Gyno Operation with Dr Ostrowska Clark, Medim*l, Poland - My Detailed Story

[77777]

Right then guys, after a few years of suffering, I know how beneficial these forums can be for people like myself. I'm going to write an in depth write up of my gyno surgery at Medim*l, Poland, with Dr Ostrowska Clarke.

Sorry if it's long winded but I found every detail beneficial to me whilst I was going through this 'hell'.

Firstly, I've suffered with gyno for about 4 years. I took SD Matrix after about only 6 months of training. Brought them from behind the counter in gym, so at the time I didn't think they were a proper steroid. The guy advised me to take Milk Thistle to protect my liver and that was it. I knew nothing about gyno. I took no AI's (aromatise inhibitors) to prevent it as I didn't know what AI's were.

I remember from a very early stage that I had itchy nipples but again I didn't think much of it.

Fast forward about a year when I actually noticed that something wasn't right. My nipples were sticking out funny in my t-shirt.

From this point until now, I have always tried to cover it up. I've trawled through forums for ways to do it. When my nipples are cold they look perfect so there are ways. When on holiday I was constantly jumping in and out of water to get them cold. When out on a night out I would continually pinch them. I've used plasters underneath clothes and the very latest thing was to superglue them when cold. This would hold the nipple and stop it expanding. Sounds weird but it actually kinda works - it is also not dangerous, I've researched it. Unless you cut yourself pulling glue off and nipple gets infected.

About 18 months ago I tried Tamoxifen to get rid of it. I would say they improved slightly, less sore when touched etc, but still, I had gyno.

As I had no success with Tamoxifen (Nolva), I tried Letro. I was told this would burn it. The gyno did reduce in size but only to a certain point. It was still easily noticeable. Whilst on Letro, I did start to lose hair and had no libido at all. I would think twice before ever taking these again, but I was desperate and would try anything at the time.

During all this I did visit the doctors. He just didn't have a clue, it felt like I was telling him what I had. He sent me for blood tests. When I went to discuss results with him, he asked do I drink Alcohol often. I said on weekends. He then sent me for further blood tests. It just felt unnecessary and I thought I was wasting my time pursuing this avenue. I was going to have to literally beg him for surgery on NHS, even then I could have some trainee chopping me up. An NHS surgeon does not have his/her company image and reputation to protect.

So, surgery was the only way forward. After trawling through forums, I came across Medim*l, Poland. I read mainly good reviews. I did enquire at various clinics in UK using 'WhatClinic' but was getting quoted about £4k - double the price of Medim*l (including flights, transfers, accommodation and spending money for food etc). The more I thought about it I was thinking Dr Ostrowska Clarke specialises in this treatment, she does about 150 operations a year. Clinics in England that I was looking at offer about 40-50 different types of treatment - surely they cannot be as experienced in performing a gyno op.

I looked up Medim*l on Facebook in May and contacted the surgery asking for details (costs, what I needed to do to book an appointment, how long is the waiting list etc). I received a response the next day from Jeremy Clarke (surgeons husband). It was a generic response that they probably send to all people that enquire. It contained all the details needed (cost of surgery, transfer details and cost, accommodation costs, blood test/ultrasound costs, deposit costs, how long needed to be spent in Poland, and general information about how to prepare for the surgery (before and after). I was very impressed, I had virtually all the info I needed.

It was not until start of November that I finally decided to go through with this.

