New here

[Guest guest]

-, Be sure to get on LDN low dose naltrexone It is good for

autoimmune diseases and for Lyme it helps the immune system. It is a

prescription. The best price (1/3 of others ) is at

www.belmarpharmacy.com 1-800-525-9473 I think $38.00 for 90 caps.

My doc says this is a must and I definitely feel better on it. But

most doctors do not know anything about it. see

www.low dose naltrexone.com Also a group on it.

-- In , " yitro_53 " <hadassah_53@...> wrote:

>

> Hello. My name is . I am new here. I was diagnosed with

> lupus/Sjogren 6 years ago. Also have Hashimoto and Raynaud's.

About

> 2 !/2 months ago, I started having urinary tract infections and was

> diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. I asked my naturopath to do

an

> ANA as I felt like I was in a " flare " , and it was over 480. I was

> having more joint and muscle pain. Subsequently, she told me that

> she had been thinking about me and thought that I should be tested

> for lyme. As I have studied symptoms on-line, it looks like there

> are several that I have that could be lyme-related that I have

always

> attributed to my autoimmune illnesses. My labs were drawn on

Tuesday

> and sent to IgenX. I have some questions. How long does it take

to

> get results back from this lab? I am finding the posts here in the

> group to be a bit unsettling. Such as no insurance coverage? I am

> on disability, and have Medicare. Finances are a challenge, and I

> don't know what I will do as far as medical care for this. How do

> group members deal with this, does anyone have Medicare, and how

does

> this work? (I am in the Seattle area). When I look back on

possible

> exposures, the only one that I can think of occurred over thirty

> years ago. I was in a youth hostel in Japan (Tokyo). Got a " bite "

> there on my leg, it was the size of a small dinner plate and raised

> like a " hive " . But I did not get sick with the autoimmune

illnesses

> until years later. Can one be infected with lyme, and have it be

in

> some state of dormancy?

>

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to mention that myself and my two daughters are also on 4.5 mg

of Low Dose Naltrexone. I figure anything to help the immune system will

help my body to fight the LD and co-infections. I do believe that we have

all been feeling a little better since we started it. The only side effect

I seem to have is very vivid dreaming. I use to dream a lot before the LDN

and so it is hard to say if all of the dreaming is caused by the LDN or that

it has just increased my dreaming at night. Also on a side note, I went to

have my 6 month teeth cleaning and the hygienist was amazed at how much

better my gums looked. I asked her about gum problems and the immune system

and she said that if your immune system is down it will affect your gums. I

am attributing some of the improvement of my gums to the LDN that I am

currently on. I realize that LDN does not cure LD, but it helps your body

to fight it.

Regards,

Sparks, NV

[Guest guest]

Hi, im new to the group and very sick today so I hope I do this okay. I was

wondering about this nexadrone, has anyone taken it with chemical sensitivity?

Also need advice on what the best things r to take. can't afford the llmd visit.

Been ridden 3 years.

christie

[ ] Re: new here

I just wanted to mention that myself and my two daughters are also on 4.5 mg

of Low Dose Naltrexone. I figure anything to help the immune system will

help my body to fight the LD and co-infections. I do believe that we have

all been feeling a little better since we started it. The only side effect

I seem to have is very vivid dreaming. I use to dream a lot before the LDN

and so it is hard to say if all of the dreaming is caused by the LDN or that

it has just increased my dreaming at night. Also on a side note, I went to

have my 6 month teeth cleaning and the hygienist was amazed at how much

better my gums looked. I asked her about gum problems and the immune system

and she said that if your immune system is down it will affect your gums. I

am attributing some of the improvement of my gums to the LDN that I am

currently on. I realize that LDN does not cure LD, but it helps your body

to fight it.

Regards,

Sparks, NV

[Guest guest]

Hi all, new to the group and very sick today. Hope I do this right, I was

wondering has anyone ever tried naltrexone with chemical sensitivity?

Also I would like everyone's opinions on what helps the most and what I should

be taking. Im 28 with two little girls and have been basically bedridden for

three yrs.

I will not have the money to see an llmd in the foreseable future. Thank you for

any help

christie

[ ] Re: new here

-, Be sure to get on LDN low dose naltrexone It is good for

autoimmune diseases and for Lyme it helps the immune system. It is a

prescription. The best price (1/3 of others ) is at

www.belmarpharmacy.com 1-800-525-9473 I think $38.00 for 90 caps.

My doc says this is a must and I definitely feel better on it. But

most doctors do not know anything about it. see

www.low dose naltrexone.com Also a group on it.

-- In , " yitro_53 " <hadassah_53@...> wrote:

>

> Hello. My name is . I am new here. I was diagnosed with

> lupus/Sjogren 6 years ago. Also have Hashimoto and Raynaud's.

