Guest guest Posted June 14, 1999 Report Share Posted June 14, 1999 > > > Hi list, > > > I'm new to the list, this is my first post. I am looking for natural > and > > > alternative ways to deal with hypothyroidism for my mother. She is > > > extremely hypothyroid, and is taking synthroid. She has many health > > > problem, heart, diabetes(recently), arthritus and others. Over the > last > > > two years (she is 75) she has been put on many drugs. I am trying to > get > > > her off most of them. > > > > > > Are there natural remedies that can substitute for synthroid? The > other > > > drug she is on that I don't know if we can get her off is premarin, for > > > estrogen replacement. > > > > > > Also, for myself, I have a goiter. Not hyperthyroid or hypo yet, but > have > > > been told my adrenal system is out of wack, I quess the thyroid, > > > pituitary, adrenals, thymus, are all tied together. > > > > > > My mother feels her pituitary is the culprit that led to her thyroid > > > problems, she was short as a child, didn't grow till very late, doctors > > > said pituitary was off, but no solution or address of problem at that > > time. > > > She is 5'5 " now, so eventually grew just fine, but thyroid has been > off > > > since she was young, althought she has not taken medicine for it very > > > regularly or consistently prior to the last year or so. > > > > > > Any thoughts are appreciated, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2000 Report Share Posted January 11, 2000 Dear Bob, Thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm 43 and have had HCV one year. Mine was contracted when my exboyfriend stuck his dirty needle into my arm while I was sleeping. I wasn't an IVDU prior to that but soon became one. I also had a suicide attempt shortly thereafter, and injected Mercury into my veins. Needless to say, it didn't kill me but shot out my Immune System. I failed Intron A treatment and am now awaiting my Genotype result. I will more then likely go on the Combination regardless if I'm a 1a or not. I believe that sharing our experiences and whatever knowledge we have about HCV is what a support system is all about. I know where to get information off of the web pertaining to HCV. I don't know of any other place, besides Lists such as these, to gain what we need most - someone who understands what we're living with. Welcome aboard and thanks again for sharing. Love, Bren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2000 Report Share Posted January 11, 2000 Re: First Post > From: goez@... > > Dear Bob, > Thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm 43 and have had HCV one year. > Mine was contracted when my exboyfriend stuck his dirty needle into my arm > while I was sleeping. I wasn't an IVDU prior to that but soon became one. I > also had a suicide attempt shortly thereafter, and injected Mercury into my > veins. Needless to say, it didn't kill me but shot out my Immune System. I > failed Intron A treatment and am now awaiting my Genotype result. I will more > then likely go on the Combination regardless if I'm a 1a or not. I believe > that sharing our experiences and whatever knowledge we have about HCV is what > a support system is all about. I know where to get information off of the web > pertaining to HCV. I don't know of any other place, besides Lists such as > these, to gain what we need most - someone who understands what we're living > with. Welcome aboard and thanks again for sharing. > Love, > Bren > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2000 Report Share Posted January 11, 2000 Re: First Post > From: goez@... > > Dear Bob, > Thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm 43 and have had HCV one year. > Mine was contracted when my exboyfriend stuck his dirty needle into my arm > while I was sleeping. I wasn't an IVDU prior to that but soon became one. I > also had a suicide attempt shortly thereafter, and injected Mercury into my > veins. Needless to say, it didn't kill me but shot out my Immune System. I > failed Intron A treatment and am now awaiting my Genotype result. I will more > then likely go on the Combination regardless if I'm a 1a or not. I believe > that sharing our experiences and whatever knowledge we have about HCV is what > a support system is all about. I know where to get information off of the web > pertaining to HCV. I don't know of any other place, besides Lists such as > these, to gain what we need most - someone who understands what we're living > with. Welcome aboard and thanks again for sharing. > Love, > Bren > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2001 Report Share Posted April 20, 2001 Hi Kim, I had my MGB on Jan26,2001 at Durham Regional with DrR. My name is Rosemary Commisso from New York. I do not know if we met at clinic or when we had the staples out. By any chance do you remember me?? I am 59 years old and me and my husband were there together, I would like to talk to people who had the MGB the same time I did. Can you email me privately at RoCommisso1@... Would love to talk Thanks Rosemary Commisso Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2001 Report Share Posted April 20, 2001 Kim, Welcome, I'm one of the old windy ones..... Sounds like you're doing terrific at weight