Guest guest Posted March 6, 2005 Report Share Posted March 6, 2005 Ok.. here is an update on my situation (Origianaly posted under New Guy) The Urologist that my gp sent me too (when I had requested a referral to an enocrinologist) had no problem prescribing Androgel for me even though my T was in low normal range (480). But he has no experience with testosterone therapy in men within " normal " range. I talked with him about what I knew, the huge amounts of research and reading I have done... various blood tests... and he said flately that I knew more about this than he did... he was primarily a surgen. And if we ran into problems.. he would help me find a endocrinologist. Perhaps the prudent thing would have been to look for an endo right then... but I have not had luck in finding doctors that would prescribe T at my level... even though I am VERY smymptomatic. So I figured a bird in the hand.... and took his precription and left somewhat happy. He has started me on 5 mg a day. Today (march 6) is my 5th morning since beginning treatment. I already feel quite a bit better... more energy, more mental alertness and on two of the mornings I have awakened with an erection (first time in a decade I think that I can remember a morning erection). It wasn't the strongest erection in the world but I was just very happy to see it. I said, " Hey! Good morning old friend! " On the same day I started the T, I also bought Dr. Shippens book. From his discussion, I feel that I probably have high estrogen issues too. So... I am wondering what to expect. A number of people here report they have experienced a few days of improvement and then a sharp drop off, maybe even feeling worse than before starting T, when testicles slow or stop production of T because of suplimental T. Is this a universal occurance? The info with the Androgel says is MAY happen. If it does happen, is this an indication that dose needs to be increased? Dr. Shippen seems to have very good results in controlling estrogen levels and T conversion to estrogen with zinc. I started taking zinc in the amounts he suggests. Has anyone here had experience with controlling estrogen & E2 with zinc alone. I go back in a week to have T levels checked.. I am going to insist on broader testing (T, free T, E2, etc.) so I can see where I am. What else should I expect and/or watch out for at this stage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2005 Report Share Posted March 6, 2005 You guys are all great! This discussion group is really a wonderful source of information and experience. How long does it " normally " take after beginning TRT before testicles slow/stop production? I go back for blood tests on the 14Th, which is two weeks after beginning TRT... would you think by then? How frequent is " frequent testing in the first year " ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2005 Report Share Posted March 7, 2005 > > > <snip> >Higher than that and hematrocit climbs too far and I get headaches. That means your blood is getting too thick with red blood cells of the brain & muscles. When it get too thick it will not flow thought the small viens & arteries in the brain & muscles. That is why the headaches & muscles ache. The brain cells will die. Go to the Red Cross & donate a pint of blood & the RBC will go down. If RBC keeps going up you can have a stroke & lose brain functions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2005 Report Share Posted March 8, 2005 Thanks ... I am more anxious about the unpleasant proceedure than I am the test results... my values are only very slightly high... and I don't even think the dr would have given it a second thought except that I am beginning TRT and he wants to be careful and be sure. > >> > >> clarkws1, > >> > >> IMO a uro who's willing to prescribe T, and who knows what he > >> doesn't know, is a keeper. As long as he's willing to go by the > >> AACE hypogonadism treatment guidelines and work with you. > >> Like you say, a bird in the hand... > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2005 Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 Dale, Thanks for the encouragement and the heads up. I really appreciate it. > > >> > > >> clarkws1, > > >> > > >> IMO a uro who's willing to prescribe T, and who knows what he > > >> doesn't know, is a keeper. As long as he's willing to go by the > > >> AACE hypogonadism treatment guidelines and work with you. > > >> Like you say, a bird in the hand... > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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