About

> 2 !/2 months ago, I started having urinary tract infections and was

> diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. I asked my naturopath to do

an

> ANA as I felt like I was in a " flare " , and it was over 480. I was

> having more joint and muscle pain. Subsequently, she told me that

> she had been thinking about me and thought that I should be tested

> for lyme. As I have studied symptoms on-line, it looks like there

> are several that I have that could be lyme-related that I have

always

> attributed to my autoimmune illnesses. My labs were drawn on

Tuesday

> and sent to IgenX. I have some questions. How long does it take

to

> get results back from this lab? I am finding the posts here in the

> group to be a bit unsettling. Such as no insurance coverage? I am

> on disability, and have Medicare. Finances are a challenge, and I

> don't know what I will do as far as medical care for this. How do

> group members deal with this, does anyone have Medicare, and how

does

> this work? (I am in the Seattle area). When I look back on

possible

> exposures, the only one that I can think of occurred over thirty

> years ago. I was in a youth hostel in Japan (Tokyo). Got a " bite "

> there on my leg, it was the size of a small dinner plate and raised

> like a " hive " . But I did not get sick with the autoimmune

illnesses

> until years later. Can one be infected with lyme, and have it be

in

> some state of dormancy?

>

[Guest guest]

What has been working well for my wife is

104F hot tub soaks

Hot epsom baths

Grapefruit seed extract

Salt/c regime

Note she has had lyme 2 years and was doing very poorly this winter when we

started learning about the disease and starting the above treatments.

> RE: [ ] Re: new here

>

> Hi all, new to the group and very sick today. Hope I do this

> right, I was wondering has anyone ever tried naltrexone with

> chemical sensitivity?

>

> Also I would like everyone's opinions on what helps the most

> and what I should be taking. Im 28 with two little girls and

> have been basically bedridden for three yrs.

>

> I will not have the money to see an llmd in the foreseable

> future. Thank you for any help

>

> christie

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

I thought I would give you my take on this since I have low

testoterone and been researching the subject through medical

books/journals etc

I've kept my answers fairly brief given the complex nature of this

topic - if you want references for books/journals I can give them to

you - this will help increase your knowledge and through that your

less likely to believe some rubbish from some doctor not up on this

subject.

>

> Hi all, I'm a newbie with this and hope to get a deeper and

informed

> understanding of low T in men. My husband of 22 years recently

> diagnosed withe xtremely low testosterone level. His was only 80

> instead of the normal 2500 or something like that?

> He woks away from home and I have a million questions about all of

this

> but nowhere really to turn to.

> The Dr wants to put him on Testosterone injections the moement he

gets

> home in October. he works in Afghanistan and is away 4 months at a

time

> and then only home for 3 weeks before elaving for there again. This

has

> been going on for the past 5 years now. His 48 years old, and Im 43.

>

> Our marriage has always been very strong and we never had any

problems

> in the past up to say a year ago when he totally begin to loose

> interest in me or sex..or so it seems. He started having night

sweats

> and hot flushes and displayed a lot of symptoms that I thought more

fit

> my own bill than what it was supposed to be his.So we left it. In

> January this year, I suggested he go for a good check up and blood

work

> and they found his T levels to be only 400.So, Dr placed hom on T

> replacement pills to take 1 daily. Which he did. In June he had a

re

> test when he ws home , and now his T level dropped to that of being

> only 80- which means the HRT pills didnt work at all.

>

> Im very worried for him and all of this that we dont really

understand

> fully.

>

> My many boring and anxious question is these:

> 1. Has his working away so much caused this condition?(eg to little

sex

> etc)

Testosterone decreases over time with age naturally - no evidence I

have come across suggests lack of sex contributes to low T probably

the low T would be the precursor to lack of sex/masturbation!

There is no sound evidence to prove diet has dramatic effect on

testosterone levels as most studies appear to be inconclusive.

However, a healthly varied diet and regular exercise obviously helps

to keep testosterone levels optimal (at least maximum production

whatever that may be). In particular intense short bursts of activity

such as resistance training (running, weight lifting) have proven to

increase testosterone levels for a short period after training and

may help to keep levels optimal. Stress & over training will deplete

the body's energy stores and deplete testosterone levels. Alcohol

causes testosterone levels to plummet after say more than 2-3 pints.

>

> 2. Is his extremely low T levels dangerous for him at all? Can he

> suffer a heart attack or shut down of his system because his is so

> dangerously low(dangersously low was how his Dr described it as and

Im

> very worried for him over this now)

Low levels are linked to serious health conditions (for example

osteoporosis, depression, some evidence for congestive heart failure

but not proven) if clinically low over time - range of 280-800 pg/dl

is quoted as safe by American Association of Endocrinologists (note

optimal range will depend on age & health of patient) - other factors

such as general health - diet, exercise, history of family health are

just as important though.

>

> 3. the Dr also said he wants to place him on Cialis. How safe is

this

> to use , And will it bring any improvement for us since we do not

see

> each other often , its been a hell on our marriage in that regards

for

> the past year or so and we do need something to pep him up a bit.

> We have never used this before and when he comes home in October we

> will give it a try. What can we expect to happen with this? what

should

> my role be in this?

Dont know much about Cialis but not aware of any contra indications

if taken with TRT - the success of this will prob depend on your

husbands general fitness if taken in isolation since Cialis works to

increase nitric oxide causing better blood flow to penis - but if

only problem if low T then TRT should look to address this issue

>

> 4 Can Ciallis safely be used whilst he will also be placed on T

> injections at theh same time- will it be safe for him?

Answered above to best of my knowledge

>

> 5 A friend suggested that he also use testo boost or something from

USN

> as a supplement...will it be any good, if not-what do you suggest

he

> use as supliments for him?

