Truman Customer Story Column
Not Knowing What Was Inside Made It Worse
Some people say that not knowing what is inside is more frightening than the chest protruding at all. There must be a reason for a visible change, and not knowing that reason, you naturally imagine the worst.
That was the worry this person wrote about: "I didn't know what the inside of my enlarged chest was like, so I worried it might be something serious."
Not Knowing Is What Frightens MostWhat we do at an examination is confirm that unknown part. We check when it began to grow, whether there is pain or discharge, whether any medication is being taken, and perform the necessary tests. The outward shape and the actual state of the tissue are not always the same.
In this person's case, the assessment showed it was within a treatable range, and they wrote that their worry decreased after hearing that. They said that since there had been no particular problem in recovery either, they now have no concerns. But recovery speed and course vary, and not everyone passes through on the same timetable.
Of their first visit, they wrote: "I think the best part was that all the staff were male, which was the most comfortable." In care that requires lifting your shirt to show the area, that one condition works more powerfully than you might expect.
What They Had Read and What They Were Told Did Not DifferAsked what had differed from their expectations during the surgery, this person answered that there was nothing in particular. Before coming in they had looked up the causes online, and the explanation after testing did not differ much from that.
I was glad to read that answer, because it means nothing unusual was added in the consulting room. Gynecomastia mostly arises from the development of glandular tissue, and the cause and direction of treatment are relatively clear. The longer and more complicated an explanation becomes, the harder it is for the person who has to decide.
Clothes They Want to Wear, and ExerciseI asked what would change after surgery. Saying there had been times their chest caused them stress, they wrote: "I think I'll be able to wear the clothes I want, exercise, and live with a bit more confidence."
Exercise has an order. The first week starts with light cardio, and after the period in which the internal wounds stabilize, we advise resuming weights from around week four. Neither fast nor slow — returning in the order planned. This timing may be adjusted according to recovery, so please confirm at your visits as you go.
On the last question, this person wrote that they were satisfied and had nothing to ask for, and encouraged others with the same concern to at least come in for a consultation. That is said after having been through it, and whether surgery is needed is something to judge after being examined. Having a consultation does not mean you must set a surgery date.
If the worry grew because you did not know, it shrinks from knowing.