loss, how ya feeling? Trudy First Post Hi all. This is my first post. I've been reading all of yours for quite a while, though. My name is Kim and I'm from Mt. Pleasant, NC (near Charlotte and Concord). I had my MGB on 1/24/01 at Durham Regional. I probably met some of you at the group meeting in Durham on March 31st. Larice, I love the MGB pin! I've had lots of compliments on it. I have really learned a lot reading all the messages posted here. You guys are really great. So far, I've lost 50 pounds. I've got about 80 more to go, but I'll get there eventually. Good luck to everyone. Kim 1/24/01 263/213 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2001 Report Share Posted April 22, 2001 Hi Kim: Welcome. Great weight loss. And you're right, you will get there. Glad you poked your head out and let us know you were here. Flo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Hi there! I'm sure you've been reading the past posts in the group, I hope they are reassuring to you. I think I can speak for pretty much all of us when I say we're all here for eachother, and nobody is alone in this anymore!! Isn't it great! Welcome to the group! netfloppindaddy@... wrote: > Hi, > I'm male 44,I've been stuggling with this thing for a couple of > years now.Surgery is probably next for me. > Don't feel so alone now. > Nice ta meet'cha. > NFD44 > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 20, 2001 Report Share Posted June 20, 2001 I don't have much of a problem with " appearing sick " .. my right hip is badly degenerated, so I use a cane most of the time to get around.. (picture a 32 year old with long hair doing this; it's quite a sight ).. However, before I started using the cane, people were always thinking I was just lazy, unless they'd seen my (rather thick) medical records.. I learned a lot really quickly, so I could give them tons of information.. whatever they thought, it was never brought up again. --- bunky903@... wrote: > I have been chasing around trying to find a name to > my symptoms for 6 > years. I have been tested for MS and fibromyalgia. > When my > psoriasis bloomed about a year ago, then it was > apparent what all my > joint aches and swelling were all about. My back > (SI) has been the > worst and the first manifestation. I am on MTX and > ibuprofen (tried > Naproxen, Sulindac, and Tylenol). I still have > swelling and pain > that makes some days very long and nonproductive. > > The worst part is that my family (except my husband) > and my friends > think I am either faking it or giving into my > illness. " You don't > look that sick " is a common response. Can anyone > give me such > suggestions as how to deal with this and keep up my > spirits? > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 21, 2001 Report Share Posted June 21, 2001 Just a word or two here, I get the same story every time I go out you sure look good , Well if I look that bad I try not to go out in public , I know that sometimes this is a copeout , but no one really wants to hear about your pain, (honest) but some really might want to hear but how do you tell the difference. Gillian I love your outlook on life , here I feel like I can talk freely , but forget it at others times . Like today I was so excited I got the laundry in , cooked for the first time in months wow just like I used to live, still walking funny though Love and God Bless Hope every one is having a pain free day --- TADEL630@... wrote: > In a message dated 06/20/2001 3:56:14 AM Eastern > Daylight Time, > bunky903@... writes: > > << I am either faking it or giving into my illness. > >> > Bunky - like I said in my previous post, either lay > it on thick or ignore it, > but try to keep your sense of humor about it. " You > should feel it from my > side " or " One good thing about PA, I may feel like > hell, but I look great! " > or something like that might get your point across > and make you feel a bit > better. > As far as " giving into " PA, someone posted on here a > few weeks ago and I wish > I could remember the exact words, because they were > perfect. Basically, the > point was you aren't " giving into " anything but > COPING with a debilitating > disease. The days you feel you can't do something - > don't! This isn't a > contest to see how much you can punish your body! > You need to listen to it > and listen to your PA and do what you can, and stop > when you can't. What you > don't need to listen to are the people who say you > are " faking " or " giving > in " - while I wouldn't wish PA on my worst enemy, I > do wish some of the > people like that could limp a mile in our shoes just > once! > Good luck and keep smiling > > > ===== Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear Children: And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as an offering and a sacrafice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5: 1,2 __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2001 Report Share Posted June 23, 2001 Thanks, . I use a cane now...I don't need it every day but I find it is more convincing...people help with the doors too. I have been having a problem with doorknobs lately. I'm sorry about the degeneration. I have some in my knees but not as bad as you describe your hip. Well, thanks