A visit to the doctor
I was at the GP surgery yesterday afternoon for them to look at the gynaecomastia. I got a comprehensive examination by a locum GP, and lots of advice from a nurse (she was excellent)
The doctor examined my balls and breasts and took a history. The doctor had called the nurse in as a chaperone.
GP listened to my current symptoms around pain and sensitivity in my breasts & nipples, as well as my embarrassment and difficulties finding a comfortable sleeping position.
The medical opinion was that, yes, the Finesteride was the cause; yes, it was mammary growth not fatty tissue; that my breasts may continue to grow slowly and slightly over the next few months; there is a chance that they may reduce subsequently, but the probability is that they will remain as breasts permanently; yes, she considered the growth a lot in a short time; and yes, there was a lot of breast tissue for a man although it was about average for a younger woman - she would get the nurse to measure me.
The sensitivity and pain is due to the imbalance of testosterone (& metabolites) & oestrogens - effectively I am suffering from constant 'pre-menstrual breast pain' thanks!
As regards treatment options she suggested paracetamol before and after exercise, and ibuprofen or voltarol gel when they were aching - pretty much what I'm doing now.
As regards sleep problems, her best shot was "you're going to have to get used to a different body shape" (Later that evening this comment was the one that seriously upset me and sent me into a bad spiral). She advised me to self-refer to the mental health counseling service.
Over to the nurse. She measured me and confirmed my 40B measurement. We discussed support options and I said that I wasn't getting on well with compression vests - she suggested getting a sports bra and she had been looking at options while the GP was talking to me and brought up a few M&S options for me to consider - which I took photos of (more later).
She then showed me how to properly examine my breasts for lumps & bumps etc and suggested - with a mutual laugh - that monthly examination might be better than four weekly.
This was a complete whirlwind of news, advice and opinions. My head was reeling - but I'd had the foresight to ask for pen & paper quite early on to scribble some notes. I was struggling to digest it all.
I went to Marks & Sparks with my shopping list, and ultimately got some incredibly useful help and advice from a middle-aged Asian assistant. She suggested another option away from the nurse's three, and made a colour suggestion that would help disguise the bra under clothes. She offered to help me in the fitting room, which proved invaluable. How the feck does anyone get these things on or off¿?¡! She introduced me to 'Swoop & Scoop' to get everything in. One of the nurse suggestions would not fit properly in any of the sizes we tried, and the assistant's suggested option was perfect. I came away with a zip up sports bra in coral pink, and a padded bra, with the padding removed in a skin tone, and a much lighter wallet.