I again contacted the surgery through Facebook. This time, it took about 2 days before I received a response - this seems to be the norm in all correspondence I've had since. It is not very quick but your questions will be answered. I asked if a specific date was available, he replied saying that there were only 3 dates available in November. I checked flights and went back to him with my preferred date. He responded saying this was fine and to send all future correspondence to his email jeremyclarkmel@gmail.com. I sent photos and filled in a patient form that he sent me. I then paid a £300 deposit (£300 deposit was the specified figure when I was sent info pack in May. This had changed when I was mailed it again in November to £480 - I still paid £300 and nothing was said) and booked flights. You have an option to fly to Berlin (2.5hr transfer) or Szczecin. The date that I was due to fly meant I had to fly to Berlin - it was also cheaper. I paid £102. If I booked sooner this flight could have been picked up for around £50. The transfer from Berlin (despite being further) is also cheaper - £35 as opposed to £66. If transferring from the Szczecin, the £66 is for price of car (so if travelling with a partner, it is £66 total). From Berlin, I believe the price quoted is each.

Jeremy then sends you a mail confirming operation with 5 attachments to the mail

1. Cost breakdown and what's still owed
2. Details of pickup point and time for transfer
3. A map of --
4. Contact numbers of surgeon etc 5. Complications. In this, I'm told that there is a 1 in every 10-20 chance of an inverted nipple as the surgeon removes the whole gland. It does state that gyno could still return despite this, but it's greatly reduced. The letter goes on to explain why and states that this will be discussed at the pre op consultation.

In the meantime, I have ordered this compression vest (advised by -- according to another post I have read (site will not allow me to share link) There is a discount code to get 15% off. It is 'mybreast'.

So a cost breakdown is as follows:

Operation (incision only) £1320
Operation (incision plus lipo) £1510
Blood test and ultrasound £48
Transfer from Berlin £31
Flight £102
Hotel Atrium 3 nights £135 (I am staying in Szczecin for 4 nights in total, 1 is inclusive in price to stay at clinic after op). The clinic advise that you must arrive the day before op and stay for a minimum of 5 nights in total. Due to work commitments I could only stay for a maximum of 4 nights.

Total cost (with lipo): £1826

That's all for now, I intend to update this each day I'm in Szczecin and add photos as I go along.

Thanks

[bb213]

Thanks for the thorough response!

[Ty25]

Hi Mate good luck for your surgery. when are you booked in?? i am having mine there on the 4th Decemeber. Not at all nervous just want to get it over with now!!
All the best

[77777]

Cheers mate. I'm booked in for 26th November. Same here, not nervous really just can't wait to get it done. I trust the surgeon to do a good job, I just hope my recovery goes well (scar tissue, fluid buildup etc).

The one thing that I'm not looking forward to is my outbound journey. I've got to get a coach at 1am in morning from Birmingham to Stanstead (2 hr 40mins). Then wait around in airport, 2 hour flight and then 2 hour transfer. I'll arrive at the hotel having had no sleep at all as I'm useless at sleeping when travelling.

I must admit, I was slightly disappointed with the clinic on this. Initially (back in May) I was told you must arrive before 11am the day before operation. As I wouldn't be arriving till about 12pm, I asked Jeremy in one of my mails if this was ok - he said it was fine. When I then received the updated patient form in November, there was no mention of having to arrive before 11am. I was slightly disappointed Jeremy didn't tell me this when I asked about arriving at 12pm, rather than just saying it's ok. I would have booked a later flight if I had known this and travelled at a more reasonable time.

Anyway mate, best of luck to you. Hope everything goes well.

[Ty25]

i think the communication can be a bit slack at times but apart from that i am also very happy with my choice after reading blogs from past surgeries.

Everyone has a different recovery. its just a process and im sure even during the recovery we will feel much better about the look and just know that it will only get better in months to come! if you follow the correct steps with the vest and massaging im sure by summer next year youll be extremely happy.
Keep us updated!!!

Good Luck!

[77777]

Day of Arrival (25/11/14)

I arrived at Berlin Schonefield airport.

Jeremy had given me instructions regarding the location of transfer pickup. These instructions were "turn right out of main terminal and walk 50m". He also sent me a photo of the typical car/minibus that the transfer company (Follow Me) use.

