[Albie]

I had what others say was an attack. This was my first and only. Early last year I had male breast augmentation done. It was a long process which gave me time to adjust or I thought. My sister has a nice in ground pool. She had a pool party early in the season. I was excited to go and wear my new swim top. This would be my first time out in a pool since having surgery. I get there go to the pool started talking to a few women at the pool. I took my shirt off and was sitting at the pool with the other women there later on a few men came to the pool. I started feeling very uncomfortable I felt everyone staring at me I couldn't breathe. I ran back to her house locked myself I'm a bedroom eventually my sister came in I calmed down enough though very embarrassed, I waited till there was no one in the front of her house and left. To this day I can seem to go to a pool not to say the shore

I am so sorry you had to go through this experience. How nerve shattering. This certainly does sound like an attack. I am glad your sister was able to emotionally support you. You are fortunate indeed that she cared.

Would you be able to go to a pool or beach in a t-shirt? Is there a comforting object you can have with you (a favourite towel, a book) that you could use to draw your attention to and the anxiety away from you? What about taking baby steps in that you gradually over time get closer and closer to pool or beach. Maybe just park by it the first time, go for a walk the second, dip your toe in the next and so on until finally you are comfortable pool or beach side.

It may comfort you to know that I myself am uncomfortable in a swimsuit in public. It was once excruciating. I've found ways to make it a little easier now.

[Sunflower123]

Excellent advice from justafriend. I'm sorry you went through such a tough situation.

[Albie]

Thanks! Even though it happened a year ago it really shook me up! Up to that point I was doing well I thought adapting well having people look at me didn't bother me, but after that incident I really began questioning myself. It was like taking 3 steps backwards. Still feels like I have not fully recovered

[Albie]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

I am so sorry you had to go through this experience. How nerve shattering. This certainly does sound like an attack. I am glad your sister was able to emotionally support you. You are fortunate indeed that she cared.

Would you be able to go to a pool or beach in a t-shirt? Is there a comforting object you can have with you (a favourite towel, a book) that you could use to draw your attention to and the anxiety away from you? What about taking baby steps in that you gradually over time get closer and closer to pool or beach. Maybe just park by it the first time, go for a walk the second, dip your toe in the next and so on until finally you are comfortable pool or beach side.

It may comfort you to know that I myself am uncomfortable in a swimsuit in public. It was once excruciating. I've found ways to make it a little easier now.

Thanks! It never crossed my mind about bringing something with me. Again that was the first time this happen. Since then any large crowds, or other situations I start thinking about that moment and feel maybe I should avoid it. I was lucky as it happened at my sister's house so she was there to help but now i keep thinking what happens if I get another one and no one is there for me. It keeps playing in my mind

thanks

[Albie]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

Excellent advice from justafriend. I'm sorry you went through such a tough situation.

thanks Jenn Appreciate your thoughts