No scientific evidence I have come across indicates any supplement

helps to increase T levels - supplements are mass marketing nd

daylight robbery in my opinion - proper diet and regular exercise

will increase T levels more than any supplement.

>

> 6. Will his low T levels increase with the T injection and Cialis?

How

> llong will he have to be on this treatment because it is rather

> difficult with him working away from home etc.

Yes initially but body detects total testosterone in body and will

detect exogeneous testosterone then shut down body' own natural

production therefore levels will need to be increased/adjusted to

allow for this. Also other hormones such as estrogen etc need to be

measured since TRT does not just affect one testosterone only - much

more complex than that i'm afraid.

Also if TRT is used to increase testosterone - therapy is for life

since not able to simply 'boost' body's own testosterone levels i.e.

bodys own production shuts down already mentioned - best therapy

options are gels/creams (taken daily) or injections (best taken

weekly/bi-monthly) - will depend on patients preferred option and

uptake of T using whatever method.

>

> 7. Will he become agresive...or will it change him much?

No - providing supra physiological levels are avoided >1000 pd/dl

then no evidence to suggest this - any therapy should be aimed at

increasing one's wellbeing therefore if anything more likely to make

some-one more upbeat not aggresive

Getting a good doctor/endocrinologist who is knowledgable in this

field should be your main priority and read up yourself before going

down this route

thats the stage I'm at now - hope this helps you!

Regards

chris

>

> Please forgive my endless questions but I'm so new to this and need

to

> ask someone that has been down the road and not just a clinical

> profesional that never had this himself before.

>

> Thanks for helping!

> Have a great day

> Sunbeatle

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sunbeatle and welcome to the group -

 

With a testosterone level of 80 its no wonder he is having difficulties. The big

question is why is his T so low. He needs to discuss this with his Dr.

Testosterone injections will help him significantly with a T that low. Low T

causes all kinds of long term health issues like bone loss and cardiac problems.

Cialis is only used to treat ED. It will help him get and keep erections but you

have to have a minimal amount of T for that to be possible. In my opinion,

anything less than 500 on T will result in some symptoms of hypogonadism. The

Cialis will not hurt him unless he is taking nitrates for chest pain which his

Dr. should check for. Sounds like the Dr. is right on target. For your end of

the deal, be patient, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. His hormones

are so screwed up that he probably not only doesn't feel like having sex, he

physically can't and that is really hard on the male ego. This is a long

process. I took me a year to get

straightened out. Now my wife and I have a great sex life once again and life

is good. You came to a great place. This forum has great folks(both men and

women) who have dealt with this for years and are compassionate.

 

I Wish You Luck,

 

Arkansas

From: connie_kapp <conniek@...>

Subject: New here

Date: Sunday, September 7, 2008, 4:26 AM

Hi all, I'm a newbie with this and hope to get a deeper and informed

understanding of low T in men. My husband of 22 years recently

diagnosed withe xtremely low testosterone level. His was only 80

instead of the normal 2500 or something like that?

He woks away from home and I have a million questions about all of this

but nowhere really to turn to.

The Dr wants to put him on Testosterone injections the moement he gets

home in October. he works in Afghanistan and is away 4 months at a time

and then only home for 3 weeks before elaving for there again. This has

been going on for the past 5 years now. His 48 years old, and Im 43.

Our marriage has always been very strong and we never had any problems

in the past up to say a year ago when he totally begin to loose

interest in me or sex..or so it seems. He started having night sweats

and hot flushes and displayed a lot of symptoms that I thought more fit

my own bill than what it was supposed to be his.So we left it. In

January this year, I suggested he go for a good check up and blood work

and they found his T levels to be only 400.So, Dr placed hom on T

replacement pills to take 1 daily. Which he did. In June he had a re

test when he ws home , and now his T level dropped to that of being

only 80- which means the HRT pills didnt work at all.

Im very worried for him and all of this that we dont really understand

fully.

My many boring and anxious question is these:

1. Has his working away so much caused this condition?(eg to little sex

etc)

2. Is his extremely low T levels dangerous for him at all? Can he

suffer a heart attack or shut down of his system because his is so

dangerously low(dangersously low was how his Dr described it as and Im

very worried for him over this now)

3. the Dr also said he wants to place him on Cialis. How safe is this

to use , And will it bring any improvement for us since we do not see

each other often , its been a hell on our marriage in that regards for

the past year or so and we do need something to pep him up a bit.

We have never used this before and when he comes home in October we

will give it a try. What can we expect to happen with this? what should

my role be in this?

4 Can Ciallis safely be used whilst he will also be placed on T

injections at theh same time- will it be safe for him?

5 A friend suggested that he also use testo boost or something from USN

as a supplement.. .will it be any good, if not-what do you suggest he

use as supliments for him?

6. Will his low T levels increase with the T injection and Cialis?How

llong will he have to be on this treatment because it is rather

difficult with him working away from home etc.

7. Will he become agresive...or will it change him much?

Please forgive my endless questions but I'm so new to this and need to

ask someone that has been down the road and not just a clinical

profesional that never had this himself before.

Thanks for helping!