I thought these instructions were pretty vague but you cannot miss it really. There is a car park full of coaches/cars etc for transfers. It is right in front of Terminal B (looked like the checkin hub for EasyJet). I have attached a photo of the view when leaving terminal and looking right. The other photo attached is of the Terminal 2 sign and in the same shot, a shot of the pickup car (silver car with a 'Follow Me' logo). This actually wasn't my car as it turns out, I was in a minibus parked behind, but again, it had 'Follow Me' on the side and a SZCZECIN sign in window.

The driver had a list of names of prepaid customers, there were also people paying cash. I prayed that my name would be on his clipboard - it was. Alongside my name, 'Hotel Atrium' had been written in pen. I was very pleased with this as I wasn't sure whether I would get kicked out in the middle of Szczecin. Top marks to Jeremy for arranging this.

The transfer took 2hrs 15mins. The bus was full of Polish, I was the only English guy. There was a mixture of male/female - it wasn't intimidating.

The minibus pulled up outside the 'Follow Me' office in Szczecin. Everybody got off. I asked the driver if he was taking me to the Atrium hotel, he pointed me to a taxi behind. He did the talking to the taxi driver and away I went. The meter was ticking over and I thought I would have to pay. It was only 10 Zloty (about £2) so I didn't mind. When we pulled up outside the Atrium hotel, the driver asked me to sign some form of docket/ticket and that was it, no money was exchanged - this had been prepaid.

I checked into the hotel for 1 night. The hotel itself is nice enough. Spacious rooms (2 x single beds - skinny beds tho), mini bar in fridge, a safe (free to use), TV (BBC World News is only English Channel), nice power shower, room service menu (prices roughly 70% of what we'd pay back home) and free WIFI - password is not needed.

I would recommend to anyone coming over to enable your phone to watch British TV (Sky Go, TV catchup, ITV Player, BBC iPlayer etc). I googled 'watching British TV abroad' and then purchased a weeks package off a site called 'TV on Holiday'. It costs £2.99 for the week. It is subscription based so don't forget to cancel straight away to avoid being charged again the following week. To be honest, it was the best £2.99 I've ever spent, I watched Man City beat Bayern Munich 3-2 with an Aguero hattrick.

[77777]

My photos are too large in size to enable me to post which is a shame. If anybody has an easy way to reduce them in size using an iPhone, I'll get them on (and other photos of gyno before and after etc).

[77777]

Day of operation (26/11/14)

Phone in hotel room rang at 07:45, it was a guy called Tomek (agent for clinic). He told me he would pick me up at 09:15 from hotel reception to take me for blood tests and an ultrasound scan - neither of these are actually done at the surgery clinic itself.

Now, I've read on some forums that Tomek is abit of a bellend and he drives like a lunatic so I wasn't expecting much. I found him to be a really nice man and his driving was totally normal (maybe he'd been told off about it).

We left hotel at 09:15. First we went for my blood test appointment. Tomek does all the checking in and talking for you. The place was only a few minutes away. It was very clean, just like a clinic back home. In fact, as I was entering the room for my appointment the nurse was cleaning footprints off the floor from the previous patient, so hygiene and cleanliness wasn't a problem. The lady extracted a lot of blood - I think 6 test tubes full.

Off we went for an ultrasound scan. This was in abit of a shabby building, but the room was clean enough. I found this slightly embarrassing. Taking my top off without disguising the gyno was something I hadn't done before. The nurse played around with her probe and jelly, just like a pregnancy scan. Four dots were then marked on each pec showing the location/size of the glandular tissue. This took about 5 mins and off we went again. I was back at the hotel by 10am. I was really impressed how everything had been so organised.

Tomek told me that I could now eat (had been fasting since midnight for blood test) up until 11am. I could also drink water up until 12pm. So, as breakfast is served 07:00-10:30, I had half hour to get some breakfast. As the time was towards the end of breakfast serving, I think I ended up with all the crappy leftovers it seemed. There was a tiny bit of bacon left (typical foreign bacon) so I whacked that on a cob and had a few cakey/pastry things.

