I'm 23: What do I do?

[PCR]

I've had gyno/puffy nipples since I was about 11 years old. I've never been fat or exceedingly chubby as a kid (and currently I'm a good weight), and the issue has never subsided. I started weight lifting and training a few years back, and of course that hasn't helped get rid of the problem at all. Pretty typical it seems.

Here's my question: I live in British Columbia, Canada, and I'm a full-time university student. I still have have a year and a half (until I'm 25) under my mother's medical plan (teacher with the schoolboard). My issue has always affected me mentally... emotionally... socially. I've had worse posture for it often with my shoulders rolling slightly forward to mask the issue at times, pinching my nipples even while I sit down just because it bothers me even when I'm alone, etc... I could of course go on.

Anyway, given the details, and the location, I don't really know what my options are. I need to switch doctors (my current one is terrible and told me it shouldn't bother me, and that she isn't the person to talk to... that a plastic surgeon would be who I'd have to talk to). However, that doesn't seem quite right to me. I've heard stories about people having their gyno covered by medical in Canada. I don't really think I could cover the surgery costs myself (my family is relatively well off and will pay thousands for counselling for other family members, but in my case somehow they don't understand the mental impact it really has). I know I could wait a few years and save the money myself (once I'm out of university)... however, it's really getting to be an issue that's affecting my overall well-being.

Anyway, if anyone knows about how I would go about getting surgery at the most reduced cost possible (covered as best as possible by any insurance / coverage available in Canada, given the coverage that I have), I'd like to hear about what can be done. I realize this may simply be something that I have to wait on and take the full hit to the wallet one day in the future, but this is my first real shot at looking into my actual options.

[McGilli]

Hey I probably live really close to you.

SO here's what I know - but it's not much.

You will need to see a surgeon. If you just make an appointment - you will need to pay for the consultation. IF your doctor writes you a referral - then medical will cover the cost of the consultation.

Getting the procedure covered is possible. But slim chance.

I've been on medical leave for the last 3 years from my government job. The reason is intense anxiety, depression and other symptoms - which the gynecology plays a large part - and only a small fraction of it was covered by medical.

Essentially - so far I've been payed 3 years wages - to not work - in part because of this issue - and they believed that paying for the procedure was not worth it.

I still had to pay $5500.

BTW - I have an amazing doctor - always been the best - but he too referred me to a specialist right away - just because he can't give me the help needed. So - your doctor is right to send you away - BUT - get a referral from him!!!!

Lastly - as is a huge topic on this forum - tell your parents. Explain in detail the mental issues - and if possible as for their financial support. I did to my mom and she paid for mine.

She had no idea what I was talking about - but I explained as best I could and she helped me out.

Good luck!

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

McGilli

Sage advice -- could not have said it better myself.

Dr Jacobs

[McGilli]

Thanks Dr. Jacobs.

I wanted to add something to this thread, that Dr. Jacobs actually touched on in another ongoing thread.

The reason I could not get the majority of my procedure covered is because it is considered cosmetic surgery. Even though the anxiety and depression brought on by the issue are real, and can be quite severe -

It's still just seen as - he just wants to look better

So Medical refuses to pay for a surgery that just makes you look better.

Of course we know that the surgery will also heal many internal wounds - but it's just like depression itself.

Because people cannot see the depression - they tend not to believe it - or understand it.

Good luck!