Guest guest Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 Todd, The few days i did take it and it stayed on my gum I had the same problem. By the time it came time to change it I had this huge glob on my gum down to my teeth, and sometimes on my teeth. Too bad they didn't develop a better, smaller system. It could have really worked well. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2004 Report Share Posted November 12, 2004 After Day 3, one side of my gums is starting to feel irritated, like I have a cankor sore. Columbia Labs suggests moving the tablet back further, although that may be a problem when eating. I seem to have a better and more stable transference into my bloodstream though, and no more arm acne, it was getting really bad last week. Todd in NC > > Todd, > > The few days i did take it and it stayed on my gum I had the same > problem. By the time it came time to change it I had this huge glob > on my gum down to my teeth, and sometimes on my teeth. > > Too bad they didn't develop a better, smaller system. It could have > really worked well. > > Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2004 Report Share Posted November 12, 2004 > > Hey folks - it's been a while since I posted anything to the group, > but I just started using Striant after being on Testim for about a > year and a half. After a couple of days I'm seeing some changes > already, such as a more stable and level level. However, after about > 10 hours, the goo starts dripping down from my gumline, yuck. It's a > good thing it is tasteless! > > Todd in NC Hey Todd, I started Striant 3 weeks ago. I noticed a change in several of my symptoms soon after. My libido increased and so did my erections. My mood changed a great deal as well. I also noticed that the muscle stiffness had gone away. Over the last couple of days I've noticed that my muscle stiffness has returned. I go back for more labs on Dec. 10th. Yeah, the whole thing with the goo in your mouth is a pain. I may explore other options after I talk to the Doc. Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2004 Report Share Posted November 13, 2004 Had you taken any other T med previously? I had been taking Testim. Todd in NC > > > > Hey folks - it's been a while since I posted anything to the group, > > but I just started using Striant after being on Testim for about a > > year and a half. After a couple of days I'm seeing some changes > > already, such as a more stable and level level. However, after > about > > 10 hours, the goo starts dripping down from my gumline, yuck. It's > a > > good thing it is tasteless! > > > > Todd in NC > > Hey Todd, > I started Striant 3 weeks ago. I noticed a change in several of my > symptoms soon after. My libido increased and so did my erections. > My mood changed a great deal as well. I also noticed that the muscle > stiffness had gone away. Over the last couple of days I've noticed > that my muscle stiffness has returned. I go back for more labs on > Dec. 10th. Yeah, the whole thing with the goo in your mouth is a > pain. I may explore other options after I talk to the Doc. > Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2004 Report Share Posted November 14, 2004 Todd: I've been injecting Delatestryl since 1981. I don't mind giving myself the shots. Dr. Becker asked me to try different patches over the years and I would climb walls caused they didn't deliver me enough testosterone. I was like a fright train with PMS. I get Delatestryl on DrugStore.com for $83.00 for 5 ml. Walmart in store wants $123.00. Walmart is not cheap as they advertize. Kmart was cheaper than Walmart but they left town here in Idaho. A local Mom and Pop Drug store in town will get it for me at $109.00. TomC. Re: Just started Striant Had you taken any other T med previously? I had been taking Testim. Todd in NC > > > > Hey folks - it's been a while since I posted anything to the group, > > but I just started using Striant after being on Testim for about a > > year and a half. After a couple of days I'm seeing some changes > > already, such as a more stable and level level. However, after > about > > 10 hours, the goo starts dripping down from my gumline, yuck. It's > a > > good thing it is tasteless! > > > > Todd in NC > > Hey Todd, > I started Striant 3 weeks ago. I noticed a change in several of my > symptoms soon after. My libido increased and so did my erections. > My mood changed a great deal as well. I also noticed that the muscle > stiffness had gone away. Over the last couple of days I've noticed > that my muscle stiffness has returned. I go back for more labs on > Dec. 10th. Yeah, the whole thing with the goo in your mouth is a > pain. I may explore other options after I talk to the