I am not a doctor but I also am not stupid.  Finally after a year and half more, I finally convienced my son to show me his chest so I could help him ( and this him knowing his father and I would do anything to help him).  He was just so embarrassed to show us!  That is a shame!  The real shame is there is not enough information on the subject, it is taboo to many, Doctor's not well versed enough in the subject will tell young boys it will go away, that is the shame.

I have contacted every talk show I could find and told them they need to do a show on the subject because it would and could help so many boys and the parents who love them.  This is how I found out Dr. Jacobs was on the doctors and saw the show of him performing the surgery on a young patient.  Thank you Dr. Jacobs for putting it out there. Thank you for being one of a few who will perform the surgery on younger patients. 

My son is 13 and had the surgery on December 15.  My husband and I would do it again in a heartbeat. 

I am sure my husband and I both would be willing to talk on TV about everything we experienced.  Oh!  And here is one other point thay should be addressed most Insurance companies make the boy be 18 before they will consider paying for Gynecomastia but they will allow a breast reduction for girls at a much younger age!  How is this fair?  I am sure if there are enough parents of young boys( who should not have breast when girls should) bring lawsuits citing discrimination , maybe our young boys would get a fair shake too!

[hammer]

I know that many have said it and I would like to also, God bless both you and your husband for moving so fast for your son! That is what a good parent is suppose to do. I will also vote for you as parents of the year!

That is BULL CRAP that insurance will pay for breast work on a girl much younger but a boy needs to wait until he is 18. This should get everyone sending the e-mails . As Dr. Jacobs said 10,000 e-mails. Have you sent yours yet?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Well guys -- how about those 10,000 emails?

Dr
Jacobs

[hammer]

Dr. Jacobs, I have not gotten any PM's from anyone from my contact Dr. Oz post and I was wondering if you have? I hope people with gyne or their friends and family are taking the challenge as I believe this will go a long way to help ease the taboo.

I hope that everyone is taking the few minutes that it takes to do this, we have all seen enough and been through enough to be motivated to make changes, lets do it now!

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

No, unfortunately no communication from Dr Oz.

I think the only way we could get this to his attention is to overwhelm him with emails on the subject.

Dr JAcobs

[hammer]

I sent another e-mail today and gave them my user name and asked that they read my story and others. I also asked that they let me know what their thoughts on the subject are.

I sure hope that more of you, both members and guest are sending their e-mails to request that they do a segment on gynecomastia.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

I sent a very impassioned email to Dr Oz -- received only an automated "thank you for submitting but we cannot reply to every individual email."  So far, nothing.

Dr Jacobs

[Paa_Paw]

I too sent a message without a response as of yet.

[dussaghun]

Ditto!  No response except for the automated reply!  I am nothing if not tenacious!  I will keep trying!

[hammer]

That is what we all must do, send more and more until we are noticed!

[xelnaga13]

Dr. Elliot- it may help if you created a form letter for us to sign and send. Also posting Dr. OZ's email. I am a member of several forums and would love to assist you in this project. Thanks for all you do!