Just up the road (turn left out of hotel and head towards big island) there is a man (an arrogant knob who I could just tell hated me because I was English) in a burger type van that sells whole chickens for 17 zloty (just over £3). I grabbed one of these and ate it on it's own.

I then had to check out of room as I would be stopping at the surgery on this night. Abit of a pain in the arse I know. I left my luggage in a room behind reception (it's safe in there, no one can enter except staff).

It was now a waiting game. Tomek was picking me up at 14:40. I had about 3 hours to kill.

I went to the Galaxy shopping centre to have a look around and buy a few things (water, nuts etc) in case I wasn't able to the day after surgery. The shopping centre is 1.2 mile away (about 15 min walk) and easy to get to. Again, I was surprised how modern it was, just as good as the shopping centres back home. There is a massive supermarket on floor 2 that will have everything that you need. There is also a McDonald's, KFC and Subway on the top floor (all cheaper than back home - about £4 a meal I think). There was a cinema and bowling alley there too (not like you'll be doing much bowling after op).

So, Tomek picked me up at 14:40. I would have to pay him for every journey to and from the clinic from this point. It is about 25-30 zloty (£5-£6) each way.

[77777]

Arriving at Clinic for operation 26/11/14 15:00

The clinic is based on what looked a pretty new estate. My initial thoughts were that the clinic was tiny. If you're standing in reception, there are 3 doors. One to Dr Clarkes office, one to the sleeping area (2 x beds) and a toilet. In Dr Clarkes office, there is another door that leads to the operating theatre.

Medim*l are actually moving premises very soon. During my consultation, Dr Clarkes phone went off, she told me that everybody (builder type people) wanted to speak to her at the minute regarding the move - she seemed very busy. I didn't think it was very professional of her to take calls during my consultation, but I didn't mind.

There was already another patient in the reception when I arrived. It was a Polish girl, I have no idea what surgery she was having done. As she had arrived first she had already chosen her bed in the room. I obviously had the other. There is a curtain that divides the room into two for privacy if you so wish.
 
I then met Dr Clarke, first impressions were that she was nice enough, but I didn't get this overwhelming feeling that she was such a warm, inviting character that I had read. She just said hello and told me that I would be going second (ladies first and all that). She said I could sit in reception and get bored or I could walk around the estate as it would take a good two hours to complete surgery on the other patient.

I don't really see the logic in having two patients arrive at the same time, surely it would have been better for me to arrive 2 hous later and not prolong my wait. I wasn't too keen on walking around in a foreign country so opted to just stay in reception. The receptionist gave me the WIFI password and I was just starting to update this blog to kill some time.

It had been about 20-30 mins since the surgeon had gone into her office with the other patient. She then surfaced in reception and said that they were going to do it the other way round, me first. I'm not sure why, something must have not been right with other girl. Maybe she hadn't fasted so was unable to have general anaesthesia - who knows? I wasn't going to complain, my wait was over, THIS IS IT.

Off I went for a consultation in her office. She asked all the typical questions that doctors ask you about - do you suffer with epilepsy? do you have allergies? Do you smoke? etc etc. She then went through the possible complications and what can be done IF I was unfortunate enough to get one. I was then asked if I had any questions. To be honest I'd done that much research beforehand and Dr Clarke had explained pretty much everything, I didn't have any.

She then said (which made me laugh and showed her character), "GET YOUR T*TS OUT" and laughed. I just lifted my top up for her to see. She said a tiny but of lipo would be needed but did comment on how big my gland was.

Next I had to pay the outstanding balance of the operation to the receptionist - I paid £1290 cash.

I was sent to my room to get changed into the operating green papery gown that they provide.

Dr Clarke then took 3 photos (front and both sides) for her medical portfolio.

