Hey, sorry for such a late reply, I've just finished my exams. Been sorting out work experience and what not for the summer. Thank you for some great information and congrats on the OP, hope all is going well, great post op pics by the way.
Hey mate, I can certainly relate to your issues around gyno and I know alot of other people on here do too. only the day before my op my friend asked what was with my super thick long sleeve shirt I was wearing on what was a boiling day. it was my favorite shirt which I specially selected on the basis that it had pockets on the chest, which helped hide my gyno lol. I also made excuses about holidays just because of gyno - seems sad when I think about it, but I really hated it that much.
Yeah... that's probably the worst part for me, hence why I tend to hate summer. Aha, I've also got a particular jumper which I wear to cover up, it doesn't help that it's black either. I've volunteered to help out at a summer camp this holiday, a week in which I work with disabled children... I really wonder how I am going to manage...
Its possible. Most people are unsuccessful with the NHS though, and besides, from what i have seen they are done by good surgeons but surgeons who don't necessarily have the expertise in gyno surgery that some of the private surgeons do. Obviously its tempting though because it would be free! For the best chance of being accepted for an NHS op you should, although not necessarily, have more severe gyno. Its essential to emphasise the emotional trauma you suffer and the physical consequences i.e say it gives you pain, is always really tender.
Ah, ok... I'm really not going to put my hopes on the NHS at all. I think all I will do is inform my GP of what I'm planning to do and see if they can offer any form of assistance, not necessarily for the surgery itself though. I guess it would just be nice if someone close to me that understands was truly aware. But, yeah I will certainly highlight those facets of how it is effecting me.
you would need about 4 grand for private surgery in the UK. Karidis and Levick come recommended time and time again on this forum.
Gotta be careful with a student loan because it seems like a lot when you get it as a lump sum in your bank account but in reality it doesn't afford you much when you cost all your rent food etc etc. You can apply for a student bank account. Natwest give you an overdraft of about £500 in the first year which goes up to about 1500 in the 3rd year, that's interest free until a year after graduation. you can also get £500 student credit cards quite easily when you become a student.
Wow, it's certainly not pocket money. I guess saving up for a car is out of the window. With those two Dr's you mentioned, is it possible to pay in instalments, or has it got to be all at once? Would be much more easier, and quicker. Hmm, going to take a better at private clinics.
Thankfully I've thought up a fair few options to fund my surgery. So hopefully by this time next year I will be sitting on a substantial amount. Plus, you're right I really shouldn't meddle with my student loan/grants or any bursaries I may receive, I don't want to end up homeless or near starvation lol. I wasn't aware of the perks of a student bank account, thanks. Perhaps I will use it to supplement anything I raise.
Whilst trawling the internet I've also come across Dr's/Clinics abroad offering the same surgery for a fraction of the price; why are they cheaper? (I was actually reading the metro this morning on the underground, and I saw an advert for a cosmetic clinic somewhere in Europe, reminded me that I had started this thread lol) Are they a viable option?
To be honest, the surgery itself I am not worried about (sleep, wake done) but the months after whilst the wounds are healing... Issues like inverted nipples, scarring/scar tissue (which apparently I am more prone to as I have darker skin), fluid build up (I may have to use a syringe on myself... pure fear) and wearing compression garments (what if I don't use it regularly/properly and it messes up everything) etc. As I said before I do not want to tell my family, and I am fairly naive so any possible complications or/and trouble I may have post-op need to be minimised. I just need to get to the point where I fully understand what I have to do after the operation, so it doesn't seem as daunting.
The day will come when I can wear a white t-shirt without thinking twice.
I just want to be able to someday go the park, pool, beach... wherever and let it all hang out, stickman legs/arms and all