Guest guest Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Hey Mark - My experience was limited to androgel only - I too did not absorb the compound well and swapped to shots. From what I read, testim delivers a higher dosage than androgel but I would be concerned it is an absorption issue. If I didn't feel results within 1-2 weeks, I would call the Doc back and say this isn't working and I want to try shots if you can administer them to yourself. Hopefully someone with more experience with testim will reply - this is just my opinion. Arkansas invstri <Invstri@...> wrote: I went for my latest blood work after using 7.5 Androgel for months and my T levels were pathetic. Total T was 270, Free T was 6.8.. After initially using Androgel my T was 750 and free T was 17.8 and things were working out pretty good. Then about 4 months ago, it lost its effectiveness little by little which they say happens with a certain percentage of men ( and of course me !! LOL) So I found Androgel easy to use and at first gained 3/4 inch in my biceps and incredible strength but that is all history now. So today my doctor wants me to discontinue the Androgel and switch to Testim 5 tomorrow. I read that testim's testosterone is the exact same compound as made by the human male, perhaps that would help??? I did offer to do the shots but for now they want me to try the testim. Has this happened to anyone else here ??? Where the initial Androgel response no longer worked ?? Well I hope this works because me and my wife are getting crazy ! Mark --------------------------------- Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Dan, that's the part thats most aggravating. When i first used Androgel it worked great and i mean GREAT !!!!.. My total T was well over 700 almost 800, my free T was almost 20.. Then gradually its effects wore off. I just don't understand it. Well i will be trying the Testim and see how that goes. I had done shots in the late 1990s and that worked but spontaneouslyafter 6 moths of use i was able to go off them until last year when my ability to make enough T went away again. It seems like a mystery sometimes. I was lucky and am able to inject myself, it's no big deal. thanks for your post.- Mark > I went for my latest blood work after using 7.5 Androgel for months > and my T levels were pathetic. Total T was 270, Free T was 6.8.. After > initially using Androgel my T was 750 and free T was 17.8 and things > were working out pretty good. Then about 4 months ago, it lost its > effectiveness little by little which they say happens with a certain > percentage of men ( and of course me !! LOL) So I found Androgel easy > to use and at first gained 3/4 inch in my biceps and incredible > strength but that is all history now. So today my doctor wants me to > discontinue the Androgel and switch to Testim 5 tomorrow. I read > that testim's testosterone is the exact same compound as made by the > human male, perhaps that would help??? I did offer to do the shots > but for now they want me to try the testim. Has this happened to > anyone else here ??? Where the initial Androgel response no longer > worked ?? Well I hope this works because me and my wife are getting > crazy ! > > Mark > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2006 Report Share Posted June 17, 2006 Do try Testim but make sure you rub it in well and let it dry before putting on a shirt. Phil invstri <Invstri@...> wrote: I went for my latest blood work after using 7.5 Androgel for months and my T levels were pathetic. Total T was 270, Free T was 6.8.. After initially using Androgel my T was 750 and free T was 17.8 and things were working out pretty good. Then about 4 months ago, it lost its effectiveness little by little which they say happens with a certain percentage of men ( and of course me !! LOL) So I found Androgel easy to use and at first gained 3/4 inch in my biceps and incredible strength but that is all history now. So today my doctor wants me to discontinue the Androgel and switch to Testim 5 tomorrow. I read that testim's testosterone is the exact same compound as made by the human male, perhaps that would help??? I did offer to do the shots but for now they want me to try the testim. Has this happened to anyone else here ??? Where the initial Androgel response no longer worked ?? Well I hope this works because me and my wife are getting crazy ! Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2006 Report Share Posted June 18, 2006 When you first start using Androgel (Or any Testosterone) your testes will still be functioning and puting out whatever they are still capable of. Thus you have Androgel and your testicular output combined. The signals controlling your testes will quickly sense the external testosterone and shut your testes down. Then you have only the Androgel working for you. Its at this point that many patients need to up the dose as Androgel will be producing almost all your Testosterone. > > I went for my latest blood work after using 7.5 Androgel > for months > > and my T levels were pathetic. Total T was 270, Free T was 6.8.. > After > > initially using Androgel my T was 750 and free T was 17.8 and > things > > were working out pretty good. Then about 4 months ago, it lost its > > effectiveness little by little which they say happens with a > certain > > percentage of men ( and of course me !! LOL) So I found Androgel > easy > > to use and at first gained 3/4 inch in my biceps and incredible > > strength but that is all history now. So today my doctor wants me > to > > discontinue the Androgel and switch to Testim 5 tomorrow. I read > > that testim's testosterone is the