Doc. > Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 I understand that completely. When my levels aren't high enough I get VERY grumpy and wind up literally crawling up the stairs (barely enough strength to walk up them) to go to bed. However, one discussion I've had was whether T is the only blame. Upping my T levels helped, but I'm never going to be the same as I was. I don't know if my body has been " damaged " (like a brain injury if you've gone without oxygen for too long) or whether there are other substances that were going into my bloodstream naturally before my testicular failure and autoimmune reaction. I just wish I could learn what else could have gone wrong. I don't know enough yet about autoimmune diseases to start considering alternative situations that could cause all of my dysfunctions. My latest " trick " is that I'm hypoxic (not enough oxygen) when I sleep. This came out at Raleigh Neurology earlier this year. Between a dust mite allergy and the propensity for folks taking Testim (and other related T meds), I end up having my sinuses closing and snoring - but it's not being called apnea, just a drop in the oxygen levels. As a result, I have had massive muscle cramps and spasms that can be debilitating. As an example, after a lovely 4 AM blood curdling scream, it was nearly impossible to walk for 2 days due to my right calf locking up like a stone. As a result, my aches and pains are adding up...I NEVER had these problems before that $%^ & % #! vasectomy. Todd in NC > > > > > > Hey folks - it's been a while since I posted anything to the > group, > > > but I just started using Striant after being on Testim for about > a > > > year and a half. After a couple of days I'm seeing some changes > > > already, such as a more stable and level level. However, after > > about > > > 10 hours, the goo starts dripping down from my gumline, yuck. > It's > > a > > > good thing it is tasteless! > > > > > > Todd in NC > > > > Hey Todd, > > I started Striant 3 weeks ago. I noticed a change in several of my > > symptoms soon after. My libido increased and so did my erections. > > My mood changed a great deal as well. I also noticed that the > muscle > > stiffness had gone away. Over the last couple of days I've noticed > > that my muscle stiffness has returned. I go back for more labs on > > Dec. 10th. Yeah, the whole thing with the goo in your mouth is a > > pain. I may explore other options after I talk to the Doc. > > Jeff > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 Hi Todd, I suspect there are two ways hypogonadism is involved in profound fatigue. One is fatigue caused primarily by low T, that will resolve when T is successfully treated. The other is fatigue where low T is part of the problem, but not the whole problem. For me every major remission of fatigue has been associated with TRT, and every relapse ocurred when T was out of whack. I expect (hope) to get hormone levels stabilized before long. If CFS-like symptoms persist beyond then I'll treat it as CFS with hypogonadism being one of several contributing factors. CFS specialist Teitelbaum says this about hormones: " The major hormone deficiency would be low thyroid, but certainly adrenal exhaustion, which is a stress hormone. Estrogen deficiency, and testosterone deficiency in men and women, can also cause fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Get tested and get treated. " Sleep, infection and nutrition issues are obviously just as important as hormones. When any one of them gets out of whack that affects all the others. My remissions have been sufficient to prove my body isn't broken, but some regulatory system is. I had a vasectomy 22 years before the onset of extreme fatigue, so I don't blame that. Best, Bruce > > I understand that completely. When my levels aren't high enough I > get VERY grumpy and wind up literally crawling up the stairs (barely > enough strength to walk up them) to go to bed. > > However, one discussion I've had was whether T is the only blame. > Upping my T levels helped, but I'm never going to be the same as I > was. I don't know if my body has been " damaged " (like a brain injury > if you've gone without oxygen for too long) or whether there are > other substances that were going into my bloodstream naturally before > my testicular failure and autoimmune reaction. > > I just wish I could learn what else could have gone wrong. I don't > know enough yet about autoimmune diseases to start considering > alternative situations that could cause all of my dysfunctions. > > My latest " trick " is that I'm hypoxic (not enough oxygen) when I > sleep. This came out at Raleigh Neurology earlier this year. > Between a dust mite allergy and the propensity for folks taking > Testim (and other related T meds), I end up having my sinuses closing > and snoring - but it's not being called apnea, just a drop in the > oxygen levels. As a result, I have had massive muscle cramps and > spasms that can be debilitating. As an example, after a lovely 4 AM > blood curdling scream, it was nearly impossible to walk for 2 days > due to my right calf locking up like a stone. As a result, my aches > and pains are adding up...I NEVER had these problems before that $%^ & % > #! vasectomy. > > Todd in NC ------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 Todd I have the same problem when started on TRT I started snoring and would not get much sleep so I bought some noise strips. I use a wet one on my noise before putting on the strip and it stays on all night and I don't snor any more. I sleep a good 5 to 6 hrs. before wakeing. And no more leg cramps. Phil Todd <tellis1@...> wrote: I understand that completely. When my levels aren't high enough I get VERY grumpy and wind up literally crawling up the stairs (barely enough strength to walk up them) to go to bed. However, one discussion I've had was whether T is the only blame. Upping my T levels helped, but I'm never going to be the same as I was. I don't know if my body has been " damaged " (like a brain injury if you've gone without oxygen for too long) or whether there are other substances that were going into my bloodstream naturally before my testicular failure and autoimmune reaction. I just wish I could learn what else could have gone wrong. I don't know enough yet about autoimmune diseases to start considering alternative situations that could cause all of my dysfunctions. My latest " trick " is that I'm hypoxic (not enough oxygen) when I sleep. This came out at Raleigh Neurology earlier this year. Between a dust mite allergy and the propensity for folks taking Testim (and other related T meds), I end up having my sinuses closing and snoring - but it's not being called apnea, just a drop in the oxygen levels. As a result, I have had massive muscle cramps and spasms that can be debilitating. As an example, after a lovely 4 AM blood curdling scream, it was nearly impossible to walk for 2 days due to my right calf locking up like a stone. As a result, my aches and pains are adding up...I NEVER had these problems before that $%^ & % #! vasectomy. Todd in NC > > > > > > Hey folks - it's been a while since I posted anything to the > group, > > > but I just started using Striant after being on Testim for about > a > > > year and a half. After a couple of days I'm seeing some changes > > > already, such as a more stable and level level. However, after > > about > > > 10 hours, the goo starts dripping down from my gumline, yuck. > It's > > a > > > good thing it is tasteless! > > > > > > Todd in NC > > > > Hey Todd, > > I started Striant 3 weeks ago. I noticed a change in several of my > > symptoms soon after. My libido increased and so did my erections. > > My mood changed a great deal as well. I also noticed that the > muscle > > stiffness had gone away. Over the last couple of days I've noticed > > that my muscle stiffness has returned. I go back for more labs on > > Dec. 10th. Yeah, the whole thing with the goo in your mouth is a > > pain. I may explore other options after I talk to the Doc. > > Jeff > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 Bruce: Mine was fairly immediate. I was feeling badly (like a groin kick) for the first three weeks (not 3 days) and now realize it was the autoimmune orchitis kicking in. The fatigue factor started weighing in shortly thereafter, and within 7 months, my wife dragged me back in to see the urologist. Testim started immediately, right after it was made available. I can feel when the TRT " falls off " to the point that if I don't have my dose within one hour of when it is due, everything " slows down " , and I have little strength. This can be defined as having difficulty getting out of a chair, difficulty climbing only one flight of stairs, and difficulty in mental concentration or cognitive powers. If I " use up " my levels through activity, I have to lay down and I'm pretty much shot until my my next dose. I have to plan activities and realize what I can't do...like climbing up and down a ladder while painting - limit, 1 hour a day. This is coming from a guy who used to lift weights 7x a week, and bench pressed 400 pounds 20x every morning to get my heart rate up! Yes, my entire life has changed. Endocrinologists and neurologists have decided that I'm somehow different, but we can't figure out why. Todd in NC > > > > I understand that completely. When my levels aren't high enough I > > get VERY grumpy and wind up literally crawling up the stairs (barely > > enough strength to walk up them) to go to bed. > > > > However, one discussion I've had was whether T is the only blame. > > Upping my T levels helped, but I'm never going to be the same as I > > was. I don't know if my body has been " damaged " (like a brain injury > > if you've gone without oxygen for too long) or whether there are > > other substances that were going into my bloodstream naturally before > > my testicular failure and autoimmune reaction. > > > > I just wish I could learn what else could have gone wrong. I don't > > know enough yet about autoimmune diseases to start considering > > alternative situations that could cause all of my dysfunctions. > > > > My latest " trick " is that I'm hypoxic (not enough oxygen) when I > > sleep. This came out at Raleigh Neurology earlier this year. > > Between a dust mite allergy and the propensity for folks taking > > Testim (and other related T meds), I end up having my sinuses closing > > and snoring - but it's not being called apnea, just a drop in the > > oxygen levels. As a result, I have had massive muscle cramps and > > spasms that can be debilitating. As an example, after a lovely 4 AM > > blood curdling scream, it was nearly impossible to walk for 2 days > > due to my right calf locking up like a stone. As a result, my aches > > and pains are adding up...I NEVER had these problems before that $ %^ & % > > #! vasectomy. > > > > Todd in NC > ------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 Phil - I'm taking Flonase and using Breathe-Right strips. It's a major help, but I still can't lay on my back. I'm now also having nagging semi-cramps...my leg WANTS to cramp, but just before it seizes, it quits...and just by walking normally. It's driving me nuts, the pain is intense, and so forth. Just another hypgonadistic day, huh? Todd in NC > > > > > > > > Hey folks - it's been a while since I posted anything to the > > group, > > > > but I just started using Striant after being on Testim for > about > > a > > > > year and a half. After a couple of days I'm seeing some > changes > > > > already, such as a more stable and level level. However, > after > > > about > > > > 10 hours, the goo starts dripping down from my gumline, > yuck. > > It's > > > a > > > > good thing it is tasteless! > > > > > > > > Todd in NC > > > > > > Hey Todd, > > > I started Striant 3 weeks ago. I noticed a change in several > of my > > > symptoms soon after. My libido increased and so did my > erections. > > > My mood changed a great deal as well. I also noticed that the > > muscle > > > stiffness had gone away. Over the last couple of days I've > noticed > > > that my muscle stiffness has returned. I go back for more labs > on > > > Dec. 10th. Yeah, the whole thing with the goo in your mouth is > a > > > pain. I may explore other options after I talk to the Doc. > > > Jeff > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 Todd I use Testim and an on 10 gram or 2 tubes a day. But I also have touble with high E2 Estradiol. I was feeling like you do and getting a shot on top of the testim a 200 mg shot of T evey other week. I would not feel good unless my Total T levels were at a 1000 now that my E2 is undercontrol I am only doing the 10 grams of testim and my levels are 600 and I am doing very good I have even missed a day and stayed good. Phil Todd <tellis1@...> wrote: Bruce: Mine was fairly immediate. I was feeling badly (like a groin kick) for the first three weeks (not 3 days) and now realize it was the autoimmune orchitis kicking in. The fatigue factor started weighing in shortly thereafter, and within 7 months, my wife dragged me back in to see the urologist. Testim started immediately, right after it was made available. I can feel when the TRT " falls off " to the point that if I don't have my dose within one hour of when it is due, everything " slows down " , and I have little strength. This can be defined as having difficulty getting out of a chair, difficulty climbing only one flight of stairs, and difficulty in mental concentration or cognitive powers. If I " use up " my levels through activity, I have to lay down and I'm pretty much shot until my my next dose. I have to plan activities and realize what I can't do...like climbing up and down a ladder while painting - limit, 1 hour a day. This is coming from a guy who used to lift weights 7x a week, and bench pressed 400 pounds 20x every morning to get my heart rate up! Yes, my entire life has changed. Endocrinologists and neurologists have decided that I'm somehow different, but we can't figure out why. Todd in NC > > > > I understand that completely. When my levels aren't high enough I > > get VERY grumpy and wind up literally crawling up the stairs (barely > > enough