I was then sent to the operating theatre. The anethatist got to work. He inserted a needed and said it would hurt. It did hurt more than the blood test needle but nothing too bad. There was a lot of tutting going on between him and the surgeons assistant. He then said the needle was faulty so he'd have to do it again - typical! He then said I would begin to feel tired but I wouldn't fall asleep (this must have been a lie as the next thing I know I'm waking up on operating table with surgery complete). I did notice the time and it was about two hours from the moment that he had put me to sleep.

I felt ok, no pain at all, but sleepy. I can't have been totally with it as I don't recall much detail of how I was transfered to my room. I did however notice on the way out my two glands in separate beaker type things and my fat from the lipo in another. I would have liked to have had a proper look at these but didn't ask as I thought they may show me when I came around properly - they didn't.

The time was about 18:00 and I was in my room resting. The nurse, who spoke very little English but was really lovely, brought in some food - yep, you've guessed it, the famous ham, cheese and cucumber on a crusty cob, tea and a few chocolates.

Later on, she came in with half a take away pizza and offered it me. Not sure if it was her own but I still appreciated the offer. I said no as I had been stuffing my face with sweets that I had took in myself. The nurse kept coming in to see me, I was hooked up to a machine that was taking my blood pressure at regular intervals - the immediate aftercare really was excellent, they really looked after me. My mobility was ok. It was a bit of an effort to sit up from a lying position but I was fine to walk to toilet.

I obviously hadn't spoken to the surgeon since operation as she was busy with the other patient. I was keen to hear how she thought it has gone. It was not until 22:00 that the other patient was brought into her bed. About 30 mins later, Dr Clarke came into the room. She spoke to the other patient and almost walked out the door without saying anything to me. She kinda turned back and said 'how are you?' It was a brief conversation to see if everything was ok and off she went. I was left feeling slightly unimportant. I certainly didn't feel like she had took a great interest in me. Again, this is contrary to the reports I had read on here.

As the day of operation came to a close, I was still in no pain at all and the compression garment was not as bad as I thought it would be. I had read comments on here that it was very uncomfortable, but so far (I may regret saying this) so good.

[hammer]

My photos are too large in size to enable me to post which is a shame. If anybody has an easy way to reduce them in size using an iPhone, I'll get them on (and other photos of gyno before and after etc).

I'm not sure if this will work, but give it a try, at the top of the camera screen touch the HDR on choose off! This will turn off high res. I'm looking at my wife's 5S, I have the Samsung Note 3 so I'm not totally use to the iPhone.

Bob

[77777]

Thanks Bob.

I think that may work if I take any photos from this point, but what about the photos that I have already taken?

I'm allowed my first shower tomorrow, so I'll be able take the first 'post op' pics using your method and see if it works.

[Bobby - LAgyne]

Congratulations that you're done with your gyne!  Did she use drains and foam pads?

---Bobby

[77777]

Hello Bobby,

Yes drains were used. The tube that collects the blood on my drains was swapped twice during my stay at clinic. I'm not sure why as there was very little liquid/blood in there - maybe 2ml each time. It's probably more so they can see how much liquid is being collected in a specified period of time.

Not sure what you mean by 'Pads' mate

[hammer]

For the pictures that you have already taken, if you have a computer program for picture editing you may be able to convert to JPEG for emailing or just reduce to smaller size (pixels) for emailing or attachments.

Congrats on your surgery!

I wouldn't mind seeing Poland, that's the home of my dads grandfather, even though I've been all over the world thanks to the US Navy, Poland has no sea port!

Bob

[77777]

Day after surgery (27/11/14)

Throughout the night, the nurse was continually checking up on me. She checks latest blood pressure reading, checks amount of fluid in drains and asks if I'm feeling any pain. Occasionally she was injecting more medication into me - not sure what. I was also given cups of antibiotics to drink.

The tube that collects the blood on my drains was swapped twice. I'm not sure why as there was very little liquid/blood in there - maybe 2ml each time. It's probably more so they can see how much fluid is being collected in a certain period of time.