again. Just knowing I am know alone helps. Bunky (who is more than her PA) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2001 Report Share Posted June 23, 2001 Thanks again. I wondered why my new friends were so helpful when we moved...well, the husband has a debilitating illness too (depression). He has his good days and his bad. He also has a sister with rheumatoid arthritis and recognized the swelling in my hands and feet. I am learning to " cope " and recognize my limitations and ask for help. I'm not afraid to use a wheelchair when we go to museums or other places. Bunky (who can " give " pain illustrations) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2001 Report Share Posted June 25, 2001 In a message dated 6/25/2001 4:46:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time, nggator@... writes: << I'm also taking Prilosec, is it necessary to take Protonix? The cost of those two is more than any other medicine I take and they seem to be similar in what they do. >> I think they both help with stomach problems - but if you are off of the Indosine, my guess would be that was the hardest drug on your stomach. I would definitely check with your doctor to see if you could get rid of one of the two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2002 Report Share Posted May 8, 2002 Consider looking for a longevity center in the Atlanta area. You can search on www.google.com for longevity clinic georgia and see what hits. I found several. You can see if you can find an endocrinologist which is what most of the comments on this board recommend. I had good success getting started with a longevity clinic that specializes in Andropause. I visited Cenegenics in Las Vegas. They have good stuff to read at www.cenegenics.com. The good thing about longevity MD's to me is that they seem very well educated in prescribing Testosterone, HCG, Growth Hormome, and Thyroid. Especially at your age when the clock is starting to slow down. They are aware of the tie-in's between low hormones and chronic diseases. You mentioned several issues that may very well be related to hormonal disorders. The doctor there gave me enough information to take back to my primary MD and get him focused. I also gave a copy of Dr. Shippen MD's book, " The Testosterone Syndrome " to my MD which is a MUST READ for anyone this issue, especially for you with the symptoms you've described. Good luck. As a newbie, you may not realize that most of us have been to several doctors before we found the " right one " for us. Don't get discouraged, and keep yourself educated. This is a great place to keep visiting and posting. Also, check out the Bookmarks section of this website for a lot of great information. Seren. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2002 Report Share Posted May 8, 2002 " My recent lab work came back with the following (I forgot to ask for Free T levels): > > Testosterone, total - 346 NG/DL > Estradiol 46 PG/ML > triglycerides - 486 " You appear to have hypogonadism with all the other symptoms you listed in addition to the blood tests. You need to have LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), prolactin, cortisol, and IGF-1 levels measured. Also have a complete red and white cell count, complete chemical profile (fasting blood sugar, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, and calcium), thyroid (T4, TSH), DHEAS, and PSA. Get your free T level that you forgot before. Get copies of all blood work so you can follow your progress. From the additional tests above, the doctor should be able to tell whether your problem is your pituitary, your testicles, or something else. Get the book " The Testosterone Syndrome " by Dr. Eugene Shippen. It's in paperback. If your doctor refuses to do the tests or consider all the treatment options, you should find another doctor! Endocrinologists will more likely know about these other hormones, but that doesn't mean they'll give you the correct treatment. And some other types of doctors may help you more than an endo! Read the alt.support.impotence newsgroup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 11, 2002 Report Share Posted August 11, 2002 Hi Jay, I didn't have a chance yet to get to say hello and to welcome you to our little group. Aloha : ) My name's Georgina and my son Josh was diagnosed with systemic JRA a few weeks after his 6th birthday. Our 'uninvited house guest' moved in 7 years ago. Josh takes prednisone, indomethacin, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, cytotec, and human growth hormone. Like , he was a real trooper too, adjusting really well to swallowing pills. He couldn't stand the taste and texture of the liquid meds they had originally prescribed, based on his age. Taking the daily meds became much less of an ordeal once we tried the tablets. We live all the way in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, on the island of Maui. Being so far away from the mainland, I haven't been able to attend any of the large arthritis conferences ... but my son was fortunate to have been one of three Hawaii boys to attend the recent Minneapolis Conference, which he thought was fantastic. He's still talking about it : ) I don't have a lot of knowledge about what the guidelines are or what it