strength to walk up them) to go to bed. > > > > However, one discussion I've had was whether T is the only blame. > > Upping my T levels helped, but I'm never going to be the same as I > > was. I don't know if my body has been " damaged " (like a brain injury > > if you've gone without oxygen for too long) or whether there are > > other substances that were going into my bloodstream naturally before > > my testicular failure and autoimmune reaction. > > > > I just wish I could learn what else could have gone wrong. I don't > > know enough yet about autoimmune diseases to start considering > > alternative situations that could cause all of my dysfunctions. > > > > My latest " trick " is that I'm hypoxic (not enough oxygen) when I > > sleep. This came out at Raleigh Neurology earlier this year. > > Between a dust mite allergy and the propensity for folks taking > > Testim (and other related T meds), I end up having my sinuses closing > > and snoring - but it's not being called apnea, just a drop in the > > oxygen levels. As a result, I have had massive muscle cramps and > > spasms that can be debilitating. As an example, after a lovely 4 AM > > blood curdling scream, it was nearly impossible to walk for 2 days > > due to my right calf locking up like a stone. As a result, my aches > > and pains are adding up...I NEVER had these problems before that $ %^ & % > > #! vasectomy. > > > > Todd in NC > ------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 Todd have you told your Dr. about this you must have what did he say. Mine use to tell me to get out and walk for a half to one hour. I try to do this everyday and it helps. My wife has this and she has to keep moving her legs all night long she has Thyroid problems they had to kill her Thyroid to get her under control but still she getts leg cramps. Phil Todd <tellis1@...> wrote: Phil - I'm taking Flonase and using Breathe-Right strips. It's a major help, but I still can't lay on my back. I'm now also having nagging semi-cramps...my leg WANTS to cramp, but just before it seizes, it quits...and just by walking normally. It's driving me nuts, the pain is intense, and so forth. Just another hypgonadistic day, huh? Todd in NC > > > > > > > > Hey folks - it's been a while since I posted anything to the > > group, > > > > but I just started using Striant after being on Testim for > about > > a > > > > year and a half. After a couple of days I'm seeing some > changes > > > > already, such as a more stable and level level. However, > after > > > about > > > > 10 hours, the goo starts dripping down from my gumline, > yuck. > > It's > > > a > > > > good thing it is tasteless! > > > > > > > > Todd in NC > > > > > > Hey Todd, > > > I started Striant 3 weeks ago. I noticed a change in several > of my > > > symptoms soon after. My libido increased and so did my > erections. > > > My mood changed a great deal as well. I also noticed that the > > muscle > > > stiffness had gone away. Over the last couple of days I've > noticed > > > that my muscle stiffness has returned. I go back for more labs > on > > > Dec. 10th. Yeah, the whole thing with the goo in your mouth is > a > > > pain. I may explore other options after I talk to the Doc. > > > Jeff > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 Todd, I might have missed (uh, forgot) information you've already posted, please bear with me. Do I understand correctly, T will improve your fatigue but only for an hour or so's work, but nowhere near to your former level? Has TRT (or anything) restored you nearly to your normal energy level for a week or more? I think it's still worth concentrating on T at this point, because you feel energy loss if you miss a T dose (then presumably don't feel energy loss if your dose is on time). My guess is the Striant or Testim aren't delivering enough T. An hour or two shouldn't make that much difference if your level gets high enough. What's your doc include in his tests? How often? Can you post any recent numbers? Best, Bruce > > Bruce: > > Mine was fairly immediate. I was feeling badly (like a groin kick) > for the first three weeks (not 3 days) and now realize it was the > autoimmune orchitis kicking in. The fatigue factor started weighing > in shortly thereafter, and within 7 months, my wife dragged me back > in to see the urologist. Testim started immediately, right after it > was made available. > > I can feel when the TRT " falls off " to the point that if I don't have > my dose within one hour of when it is due, everything " slows down " , > and I have little strength. This can be defined as having difficulty > getting out of a chair, difficulty climbing only one flight of > stairs, and difficulty in mental concentration or cognitive