I was in and out of sleep all night but that was to be expected. I woke up about 6am and it was just a waiting game whilst waiting for the surgeon to arrive - I wasn't sure what time she'd be in, but she didn't leave until 22:30, so I wasn't expecting her to be early.

At this point, I did find it difficult to sit up. I could do it without assistance but I was very slow and deliberate. My range of motion on my arms was limited. I'd say I couldn't raise my elbow past shoulder height, but I was still capable of putting a t-shirt on.

I was offered breakfast but I declined as I really wasn't very hungry.

The surgeon arrived at 12:20. I was taken into theatre and had my compression garment removed whilst lying down.

This was such a big moment for me; I was so nervous to look. I finally plucked the courage to have a sneaky look down at my chest from a lying down position. It was slightly overwhelming and a big sense of relief - I had a totally flat chest. The doctor stood me up and walked me over to a mirror. I know this sounds stupid, but with the orangey liquid and pen marks on me, coupled with the surgeon standing watching, I didn't really look properly. I'm a pretty shy person and didn't want to stand there scrutinising her work. I just turned to the surgeon and thanked her so much. She was very happy with the result and did a little dance.

I will have a really good look in privacy when I'm allowed to shower tomorrow. I'll report on the contour of my chest and stitching etc - but right now, from what I have saw, I am really happy.

I had my drains removed by the nurse. I'd read on forums that this is very painful. It was slightly painful, but it wasn't like I was in agony. The nurse also reapplied new dressing etc and I was ready to go.

It was at this point that the surgeon told me that this would be the last time that I'd see her as she was going on a Plastic Surgeon conference in Rome. She said that her assistant that was helping her throughout the surgery would take over my aftercare. To me, I thought that was abit naughty. I should have been made aware of this when I booked.

The surgeon then explained a few important things that I must adhere to to ensure a good recovery - I felt this was slightly rushed. There is a lot of detail to take in and if I hadn't done my research beforehand I think I may have been left wanting.

That was it, I wouldn't see the surgeon again. I was passed over to her number 2 for the remainder of my stay in Szczecin.

I was given a discharge letter. On this, there was a little info about aftercare, but not detailed enough in my opinion. At this moment, I have no idea about showering (can I get incision wet? Do I use soap etc), replacing bandaging etc.

I was also given a prescription by the nurse. As she cannot speak English, the receptionist was translating for her. She told me I would be receiving 2 types of medication, 1) Nimesil - to be taken 3 times, and 2) Zinnat - to be taken 2 times a day. I would also be given some Heparinum ointment. As the nurse/receptionist (translator) were still giving me details, Tomek picked up the prescription and said "come on, I know, follow me".

We set off back to the hotel, but first we collected my prescription from a chemist a few doors down. It cost 113 Zloty (about £23). During this journey I expected Tomek to explain my medication as he interrupted the nurse, but he didn't - I was disappointed.

Before travelling, I was concerned whether I'd be able to carry my case after surgery - this wasn't a problem. I was able to carry my case up the 7-8 steps in hotel pretty easily.

I again checked in, I was given a different room this time; this room had a double bed - bonus. There is an elevator in hotel so no need to be climbing steps if on the 3rd floor like I am.

For the rest of this day, I just rested and didn't leave my room. I took the medication as advised. I didn't have a clue what either medication was doing as I wasn't told, but I took it. I wasn't allowed to shower so I just used a damp towel to wash armpits etc.

Tomek was picking me up at 08:50 the following morning to take me to clinic and have my bandages redressed.

At the end of this day, I am experiencing no pain really. I wouldn't describe it as pain, it's more uncomfortable. It feels like the pain you got when you did your first ever leg session, but only in the chest. I find it difficult to reach out and pick my phone up off the side and things like that. But if I'm just lying here watching TV, I don't even think about it.

If anyone has any questions, or think I'm going on too much, please let me know. The purpose of this blog really is to inform people who are coming to Medi*el, Poland, what to expect.