Have a great day

Sunbeatle

[Guest guest]

Hi Connie and Welcome your in the right place.

First I need to tell you not to worry many of us men here have this same problem

and we are still here. I have had this over 25 yrs.

First thing I feel need is for you to put his first set of labs on here with the

ranges and units. We need to try to find out why he is low. The to big things

that cause this are he can be Primary meaning his testis are not making enough

testosterone.

Or he is Secondary meaning his Pituitary Gland in his brain is not sending the

messages to his testis to make testosterone.

One way to figure this out is to test his Total and Free Testosterone,

Estradiol, LH and FSH.

If his testosterone is low and we know this, if his Estradiol is not to high

good is about 20pg/ml. The LH and FSH show what is wrong if it was tested and

very high near the top of the range or over it. His testis are not making

enough testosterone. His Pituitary is sending a lot of LH and FSH to his testis

asking for more because he is so low.

Now if his LH and FSH are low this can mean he has a Pituitary problem and it's

not telling the testis to make testosterone. This can be caused by a tumor not

to worry they are not cancer most of the time. Or if he had a head injury this

can damage the pituitary.

So all I am saying is you need to find out why he is low there are many things

that can make a mans testosterone low a fatty liver, low grade infection and the

list is long.

When the Dr. gave him pills I hope they were the newer ones the older ones are

very hard on the liver. I don't know what kind of Pills they gave him but when

we take any kind of testosterone it shuts down the message of LH and FSH to the

testis and they stop making the testosterone they we making before the T med.

So in his case he was at 400 he took the T pills and lets say they only gave him

a level of 80 still this can happen his brain seen the added T shut down the

messages and he is only getting his levels up to what the pills are doing. I

would think if he stopped the pills his levels would go back up to 400. I

wonder if this Dr. knows what he is doing when it comes to treating low

testosterone.

We have a links and files section full of info about this so you can go there

and read up on this. Here is one good link to get you started. In this link

they state to get to feeling good to get the Total and Free testosterone up into

the upper 1/3 of his labs range to start then go by how he feels. And to keep

his Estradiol down between 10 to 30 best for most at 20 pg/ml. It is high

Estradiol that kills a mans libido and gives them ED. Can make him even have

panic attacks the list is long.

http://www.griffinmedical.com/male_hormone_modulation_therapy.html

The night sweats and hot flushes can be his Estradiol is to high. We also get

sore and hard nipples. But low Cortiosl levels can do the same thing when he

goes to sleep if he has Adrenal Fatigue his sugar can drop and make him wake

feeling like this. Try eating some lean meat or peanut butter before going to

bed to hold him over see if this helps.

Here is a link to my Thyroid forum about the labs I tell men to get.

http://forums.realthyroidhelp.com/viewtopic.php?f=5 & t=7059

He should do all of them to rule out other things that can make his Testosterone

levels go down.

As for your questions.

1. Yes if he is not eating right and getting the proper rest he can run his

Adrenals down and end up with low cortisol levels. Or just low testosterone I

get a lot of young men at the forums that over train in weight lifting and lower

they testosterone.

2. No but in the long hall it can cause a lot of problems feelings of

Depression, Joint and Muscle pain with muscle loss. It will take time off the

back of his life. Here are some links about this.

http://www.vitacost.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm?nl=387 & csrc=EM-FYH20080718:mai\

n

http://tinyurl.com/2smrg7

3. Yes I do Cialis 20mgs every 3 days doing this keeps me having night time and

morning wood this is need for the health of a mans penis. And he will not have

to Wait for a pill to work it also helps keep my BP down. I can't thank my Dr.

enough for telling me this and doing the Cialis every 3 days there are no sides.

4. Yes it is safe all the Cialis dose is help with ED problems so he can get it

up for sex and keep it up.

If he goes on shots the best way to start is to do a 200mgs shot to start then

do 100mgs every week. Do labs every 6 to 8 weeks until he gets his levels up

into the upper 1/3 of his labs range. All ways test Estradiol on TRT this can

go up and he might need to take some Arimidex we do .25mgs every 3 days to keep

this down.

Do go to Dr. 's site he is one of the best men's' hormone Dr.'s out there

and he puts his treatment on his site free for you and your Dr.

www.allthingsmale.com

Read TRT: A Recipe for Success and his HCG Update in this are labs he needs and

way.

Don't let his Dr. give him big shots every 2 for 3 weeks this is old and will

put him on a roller coaster ride up after the shot then down long before the

next one. We all do are own shots at home cost is less. Dr.'s will tell men to

come in every 2 or 3 weeks for a big 200 to 300 mgs shot most of this gets

converted into Estradiol so don't let his Dr. do this.

5. No I feel and most do the supplements don't help to make testosterone levels

go up. We do supplements to help like Zinc/Copper all men are low on zinc. I

take a good Multi's and NOW ZMA for zinc with a 2 mgs of Copper say at noon.

This is a dam good multi.

http://bestvitamins.com/BestVitamins/prime_nutrients.htm

http://www.myvitanet.com/zmaanspre90c.html

Maca is good for a lot of things and helps with libido.

I buy this by the lb. and take 1 tsp in some apple sauce 2x's a day or yogurt.

http://www.macaweb.com/?pid=products_dtl & pn=11-002

6. Going on TRT is for life this is why we say find out why his is low before

going on TRT if one goes on TRT it is very hard to find out way because the

brain shuts down the message to the testis to make it.