takes to set up a non-profit but I'd tend to think that the Arthritis Foundation, being so active, far reaching, and widely recognized, would be the leader for JA advocacy. Might it be possible to work together with them, on a project as wide scale as the one you're thinking about? I do commend your initiative! All the best, Georgina ----- Original Message ----- From: Jay A. Fox Good morning (Left Coast - USA).My name is Jay, Amy is my wife and we have three children - (JRA) 6, 4.5, Madeline 3. was diagnosed with Pauci when she was 2.5. She was put on Naprosyn which began to give her stomach pains. Soon after she was in the Poly group (knees, ankles, fingers, wrists)and put on MTX at age 3. She started with 2.5mg per week (pill) and is currently on 5mg (pill). She has been awesome at swallowing her pills ever since the beginning. The only side effect of the MTX, she is pretty tired the next day. I will accept that for the benefit she is getting - only minor stiffness once in a while. She has gotten a couple of mouth sores, but folic acid (1 a day) clears it up. We only give the folic acid when a sore starts, is good about telling us if she feels one starting.My story - At first I was in denial. I pretty much just shut out my family. It really took a toll on our marriage, but I am telling you now.....things got much better. Guys, if you are reading this.....don't let your wife be the one to bear this burden alone. Do some research, get to know some other families dealing with it, BUT DO NOT IGNORE IT!!!! Like the speaker at the conference said.....JRA is like an unexpected, unwelcome house guest......we didn't invite it, but it is here.....learn about it and deal with it. I would have to say that if the opportunity arises to attend an AJAO conference, DO IT! I went to the national conference in Minneapolis with , and we had such a great time! My wife and mother-in-law went to the regional (Seattle) last year and really enjoyed it.Well, that's the short story of it all. We have been getting to know this house guest for the past 3-4 years and have gotten to know it pretty well. I have been tossing around the idea of going on a nation wide tour of advocacy for JA. Thinking about starting a non-profit to support this mission. Any thoughts?Wishing you all a happy and pain free week.God Bless,Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2003 Report Share Posted July 26, 2003 Hi , It is always nice to see fellow Canadians... As I say that, it is unfortunate that we have to meet this way... :-( I am in Ontario, and like you have recently moved from Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario. I understand what you say about leaving loved ones. That is hard to do. My good fortune is that I am now closer to my otologist. I had to travel from Sudbury to Toronto to see him. Are you moving because of your daughter? and where are you moving to? Here are a few tips... Try to get in to see an otologist instead of an ENT. Maybe that is the type of surgeon you have, but if not, maybe an otologist can get your daughter in sooner. It sounds like it could take a year from diagnosis to surgery, and that is too long. Especially if she is having drainage and discomfort. If you persist with the doctor, maybe pressure can get her in sooner too. It is really hard to keep young kids out of water during summer, so maybe you can find earplugs, (or have some made by your audiologist) to help protect her ears. Some people here have suggested "silly putty". Then encourage her to keep her head above water as much as possible. Sometimes kids understand a lot more than we give them credit for. Maybe she'll understand that keeping her ears dry may mean less infection and pain. The odor of an infected/draining c-toma is not pleasant... so in that it is "normal" to notice that. Not everyone gets that drainage, but it is one of the awful symptoms of c-toma. There are some really good books written for children who are going into hospital. Visit your library and ask the librarian for assistance to find these books. Some hospitals have programs for children where they have a pre-op visit, and they show them around and explain all the procedures to them in a very non threatening manner. There are probably some video's too made for children. Just know that kids recover well from surgery. I think they do better than the adults. They just are a lot more scared. With good preparation though, she will be a lot better off. Try not to be scared yourself, cause she will feel that. Be careful of what you say in front of her, kids can easily misunderstand the simplest things. When I was young, and surgery was suggested to me (way before they found the c-toma), I was terrified of what it would feel like... I thought it would be like a severe ear ache... but much to my surprise, it was nothing like that. The inside of my ear didn't really hurt. It was mostly the back of my head, and the bones around my ear... the temple area etc... the incision. I was glad of that, cause I had no idea how it would feel, till I had to have surgery. But it was tolerable, even for a child. There are other kids in this group. I am sure some of the parents of the younger patients will email you and give you lots of info. The whole process can seem