exact same compound as made by > the > > human male, perhaps that would help??? I did offer to do the shots > > but for now they want me to try the testim. Has this happened to > > anyone else here ??? Where the initial Androgel response no longer > > worked ?? Well I hope this works because me and my wife are > getting > > crazy ! > > > > Mark > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and > 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 Phil, I have been using the Testim 5 since Saturday night , my doc wants me to put it on at bedtime ( yes i know the advise is put it on in AM after showring) well Mr. is back in the morning already.. Not like when i was 20 years old mind you. But there is an AM erection when i wake up in the morning. I don't notice any other affects like libido yet, but i'm going to lift weights later today and see how i feel. Maybe i will switch to putting it on in the AM, the skin is nice and clean and probably would absorb better. As far as going to shots i told the doctor's PA on Friday i didn't mind doing shots and i am able to give them to myself. She was like horrified that i would prefer the shots to the gels... I gotta tell you i think it takes alot less time to give myself a shot once or twice a week than spend 10 minutes a day rubbing in this gooey stuff.And the testim is alot more gooey and smells compared to Androgel. thanks for your posts to my questions to all u members. It sure is a relief to know you're not alone, and i remember bitching to my doctor 18 years ago that something had gone drastically wrong and he told me it was in my head and wanted to send me to a shrink... Mark > I went for my latest blood work after using 7.5 Androgel for months > and my T levels were pathetic. Total T was 270, Free T was 6.8.. After > initially using Androgel my T was 750 and free T was 17.8 and things > were working out pretty good. Then about 4 months ago, it lost its > effectiveness little by little which they say happens with a certain > percentage of men ( and of course me !! LOL) So I found Androgel easy > to use and at first gained 3/4 inch in my biceps and incredible > strength but that is all history now. So today my doctor wants me to > discontinue the Androgel and switch to Testim 5 tomorrow. I read > that testim's testosterone is the exact same compound as made by the > human male, perhaps that would help??? I did offer to do the shots > but for now they want me to try the testim. Has this happened to > anyone else here ??? Where the initial Androgel response no longer > worked ?? Well I hope this works because me and my wife are getting > crazy ! > > Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 Mark I say try the Testim for 4 months and see how it gose the reasion for useing it in the morning is so you have it on long enough to shower at bedtime so you don't get it on your wife. Phil invstri <Invstri@...> wrote: Phil, I have been using the Testim 5 since Saturday night , my doc wants me to put it on at bedtime ( yes i know the advise is put it on in AM after showring) well Mr. is back in the morning already.. Not like when i was 20 years old mind you. But there is an AM erection when i wake up in the morning. I don't notice any other affects like libido yet, but i'm going to lift weights later today and see how i feel. Maybe i will switch to putting it on in the AM, the skin is nice and clean and probably would absorb better. As far as going to shots i told the doctor's PA on Friday i didn't mind doing shots and i am able to give them to myself. She was like horrified that i would prefer the shots to the gels... I gotta tell you i think it takes alot less time to give myself a shot once or twice a week than spend 10 minutes a day rubbing in this gooey stuff.And the testim is alot more gooey and smells compared to Androgel. thanks for your posts to my questions to all u members. It sure is a relief to know you're not alone, and i remember bitching to my doctor 18 years ago that something had gone drastically wrong and he told me it was in my head and wanted to send me to a shrink... Mark > I went for my latest blood work after using 7.5 Androgel for months > and my T levels were pathetic. Total T was 270, Free T was 6.8.. After > initially using Androgel my T was 750 and free T was 17.8 and things > were working out pretty good. Then about 4 months ago, it lost its > effectiveness little by little which they say happens with a certain > percentage of men ( and of course me !! LOL) So I found Androgel easy > to use and at first gained 3/4 inch in my biceps and incredible > strength but that is all history now. So today my doctor wants me to > discontinue the Androgel and switch to Testim 5 tomorrow. I read > that testim's testosterone is the exact same compound as made by the > human male, perhaps that would help??? I did offer to do the shots > but for now they want me to try the testim. Has this happened to > anyone else here ??? Where the initial Androgel response no longer > worked ?? Well I hope this works because me and my wife are getting > crazy ! > > Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 Mark, My gel (andro) was increased to 10 several days ago. Generally I've put it on in the A.M and do well all day. With the change in dose I've decided to try half in the A.M and the other half around 3-4 P.M. That way I still have time for a shower before bed without interfering with the gel's action. So far the split dose is making a nice transition and I'm seeing improvement from the 5mg dose. When I went to the split dose I talked about it with my Physician. He asked for my rationale on a split dose because it " won't follow the natural rhythm of things " that way. My answer is simple...neither do I! My job requires me to be up and at em anytime of the day or night so my " natural rhythm " is not what is considered normal anyway. I thought by doing a late dose I'd be more likely to mimic what my body has done for 30 years. Sounded good to me! The Doc looked at me goofy then realized it made sense. I left his office with him pondering the effects of profession / work hours on a man's natural rhythm and the more obvious...pot bellied EMS/PD and Firefighters..LOL! Hope the night dosing works well for you. Be Safe, (fire56) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 you are a Gem to this group. Phil Vickie or <plp40@...