7.No if anything he will in time become his old self. This takes time first he

needs to get his levels up. Then his body will start to undo the damage done by

low T. So he will feel a little better everyday for some this is 6 months to a

year. But just starting on shots he will feel much better.

If you need more help just ask this is why we are here.

Don't worry he will be fine.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: connie_kapp <conniek@...>

> Subject: New here

>

> Date: Sunday, September 7, 2008, 5:26 AM

> Hi all, I'm a newbie with this and hope to get a deeper

> and informed

> understanding of low T in men. My husband of 22 years

> recently

> diagnosed withe xtremely low testosterone level. His was

> only 80

> instead of the normal 2500 or something like that?

> He woks away from home and I have a million questions about

> all of this

> but nowhere really to turn to.

> The Dr wants to put him on Testosterone injections the

> moement he gets

> home in October. he works in Afghanistan and is away 4

> months at a time

> and then only home for 3 weeks before elaving for there

> again. This has

> been going on for the past 5 years now. His 48 years old,

> and Im 43.

>

> Our marriage has always been very strong and we never had

> any problems

> in the past up to say a year ago when he totally begin to

> loose

> interest in me or sex..or so it seems. He started having

> night sweats

> and hot flushes and displayed a lot of symptoms that I

> thought more fit

> my own bill than what it was supposed to be his.So we left

> it. In

> January this year, I suggested he go for a good check up

> and blood work

> and they found his T levels to be only 400.So, Dr placed

> hom on T

> replacement pills to take 1 daily. Which he did. In June he

> had a re

> test when he ws home , and now his T level dropped to that

> of being

> only 80- which means the HRT pills didnt work at all.

>

> Im very worried for him and all of this that we dont really

> understand

> fully.

>

> My many boring and anxious question is these:

> 1. Has his working away so much caused this condition?(eg

> to little sex

> etc)

>

> 2. Is his extremely low T levels dangerous for him at all?

> Can he

> suffer a heart attack or shut down of his system because

> his is so

> dangerously low(dangersously low was how his Dr described

> it as and Im

> very worried for him over this now)

>

> 3. the Dr also said he wants to place him on Cialis. How

> safe is this

> to use , And will it bring any improvement for us since we

> do not see

> each other often , its been a hell on our marriage in that

> regards for

> the past year or so and we do need something to pep him up

> a bit.

> We have never used this before and when he comes home in

> October we

> will give it a try. What can we expect to happen with this?

> what should

> my role be in this?

>

> 4 Can Ciallis safely be used whilst he will also be placed

> on T

> injections at theh same time- will it be safe for him?

>

> 5 A friend suggested that he also use testo boost or

> something from USN

> as a supplement...will it be any good, if not-what do you

> suggest he

> use as supliments for him?

>

> 6. Will his low T levels increase with the T injection and

> Cialis?How

> llong will he have to be on this treatment because it is

> rather

> difficult with him working away from home etc.

>

> 7. Will he become agresive...or will it change him much?

>

> Please forgive my endless questions but I'm so new to

> this and need to

> ask someone that has been down the road and not just a

> clinical

> profesional that never had this himself before.

>

> Thanks for helping!

> Have a great day

> Sunbeatle

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

First off, don't worry. Things are going to get much better. When he

gets his T levels right he will be more energetic, focused, easier

going and happier. His sexual interest and abilities will return also.

He will be your old guy, maybe even new and improved.

On Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:26:56 -0000, you wrote:

>Hi all, I'm a newbie with this and hope to get a deeper and informed

>understanding of low T in men. My husband of 22 years recently

>diagnosed withe xtremely low testosterone level. His was only 80

>instead of the normal 2500 or something like that?

DO you have access to the test results? The units it is measured in

are important. In the US normal median in the US standard units is

about 600-650

>He woks away from home and I have a million questions about all of this

>but nowhere really to turn to.

>The Dr wants to put him on Testosterone injections the moement he gets

>home in October. he works in Afghanistan and is away 4 months at a time

>and then only home for 3 weeks before elaving for there again. This has

>been going on for the past 5 years now. His 48 years old, and Im 43.

>

>Our marriage has always been very strong and we never had any problems

>in the past up to say a year ago when he totally begin to loose

>interest in me or sex..or so it seems. He started having night sweats

>and hot flushes and displayed a lot of symptoms that I thought more fit

>my own bill than what it was supposed to be his.So we left it. In

>January this year, I suggested he go for a good check up and blood work

>and they found his T levels to be only 400.So, Dr placed hom on T

>replacement pills to take 1 daily. Which he did. In June he had a re

>test when he ws home , and now his T level dropped to that of being

>only 80- which means the HRT pills didnt work at all.

Pills are not a favored form of Testosterone replacement. The liver

processes the bills and the old formulas did liver damage. I've not

heard of any newer versions being developed.

It sounds like your Doctor may not know much about testosterone

replacement issues. You and your husband are going to have to become

educated as to what he needs and how to go about getting it. But you

have found this group and you can get all the help you need here.