long, frightening and frustrating, but we are here to help you through it, and you will get through it... There are lots of members here with lots of good ideas and information. We are glad you finally let us know about you. Welcome, and stay positive. Lynn -- First Post Hello all, My name is I live in British Columbia Canada. I have been watching your correspondence with eachother off and on for a few months now. My 7 year old little girl has congenital cholesteatoma in her right ear. It was discovered when she went in for surgery to have tubes put in her ears. This all happened about 5 months ago. We are on the waiting list for surgery but could take up to 6 or more months to get in. We currently live in a remote rural community where surgery is not available. So I am in the process of moving into the city. This move is across 700 kilometres, approximately 8.5 hour drive. The move put us closer to family, but takes us away from some treasured friendships. Well it is swimming season here and we are experiencing unseasonably hot weather. i just can't keep her out of the water. She tries very hard to keep her head dry but she is seven! Recently she had an infection and it smelled horrendous. Is this something that any of you have expereinced? Another problem is that she does seem to feel the pain until it is really bad, doesn't give alot of oppurtunity to get help. I guess the advice I am most on search of is how I can help her to prepare for the experience of surgery. Any suggestions are welcome. Ciao for now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2003 Report Share Posted July 27, 2003 , I had about a dozen surgeries for c-toma between the ages of 8 and 10, and I recently had another one (I'm 21 now). Honestly, the one I had a few weeks ago terrified me way more than any of the surgeries from when I was little. When I was little, I didn't really know what was going on, I didn't know all the implications of surgery, I didn't know what could go wrong or even exactly why I was having surgery. I really looked to my parents and they seemed very brave and sure of everything, so I was the same way. I think she'll probably reflect basically the same way you seem. Also, just a thought, but my dad bought me a small zebra early on in the surgery process, which I've kept with me during every surgery since then (including the one just a few weeks ago!). It might comfort her to have a stuffed animal or something like that with her at all times, to make her feel safer. Maybe it was just me, but it made me feel kind of like my parents were still there, even after they had wheeled me away to the operating room. Good luck! First Post Hello all, My name is I live in British Columbia Canada. I have been watching your correspondence with eachother off and on for a few months now. My 7 year old little girl has congenital cholesteatoma in her right ear. It was discovered when she went in for surgery to have tubes put in her ears. This all happened about 5 months ago. We are on the waiting list for surgery but could take up to 6 or more months to get in. We currently live in a remote rural community where surgery is not available. So I am in the process of moving into the city. This move is across 700 kilometres, approximately 8.5 hour drive. The move put us closer to family, but takes us away from some treasured friendships. Well it is swimming season here and we are experiencing unseasonably hot weather. i just can't keep her out of the water. She tries very hard to keep her head dry but she is seven! Recently she had an infection and it smelled horrendous. Is this something that any of you have expereinced? Another problem is that she does seem to feel the pain until it is really bad, doesn't give alot of oppurtunity to get help. I guess the advice I am most on search of is how I can help her to prepare for the experience of surgery. Any suggestions are welcome. Ciao for now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 Welcome Bob! I am sure you find that being here offers some suggestions and relief! (Va.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 You need to talk to your Rheumy and have him come out the conservative closet and get you on some meds that will relieve the pain and prevent joint damage. If he won't come out of the closet, find another doctor who will help you. Alison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Propecia has ruined so many guys it should be pulled from the market, in my opinion! Dude, it sounds like your nuts have been damaged. Your T is very low for someone your age - should be in the 700-900 range!! The fact that your brain is producing FSH and LH in somewhat normal quantities, yet your T is low means your nuts are just not responding. You might try Clomid or HCG to try to jump start them. If this does not work, you may be out of luck. Someone your age should be aware that taking testosterone replacement usually makes you sterile. If you want to have kids, try these other drugs before starting testosterone. If that doesn't work, you may want to bank your sperm. Have you had a fertility test? Find a good doctor - you're going to need someone who will be willing to work with you and not just give you a prescription and send you on your way. Regards, K4 > Hello all this is my first time posting but i've been reading the > posts in this group for quite some time now. I would just like to > tell my story and explain how I got myself into this. About 5 months > ago i used the drug propecia (1mg/day) to try and slow my hairloss. > I also used the herbal drug saw palmetto (1500mg/day) to inhibit DHT > as well. (which i only took for 2 weeks) I used a combination of > these drugs for only about 1 month and got sides that have yet to > leave. It has been almost 4 months. Currently i am battling ED issues > which is my biggest concern. This was never a problem for me b/c i > am only 26yrs old...peak age for sex. I've been to many doctors and > took many blood tests but cant seem to find anything wrong. I have > posted my most recent results here hoping I can get some advice and > insight from you all. > > Total T 391 Range 260-1000 ng/dl > > Free T % 1.9 Range 1.0-2.7 > > Free T 76.2 Range 50-210 mIU/ml > > T4,Free 2.1 Range 0.8-2.7 ng/dl > Direct Dialysis > > LH 5.6 Range 1.5-9.3 mIU/ml > > FSH 7.8 Range 1.4-18.1 mIU/ml > > Estradiol <32 Range <52 pg/ml > > Estrone 26 Range 15-65 ng/dl > Serum > > Prolactin 9.1 Range 2.0-18.0 > > DHT 46 Range 25-75 ng/dl > > Prolactin and DHT was done in a previous blood test but i have to say > none of these results have changed much from my last test. My T > seems kinda low but i am hesitant to try anymore hormonal treatments > due to my distrust in medicine these days. Does anybody see anything > strange on the test? Thanks for all your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 I think your total t is too low. If you raise your t level, your dht level may rise also. Does " ED issues " mean you have little or no libido? Or do you have libido and poor erections? The trick here is that since your t level is within range you may have trouble getting treatment from " if you're 1 ng/dl over the lower limit of the ref range you must be normal " docs that you may be seeing. Your results are like mine were in certain respects. I had a t level slightly higher than yours (similar ref range) and middle of the range LH and FSH readings and several other results that were unremarkable. I had basically zero libido and erections were all but non-existant. I had the clomiphene stimulation test described in the AACE clinical guidelines. The result was that my LH and FSH moved slightly outside the upper limit of the reference range but my t level remained the same. This indicates primary hypogonadism. My testes were producing t at their maximum capacity already. I started on exogenous t and very shortly thereafter my libido and my erections returned to normal and a few other symptoms abated also. I suggest you seek someone who will deliver the clomiphene stim test. It may give you some more insight into your condition. If your result is similar to mine, it makes it harder for docs to argue that your t level is adequate. If nothing else you will likely be able to distinguish your condition as primary or secondary assuming you are hypogonadal. One might still argue that, yes, I have limited testicular capacity but the level is adequate nonetheless. I would of course ignore that. Particularly in light of my subsequent experience with testosterone. I would keep looking till you find someone who will agree to give you a clinical trial on t so you can see what happens at higher t levels. If it doesn't help, you haven't lost much and you will have learned something. Good luck, Brad > Hello all this is my first time posting but i've been reading the > posts in this group for quite some time now. I would just like to > tell my story and explain how I got myself into this. About 5 months > ago i used the drug propecia (1mg/day) to try and slow my hairloss. > I also used the herbal drug saw palmetto (1500mg/day) to inhibit DHT > as well. (which i only took for 2 weeks) I used a combination of > these drugs for only about 1 month and got sides that have yet to > leave. It has been almost 4 months. Currently i am battling ED issues > which is my biggest concern. This was never a problem for me b/c i > am only 26yrs old...peak age for sex. I've been to many doctors and > took many blood tests but cant seem to find anything wrong. I have > posted my most recent results here hoping I can get some advice and > insight from you all. > > Total T 391 Range 260-1000 ng/dl > > Free T % 1.9 Range 1.0-2.7 > > Free T 76.2 Range 50-210 mIU/ml > > T4,Free 2.1 Range 0.8-2.7 ng/dl > Direct Dialysis > > LH 5.6 Range 1.5-9.3 mIU/ml > > FSH 7.8 Range 1.4-18.1 mIU/ml > > Estradiol <32 Range <52 pg/ml > > Estrone 26 Range 15-65 ng/dl > Serum > > Prolactin 9.1 Range 2.0-18.0 > > DHT 46 Range 25-75 ng/dl > > Prolactin and DHT was done in a previous blood test but i have to say > none of these results have changed much from my last test. My T > seems kinda low but i am hesitant to try anymore hormonal treatments > due to my distrust in medicine these days. Does anybody see anything > strange on the test? Thanks for all your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2004 Report Share Posted May 11, 2004 Hi, Total and free T look very low for age 26; it was probably much higher before propecia. Most men don't have a prior " baseline " level. " In