> wrote: Mark, My gel (andro) was increased to 10 several days ago. Generally I've put it on in the A.M and do well all day. With the change in dose I've decided to try half in the A.M and the other half around 3-4 P.M. That way I still have time for a shower before bed without interfering with the gel's action. So far the split dose is making a nice transition and I'm seeing improvement from the 5mg dose. When I went to the split dose I talked about it with my Physician. He asked for my rationale on a split dose because it " won't follow the natural rhythm of things " that way. My answer is simple...neither do I! My job requires me to be up and at em anytime of the day or night so my " natural rhythm " is not what is considered normal anyway. I thought by doing a late dose I'd be more likely to mimic what my body has done for 30 years. Sounded good to me! The Doc looked at me goofy then realized it made sense. I left his office with him pondering the effects of profession / work hours on a man's natural rhythm and the more obvious...pot bellied EMS/PD and Firefighters..LOL! Hope the night dosing works well for you. Be Safe, (fire56) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 , i have been Androgel since late last year , and at first with spectacular results. But the last 4-5 months have been miserable. My blood work shows i am not getting any testosterone from it. They suspect i am one of those men who at first respond to the gel, then for no reason after months no longer - absorb- reject - or just plain don't respond to the gel anymore. So after conferrring with my doc, theyu switched me to Testim 5 last week, so far i'm not lighting up the 3 pointers yet , but i have started to respond slightly. As i posted my PA was horrifed that i would consider giving myself injections which i have done in the past. Oh well, i guess these drug companies have sold them hook line and sinker on these new gels. I really don't give a crap what I -- (take your pick) 1. rub on 2 stick on 3 inject in AS LONG AS IT WORKS LOL Mark > > Mark, > My gel (andro) was increased to 10 several > days ago. Generally I've put it on in the A.M > and do well all day. With the change in dose > I've decided to try half in the A.M and the other > half around 3-4 P.M. That way I still have time > for a shower before bed without interfering with > the gel's action. So far the split dose is making > a nice transition and I'm seeing improvement > from the 5mg dose. > > When I went to the split dose I talked about it with > my Physician. He asked for my rationale on a split > dose because it " won't follow the natural rhythm of > things " that way. My answer is simple...neither do I! > My job requires me to be up and at em anytime of the > day or night so my " natural rhythm " is not what is > considered normal anyway. I thought by doing a late > dose I'd be more likely to mimic what my body has > done for 30 years. Sounded good to me! The Doc looked > at me goofy then realized it made sense. I left his office > with him pondering the effects of profession / work hours > on a man's natural rhythm and the more obvious...pot > bellied EMS/PD and Firefighters..LOL! Hope the night > dosing works well for you. > Be Safe, (fire56) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 Mark, Yeah, I read your gel aversion..dumb luck eh? I was just relaying my A.M. / P. M. application of gels is all, since you mentioned the P.M. directions from your Doc. Hopefully the Testim will work better than AG did. Feeling well is always a good thing. If I were a daytime worker and generally slept at night, I'd use the recommended A.M. application. Why it's A.M when it leaves the body at it's lowest levels by morning is a mystery but, that's the package directions I guess. Supposedly that's the right way. If I worked nights I'd do a night application and so on. I decided to try both since I work 24's, 9-11 days a month and often respond to fires or other related duties on off days. Talk about screwing with mother nature...my hormones can't tell night from day! I'm not looking to turn back the hands of time nor am I interested in living to be a hundred. Body building is not for me unless its a car body and these gray hairs are mine all mine! I am mainly in to a good quality of life where I feel like myself again. So far splitting my dose is working out but it's early to be an actual advocate. Good Luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 20, 2006 Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 Mark, My two cents: I tried the gels, had absorpotion problems, then switched to a weekly self-injection of testosterone cypionate. I find the shots to be very easy, not painful, and much more convenient. I do mine into my thigh using a 25 gauge 1 " needle. Kind regards, Eugene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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