A good staring point is here:

http://www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/hypogonadism.pdf

These are the recommendations of the American Association of Clinical

Endocrinologists. they discuss ALL the tests that need to be run

before treatment and the various types of treatment and the health

effects of low T and treatment. (They do not as I recall talk much

about E2 (estradiol). Your husband should have E2 tests in addition.

There is a lot of relationship between T and E2 and both low and high

E2 can ruin T therapy results.)

When you read this you will note a series of tests that need to be

done BEFORE starting treatment.It sounds like your doctor may not have

done all of these. If so this is unfortunate as your husband will

likely have to stop treatment for a time to find his natural untreated

levels before the tests. This can take weeks.

Another good read is by a doctor who has the condition. It's slightly

out of date now but being updated soon. Still worth the read:

http://www.amazon.com/Testosterone-Syndrome-Critical-Sexuality-Reversing-Menopau\

se/dp/087131858X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8 & s=books & qid=1220892613 & sr=8-1

The Testosterone Syndrome: The Critical Factor for Energy, Health, and

Sexuality by SHippen.

>

>Im very worried for him and all of this that we dont really understand

>fully.

>

>My many boring and anxious question is these:

>1. Has his working away so much caused this condition?(eg to little sex

>etc)

It's unlikely. But stress can be a cause when stress hormone levels of

cortisol get very high it can cause T problems. More likely some

injury or insult to the pituitary has resulted in lower hormones that

tell the testicles to make T. Sometime infection or injury can injure

the testicles and that can result in low T also. My perception is that

late onset low T (as opposed to low since puberty) is usually a

pituitary issue. The tests will try to identify where the injury

lies. (Usually they cannot identify the cause of the injury - but can

identify the location)

>

>2. Is his extremely low T levels dangerous for him at all? Can he

>suffer a heart attack or shut down of his system because his is so

>dangerously low(dangersously low was how his Dr described it as and Im

>very worried for him over this now)

Low T's major health risk is osteoporosis, low bone density. I myself

broke 8 ribs before discovering my condition. The good news is this is

reversible with T.

>3. the Dr also said he wants to place him on Cialis. How safe is this

>to use , And will it bring any improvement for us since we do not see

>each other often , its been a hell on our marriage in that regards for

>the past year or so and we do need something to pep him up a bit.

>We have never used this before and when he comes home in October we

>will give it a try. What can we expect to happen with this? what should

>my role be in this?

Cialis will most likely not be necessary once his T levels are above

500 (US units) and his E2 levels are below 40. It may be of use

before treatment or it reaches those levels.

>4 Can Ciallis safely be used whilst he will also be placed on T

>injections at theh same time- will it be safe for him?

Lots of guys here use both. He/you should check the usual drug

warnings for cialis about blood pressure, heart disease, etc.

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/cialis_wcp.htm

>

>5 A friend suggested that he also use testo boost or something from USN

>as a supplement...will it be any good, if not-what do you suggest he

>use as supliments for him?

If he is on replacement therapy most supplements will not work for

him. These supplements are aimed at precursor hormones and signals

that are greatly impacted by the treatment. Treatment will raise his

levels to where they need to be and keep them there. He won't need to

add to that.

>

>6. Will his low T levels increase with the T injection and Cialis?How

>llong will he have to be on this treatment because it is rather

>difficult with him working away from home etc.

Most of us find weekly shots of 100mg of T give us a pretty steady

levels of T. Self administering the shots when traveling is not

difficult once you clear the mental hurdles. A needle in the thigh is

easy to do. If he carries a prescription the needles and vials will

not be a problem in traveling.

>7. Will he become agresive...or will it change him much?

This is largely a myth. Actually low T makes men irritable. Getting

his levels right will make him happier, more self satisfied and in a

more positive mood.

>Please forgive my endless questions

Pshaw. You're doing what you need to do. Read the things above and

you should come back with LOTS more questions. That's why this group

is here and we've all been helped by being able to ask those who've

done this before us.

> but I'm so new to this and need to

>ask someone that has been down the road and not just a clinical

>profesional that never had this himself before.

This is very wise. ly most professionals don't understand this

condition very well. They work from lots of superstition and outdated

medical " knowledge " . You'll find this group very up to date. people

from all over the world and all over the US are here. (We're about

3000 now on this group). lots of them keep up to date with the medical

literature and what different doctors are doing and we get the added

benefit of knowing what's working how for others.

>

>Thanks for helping!

>Have a great day

>Sunbeatle

Hang in there. Things are on the way to getting much much better.

You've found out the problem. That's the hard part. Now it's just a

matter of time. Some tests, some treatment some adjusting. In a few

months you won't believe the change.

[Guest guest]

Betsy,

 

Start with 1/2 tsp and work your way up to 3 TBSPs at one to two weeks interval

per increase of dosage.  This is to avoid hexheimers.

 

[Guest guest]

" For instance, does one

just eat a tablespoon of coconut oil a day and then increase from there? "

 

Hi " Peace "

 

For me it is the most practical way to do it, when one means business about his

health. No issues related to taste, odor, feel and eating styles. Just invest

eough effort to find a good quality VCO.

 

Whatever daily quantity you start with, do it in at least two takes. The

residence time of medium-chain fatty acids in the blood is about 8 to 10 hours

only.