range " doesn't mean it's the right range for you. Your tests are remarkably extensive. Many of us have had to struggle for doctors to order those tests. I hope that means you have a doctor who knows how to read and interpret them. There are plenty of folks here who'll advise on fertility issues. That will be a big consideration in which T modulation approach you might choose. Question to the group: Does anyone know if propecia-affected T might eventually get back on track without treatment? If so, might it be better to get along on Viagra until then? Best, Bruce > Hello all this is my first time posting but i've been reading the > posts in this group for quite some time now. I would just like to > tell my story and explain how I got myself into this. About 5 months > ago i used the drug propecia (1mg/day) to try and slow my hairloss. > I also used the herbal drug saw palmetto (1500mg/day) to inhibit DHT > as well. (which i only took for 2 weeks) I used a combination of > these drugs for only about 1 month and got sides that have yet to > leave. It has been almost 4 months. Currently i am battling ED issues > which is my biggest concern. This was never a problem for me b/c i > am only 26yrs old...peak age for sex. I've been to many doctors and > took many blood tests but cant seem to find anything wrong. I have > posted my most recent results here hoping I can get some advice and > insight from you all. > > Total T 391 Range 260-1000 ng/dl > > Free T % 1.9 Range 1.0-2.7 > > Free T 76.2 Range 50-210 mIU/ml > > T4,Free 2.1 Range 0.8-2.7 ng/dl > Direct Dialysis > > LH 5.6 Range 1.5-9.3 mIU/ml > > FSH 7.8 Range 1.4-18.1 mIU/ml > > Estradiol <32 Range <52 pg/ml > > Estrone 26 Range 15-65 ng/dl > Serum > > Prolactin 9.1 Range 2.0-18.0 > > DHT 46 Range 25-75 ng/dl > > Prolactin and DHT was done in a previous blood test but i have to say > none of these results have changed much from my last test. My T > seems kinda low but i am hesitant to try anymore hormonal treatments > due to my distrust in medicine these days. Does anybody see anything > strange on the test? Thanks for all your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2004 Report Share Posted May 11, 2004 On Tue, 11 May 2004 00:46:28 -0000, you wrote: >Hello all this is my first time posting but i've been reading the >posts in this group for quite some time now. I would just like to >tell my story and explain how I got myself into this. About 5 months >ago i used the drug propecia (1mg/day) to try and slow my hairloss. >I also used the herbal drug saw palmetto (1500mg/day) to inhibit DHT >as well. (which i only took for 2 weeks) I used a combination of >these drugs for only about 1 month and got sides that have yet to >leave. It has been almost 4 months. Currently i am battling ED issues >which is my biggest concern. This was never a problem for me b/c i >am only 26yrs old...peak age for sex. I've been to many doctors and >took many blood tests but cant seem to find anything wrong. I have >posted my most recent results here hoping I can get some advice and >insight from you all. > >Total T 391 Range 260-1000 ng/dl > >Free T % 1.9 Range 1.0-2.7 > >Free T 76.2 Range 50-210 mIU/ml > >T4,Free 2.1 Range 0.8-2.7 ng/dl >Direct Dialysis > >LH 5.6 Range 1.5-9.3 mIU/ml > >FSH 7.8 Range 1.4-18.1 mIU/ml > >Estradiol <32 Range <52 pg/ml > >Estrone 26 Range 15-65 ng/dl >Serum > >Prolactin 9.1 Range 2.0-18.0 > >DHT 46 Range 25-75 ng/dl > >Prolactin and DHT was done in a previous blood test but i have to say >none of these results have changed much from my last test. My T >seems kinda low but i am hesitant to try anymore hormonal treatments >due to my distrust in medicine these days. Does anybody see anything >strange on the test? Thanks for all your help! T is somewhat low, so is your Free T. I don't see a SHBG test. The answer may lie in high levels there. It binds up free T. Be aware that if you seek to push up your testosterone levels you should likely be looking at methods that stimulate natural production NOT Testosterone replacement. Taking supplemental T will shut down your natural production. If done for too long a time you will become permanently sterile and unable to produce natural testosterone. You will be taking the supplemental T for life. At your age, you may still want to have kids. Put these facts into the mix for your decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2004 Report Share Posted May 11, 2004 > > I had the clomiphene stimulation test described in the AACE clinical > guidelines. The result was that my LH and FSH moved slightly outside > the upper limit of the reference range but my t level remained the > same. This indicates primary hypogonadism. My testes were producing > t at their maximum capacity already. > > > How long did you try the Clomid for and at what dose ? Iused 200 > mg/day for 7 days and my LH also went up but my T only went from 190 > to 300. My Dr then gave me 2 5000 iu shots of HCG which brought my T > level to 400. He diagnosed me as primary but decided to give the > Cloimd another try and 4 weeks later my T levels were almost 1,000 > > 7 days @ 100mgs. My test level did not increase at all. Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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