powers. > > If I " use up " my levels through activity, I have to lay down and I'm > pretty much shot until my my next dose. I have to plan activities > and realize what I can't do...like climbing up and down a ladder > while painting - limit, 1 hour a day. > > This is coming from a guy who used to lift weights 7x a week, and > bench pressed 400 pounds 20x every morning to get my heart rate up! > > Yes, my entire life has changed. Endocrinologists and neurologists > have decided that I'm somehow different, but we can't figure out why. > > Todd in NC --- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2004 Report Share Posted November 17, 2004 Yes, T improves my fatigue issues. Heavy work will cause the " benefits " of TRT to disappear to the point I have to physically lay down for 2-4 hours. With or without TRT, I'm nowhere near my old normal levels of activity. I'm on a two-dose daily regimen of Testim now. At one point I wanted to go to three doses, but the doctor and I decided against it for a couple of reasons - 1. uncontrolled hair growth issues. My body needs to be clipped with a #5 blade at least once every 2 months. The amount of body hair, balled up/compressed, is larger than a softball - no joke. More T may increase the hair growth issue. 2. Dangerous levels of T in the bloodstream. My colesterol levels are really high prior to being put on Crestor - over 300. I don't have the last readings after being on Crestor for 60 days yet. In addition, my doctor's comments agreed with my thoughts - we can't point to TRT alone. There seems to be something more that my body is not making or it is not absorbing the T as it used to. We don't know why, but there has got to be some other problem. I believe I was hypergonadic, and my body just pumped hormones and related body chemistry to the point I felt " normal " . When I experienced failure, everything stopped, and so did I. The lack of T seems to only be part of the problem. Here's some numbers from last February after fasting 14 hours, both meds and food: TSH: 1.76, average is 1 Free T4: 1.3, average is 1-1.8 Free T: 312, average is 34-194 Total T: 778, average is 241-827 Imagine what my T levels are when maintained 24/7! other thoughts - I have been using L-Carnitine 500 mg and Acetyl L- Carnitine 500 mg twice a day, and have noticed more energy and mental clarity within an hour of taking them. I'm also taking saw palmetto, two softgels twice a day. Within 90 minutes following the saw palmetto I'm feeling a bit more like my frisky old self, if you know what I mean. Who needs Viagra! However, now that I have been off of the Striant for 24 hours and back on Testim, I feel " off " for no reason; tired, fatigued, not able to concentrate as much. This should not be happening but it is; almost time to take dose #2 today. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Todd in NC > Todd, > > I might have missed (uh, forgot) information you've already posted, please > bear with me. Do I understand correctly, T will improve your fatigue but only > for an hour or so's work, but nowhere near to your former level? Has TRT (or > anything) restored you nearly to your normal energy level for a week or more? > > I think it's still worth concentrating on T at this point, because you feel energy > loss if you miss a T dose (then presumably don't feel energy loss if your dose > is on time). My guess is the Striant or Testim aren't delivering enough T. An > hour or two shouldn't make that much difference if your level gets high > enough. What's your doc include in his tests? How often? Can you post any > recent numbers? > > Best, > Bruce > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2004 Report Share Posted November 17, 2004 Try supplementing with Potassium. They help the legs stop cramping. Eating a banana helps since they are loaded with potassium. another gay man --- Todd <tellis1@...> wrote: > > Phil - > > I'm taking Flonase and using Breathe-Right strips. > It's a major > help, but I still can't lay on my back. I'm now > also having nagging > semi-cramps...my leg WANTS to cramp, but just before > it seizes, it > quits...and just by walking normally. It's driving > me nuts, the pain > is intense, and so forth. Just another > hypgonadistic day, huh? > > Todd in NC > > > > > > > > > > > > Hey folks - it's been a while since I > posted anything to > the > > > group, > > > > > but I just started using Striant after > being on Testim for > > about > > > a > > > > > year and a half. After a couple of days > I'm seeing some > > changes > > > > > already, such as a more stable and level > level. However, > > after > > > > about > > > > > 10 hours, the goo starts dripping down > from my gumline, > > yuck. > > > It's > > > > a > > > > > good