 

I suggest that you be aware that there could be a limit to the amount of VCO you

can take. 35% of VCO are long-chain fats which are digested, absorbed and

metabolized like the usual food fats..

 

Tony

From: betsytotty <betsytotty@...>

Subject: New here

Coconut Oil

Date: Monday, September 22, 2008, 6:36 AM

Hello~

I am new to this site but not to the benefits of coconut oil. I have

never went on the coconut oil diet; however, I am considering it. Do

you all have any suggestions on how to start? For instance, does one

just eat a tablespoon of coconut oil a day and then increase from there?

Peace~

[Guest guest]

Wow - you're right; it must be literally overwhelming at times.  I think with

all the pain you're having, however, and what certainly sounds like it could be

psoriasis you either get a proper diagnosis from your current doc or go to one

who will take a second look.  I have no clue what treatment for " probable " MS

would be but maybe if it is PsA, taking one of the biologics will help with all

that pain.  Hang in there and keep us posted on what he/she says. 

Good luck . . . . .

 Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

Dear Tami,

there is a blood test for PA. I think it has something to do with B27

someone else on this post will get back to you with the right answers.

Jim

[Guest guest]

The blood test won't always tell you you have PA. I have what they

call negative serum PA. I test negative on all the blood work. Which

is why it took about 5 years to diagnose it. My rheumy took a look at

my hands and skin issues and said you have PA. It is nice to finally

have a name to put to it but I did at least 3 blood tests that all

came back negative for PA.

" tweetygodess " <tweetygodess@...>

[Guest guest]

Hi Tami!

My family doctor kept treating me for eczema originally also. The cream she

gave me did nothing. An emergency room doctor told me it was psoriasis. I went

there when I had cellulitis in my leg because of itching it. (it had gotten

really bad in the time my doctor was denying it)

I finally got a new doctor and not only do I have psoriasis but psoriatic

arthritis as well. If your doctor won't consider anything else for you, I would

get another doctor I wasted two years and now have major damage.

Hope you can get some relief!

Deanna

[Guest guest]

According to the website

dermnetnz.org/scaly/psoriatic-arthritis.html

this is what is said regarding blood tests for PA. I have never heard of anyone

being diagnosed through a specific blood test specifically for PA.

There are no diagnostic blood tests for psoriatic arthritis but tests may be

done to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.

Anyhow this is the information I have from the above web-site.

There are no diagnostic blood tests for psoriatic arthritis but tests may be

done to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.

Elevated ESR and CRP (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein,

respectively), which are markers of inflammation, may reflect the severity of

the inflammation in the joints.

Rheumatoid factor is usually negative but may be positive in up to 9% of

patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Anyhow I was diagnosed based on number of joints affected and I had no RA

factor. So anyhow to my knowledge there is not a specific blood test for

Psoriatic Arthritis.

Rita

[Guest guest]

The HLA-B27 marker is specific to psoriatic arthritis - particularly those who

have it in the spine (esp. ankylosing spondylitis).

However, many have PsA but do not have the genetic marker. 

 Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

The HLA-B27 marker was how they determined that I had PA.

Celeste

[Guest guest]

>

> Hello Bee,

>

> I am thrilled to have found this site and your website. It was

> recommended to me by a dear friend.

+++Hi Pam. Welcome to our group. I'm glad you found us too!

>

> Three years ago, I was given Ativan after I had run myself into the

> ground from work and graduate classes ( too much coffee and sleep

> deprivation ). I became VERY sick on the drug and

> eventually...painfully...came off. I've been very sick ever since

with almost no signs of healing. I had to quit my teaching job and

go on disability. Every day is a struggle.

+++My goodness, you've really had a very bad time of it. My heart

goes out to you.

>

> After seeing many doctors, and all of them treating me as if I am a

> hypochondriac and only wanting to throw more benzos and

antidepressanst at me, I have pretty much given up on the medical

system and am left to try to figure this out myself. I have about

98% of candida symptoms, but the odd thing is, I've never had a

vaginal yeast infection. But I'm assuming systemic candida is the

cause of all this suffering because eveything else is classic.

+++Many of us had to take responsibility for our health because of

toxic treatments and attitudes by the medical profession, and they

contributed to our health problems, rather than helped.

+++Systemic candida is actually very rare. What most people believe

is systemic isn't. Its the candida toxins which circulate throughout

the body causing all of the damage, while the candida itself is

overgrowing mainly in mucus membranes, i.e. ears, eyes, nose,

sinuses, mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, intestines, reproductive

organs, bladder, etc. Candida seems to be more prevalent in certain

mucus membranes for some people, but not for other people.

>

> I have slowly started the diet, have added some supplements, but

not many and not much because I am now soooo sensitive to

everything. I am doing dry brushing, have a sauna ( but I go slow

with it ), take Epsom salt baths, drink lemon water, and have ordered

the needed supplies to incorporate coffee enemas. I just finished a

1 month course of Nystatin, and had what I think is a very bad

healing reaction because I suddenly got very cold and shivering, and

had a 103 degree fever. That had never happened before in my

life...ever. I didn't start all this at once. I've been adding in

things for a few months now.

>

> I am just so doggone sick, Bee. I'm only 41 and have no life.

> Figuring out ways to get well has become my full time job

+++I totally understand Pam, since I was totally debilitated by the

time I discovered candida was causing all of my health problems. I

was fired from my job for being sick since I spent a lot of time at

work upchucking in the bathroom, and I missed too many days of work.

I had to go on welfare for 1 1/2 years and couldn't work. I was able

to work the last year on the program.

+++Pam, you will get a very good life if you can stick with this

program!!! For encouragement read the many Success Stories on my

website: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/success/index.php

>

> My question is, have you ever had any clients / members who became

very very sick from prescription medications, particularly benzos and

antidepressants, and still go on to heal by adhering to the diet and

supplements and other healing protocols? I need some hope here to

keep with this. It's a struggle to stay positive and hopeful after

being sick for so long.

+++Yes, there have been a few members on medical drugs of all kinds,

including antidepressants, who were able to get healthy again. It

takes time, patience and persistence on the program long enough to

build up your immune system. Most people nowadays have been sick /

unhealthy since before they were born. It takes 1 month of natural

healing for every year you've been unwell.

+++I was 44 years old (23 years ago) when I started the candida

program, and it took me 2 1/2 years (a total of 30 months - back to

when I was 14 years old which was when I got my first stomach ulcer

attack). I'm so happy to have persevered on the program since I've

had a great life since. Of course I do eat well, and avoid toxins.

For ongoing health one needs to maintain their immune system

with " proper " nutrients and eliminating toxins. We cannot go back to

the way we ate before or we will get candida again and again.

>

> Thank you for everything you do to help people regain their health.

You are an angel.

+++Awe shucks. Thank you. I am honored.

The best in health, Bee

[Guest guest]

I truly appreciate all the information. It is kind of making my head spin.

I am going to call today to get an appointment with the rheumy I go to. My

finger and toenails are really bad right now, so I am hoping he will take me

seriously. I will keep you all updated. Thank you again, truly.

Tami

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the encouragement. It means a lot to me. I'm off to go

read some success stories

Quick question if you have time....I don't want to be a pain in the

neck here:

I just noticed yesterday ( and forgive me, this is gross ) that I have

had some stringy looking white things floating in my urine. Is this

candida coming out ? I also have had some gooey white junk in my eyes,

but was told it is allergic conjunctivitis.

Hope you have a great day !

[Guest guest]

Rita's info is correct. Even erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels may be within normal

range in some people, despite obvious signs of inflammation such as

gross swelling and pain. My sedimentation rate and CRP levels were " normal " or

only slightly elevated even when I had sausage digits and deep fissures caused

by the inflammation.

This is a shame because it causes some doctors (in the absence of such

obvious inflammation) to not take our cases seriously. If they only

believe the blood work, they discount what we are telling them.

" S. Zorzi " <szorzi_1999@...>

[Guest guest]

>

> Thank you for the encouragement. It means a lot to me. I'm off to

go

> read some success stories

>

> Quick question if you have time....I don't want to be a pain in the

> neck here:

>

> I just noticed yesterday ( and forgive me, this is gross ) that I

have

> had some stringy looking white things floating in my urine. Is

this

> candida coming out ? I also have had some gooey white junk in my

eyes,

> but was told it is allergic conjunctivitis.

+++Hi there. What is your name? I have difficulty remembering

anyone by their email address. : )

+++That stringy looking white stuff in your urine and eyes is mucus,

which is formed by the body in order to get rid of toxins.

+++Here's the definition of conjunctivitis from Wikipedia:

" (commonly called " Pink Eye " or " Red Eye " in North America,

and " Madras eye " in India) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the

outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids),

most commonly due to an allergic reaction or an infection (usually

viral, but sometimes bacterial). Conjunctivitis has many different

possible causes. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria (including

STDs), allergies, or irritants such as shampoo, dirt, smoke, or

chlorine. "

+++I don't believe in allergic reactions as defined by the medical

industry, since healing reactions are exactly the same list of

symptoms. It is important to understand that such reactions are

normal to the body, instead of an allergy (as defined by the medical

industry). Of course everyone is " allergic " (so to speak) to toxic

substances, and candida toxins are the main culprit now. Such

symptoms are evidence the body is working hard to get rid of toxins,

so it creates healing/detoxifying/die-off reactions.

+++Of course you would have a lot of candida toxins, so your body is

getting rid of some of them through your eyes. My body detoxified

through my eyes for 3 months when I was on my candida program. The

stuff that came out was gross (green, yellow, ooey, gooey stuff).

+++The main treatment is to continue the program (diet plus

supplements) and eventually your eyes will clear up. In the meantime

eye treatments can help make your eyes feel better - see this

article: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/treat9.php

> Hope you have a great day !

+++Thank you.

The best to you, Bee

[Guest guest]

> +++Hi there. What is your name? I have difficulty remembering

> anyone by their email address. : )

I'm sorry. I hit send and then remembered I forgot to add my name.

It's Pam.

Thank you for the help and information!!!!

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi Everyone!

>

> I am so thankful to have found here. I have been reading so much and

> feeling a little better about my new DX. I am 32 (mother of 4) and

> full-time college student.

+++Hi there. Welcome to our group. What is your name please?

What new DX are you referring to?

Bee