thing it is tasteless! > > > > > > > > > > Todd in NC > > > > > > > > Hey Todd, > > > > I started Striant 3 weeks ago. I noticed a > change in several > > of my > > > > symptoms soon after. My libido increased > and so did my > > erections. > > > > My mood changed a great deal as well. I > also noticed that > the > > > muscle > > > > stiffness had gone away. Over the last > couple of days I've > > noticed > > > > that my muscle stiffness has returned. I go > back for more > labs > > on > > > > Dec. 10th. Yeah, the whole thing with the > goo in your mouth > is > > a > > > > pain. I may explore other options after I > talk to the Doc. > > > > Jeff > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2004 Report Share Posted November 17, 2004 Hi Todd, My guess is too much T is converting to estradiol (E2). That will counteract the high T levels, making you feel the same as if T was low. It may be that you got enough of a spike of T with the Striant to offset the High E2 for a while. I don't know how quickly your T rises and falls with (and between) two applications a day. If yours is 778ng/dL 14 hours after an application and is otherwise higher, that could account for the high free T. You don't have an absorption problem, because T & free T are high. Your doc is right that more T isn't needed. You need E2 tested, and if high, treated. Might take another doc. The hair growth seems worse than I've heard described here. Ideas anyone? DHT? Anyone know of a link between high E2 & cholesterol? Bruce > Yes, T improves my fatigue issues. Heavy work will cause > the " benefits " of TRT to disappear to the point I have to physically > lay down for 2-4 hours. With or without TRT, I'm nowhere near my old > normal levels of activity. > > I'm on a two-dose daily regimen of Testim now. At one point I wanted > to go to three doses, but the doctor and I decided against it for a > couple of reasons - > > 1. uncontrolled hair growth issues. My body needs to be clipped > with a #5 blade at least once every 2 months. The amount of body > hair, balled up/compressed, is larger than a softball - no joke. > More T may increase the hair growth issue. > > 2. Dangerous levels of T in the bloodstream. My colesterol levels > are really high prior to being put on Crestor - over 300. I don't > have the last readings after being on Crestor for 60 days yet. > > In addition, my doctor's comments agreed with my thoughts - we can't > point to TRT alone. There seems to be something more that my body is > not making or it is not absorbing the T as it used to. We don't know > why, but there has got to be some other problem. I believe I was > hypergonadic, and my body just pumped hormones and related body > chemistry to the point I felt " normal " . When I experienced failure, > everything stopped, and so did I. The lack of T seems to only be > part of the problem. > > Here's some numbers from last February after fasting 14 hours, both > meds and food: > > TSH: 1.76, average is 1 > Free T4: 1.3, average is 1-1.8 > Free T: 312, average is 34-194 > Total T: 778, average is 241-827 > > Imagine what my T levels are when maintained 24/7! > > other thoughts - I have been using L-Carnitine 500 mg and Acetyl L- > Carnitine 500 mg twice a day, and have noticed more energy and mental > clarity within an hour of taking them. I'm also taking saw palmetto, > two softgels twice a day. Within 90 minutes following the saw > palmetto I'm feeling a bit more like my frisky old self, if you know > what I mean. Who needs Viagra! > > However, now that I have been off of the Striant for 24 hours and > back on Testim, I feel " off " for no reason; tired, fatigued, not able > to concentrate as much. This should not be happening but it is; > almost time to take dose #2 today. Hopefully tomorrow will be > better. > > Todd in NC > > > > > Todd, > > > > I might have missed (uh, forgot) information you've already posted, > please > > bear with me. Do I understand correctly, T will improve your > fatigue but only > > for an hour or so's work, but nowhere near to your former level? > Has TRT (or > > anything) restored you nearly to your normal energy level for a > week or more? > > > > I think it's still worth concentrating on T at this point, because > you feel energy > > loss if you miss a T dose (then presumably don't feel energy loss > if your dose > > is on time). My guess is the Striant or Testim aren't delivering > enough T. An > > hour or two shouldn't make that much difference if your level gets > high > > enough. What's your doc include in his tests? How often? Can you > post any > > recent numbers? > > > > Best, > > Bruce > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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