A new man.

**ThankfulLiving** · 03-20-2008, 12:26 PM

My apologies for starting a new handle. I've been to this site many times and years ago, but it's been so long I forgot my previous name.

Six years ago, I was diagnosed with Lupus. For those unaware, Lupus is an immune deficiency disease that affects your joints, muscles, breathing, memory and in severe cases like mine, seizures.

I first noticed skin rashes, then I had bronchitis that wouldn't go away. I considered it an annoyance at first until my memory started to fade. I was at a toy store and couldn't remember why I was there. I called my wife who reminded me of our daughters upcoming birthday.

None of my Dr's took the time to view the whole picture and instead, treated my symptoms. By the time someone placed a name to my condition, I already preparing myself for death. I was too weak to get out of bed most days and when I did I was followed by extreme pain. I was only 35. To avoid upsetting my family, I increased my life insurance and made my own funeral arrangements.

While at another Dr. visit, I read in a magazine that cancer patients were using anabolic steroids to improve their quality of life. At that time, I had my primary physician and four specialists. Not a single one was willing to address my request. I tried to explain to them that I didn't want to compete in sports. I didn't care about my appearance. Still, any attempt to discuss it as an option was dismissed.

One day, while at the park with my family I watched my wife and daughter at the playground while I sat laboring for air on a park bench. I wasn't ready to let go.

I started researching steroids on my own and came across this site. Unfortunately, I lost money twice by thieves I met here, but the information I received was invaluable.

A long time member took me under his wing and recommended 250 mg's of testosterone enanthate per week to start. My second week, I increased to 500 mg's per week. By the middle of the third week, I was already beginning to notice differences. I actually wanted to get out of bed. I could walk across a room without losing my breath. I could pick my daughter above my head again. Her smile motivated me.

By the end of my 12th week, I was a new man. I was taking nightly walks with my family. I am now 39 and there are no signs that I ever had Lupus.

After my improvement, I went to each of my Dr's for my checkups. Each was astounded by my condition. I told each that I was self-medicating anabolic steroids and they all went into their speeches about how harmful they are. Before I left them all for the last time, I reminded them of my condition while they treated me. I gave them each a firm handshake and left knowing they were no longer needed.

That was three years ago. My life has completely changed. I have a new perspective. I don't take life for granted and I never let little things upset me. Life truly is too short and a blessing.

Thanks to this site and to all who offered sound advice. I can't thank you by name, but please know that I am a better husband, father and man because of you.

God bless.

**colo87** · 03-20-2008, 12:29 PM

wow great story man good to hear you're doing great and that's crazy how steroids helped that much...these are the kinds of stories I like to hear and should be brought to the attention of the mainstream....

**Jackblack20** · 03-20-2008, 03:32 PM

moving story...goes to show AAS aren't so bad after all, and do serve a purpose...glad to see you beat the odds, and proved the doctors wrong!

**qwertyuio** · 03-20-2008, 03:59 PM

Wow a really inspiring story.....i hope all the best for you and your family in the future!!!!

PT · 03-20-2008, 04:04 PM

thats a he11 of a story bro and i wish you and your family the best and im glad things worked out for the best

**YouStupidBunnies** · 03-20-2008, 04:26 PM

You know what's unfortunate about this story? Instead of your Dr's opening their minds to the results they tried to warn you of the health risks. As if you were better when they treated you. If it were up to them they'd probably rather see you in jail over this.

Maybe you could find a research group that would be interested in your case so your positive outcome could possibly help others.

Your story makes me feel kind of shallow for my use of steroids . I'm so vain! Best of luck to you and your family.

**Big** · 03-20-2008, 04:27 PM

Welcome back, best wishes.

**sphincter** · 03-20-2008, 04:44 PM

WOW!! Incredible story man!! I'm so proud to hear you're working hard and so happy to hear of your greatly improved quality of life!! Keep going as long as you can man!!

IEven if steroids were killing you; I'd rather die suddenly having had a great life 'til then than die slowly for years in front of my loved ones as Lupus does to you.. whatever life throws at you man, you can handle it!!

**maxex** · 03-20-2008, 05:14 PM

Nice story.

For some reason, the math doesn't seem to add up. But i'm glad you're ok! props

**Mbuffguy** · 03-20-2008, 05:21 PM

dope how much u bench now jk God bless

**ThankfulLiving** · 03-20-2008, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by maxex

Nice story.

For some reason, the math doesn't seem to add up. But i'm glad you're ok! props

Thanks for pointing that out.

Lupus is often difficult to diagnose. With so many symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed which is what happened in my case.

One of my Dr's believed it to be severe arthritis. Another thought it might be allergies. Yet another didn't even believe my pain was real and recommended a psychiatrist.

I mistakingly stated that I was diagnosed six years ago, when in fact, I was diagnosed four years ago. Six years ago is when my symptoms began. It took two years to give my disorder a name.

Thanks to everyone else for the well wishes. Life is good to me now.

**FortKnox36** · 03-20-2008, 05:43 PM

Good story bro.

I am not doubting your authenticity of the story at all; however, I know what lupus is and I have a uncle who has it. His isnt life threatening and he lives a pretty normal life. I know the degrees of lupus do vary. Lupus basically confuses your immune system and the immune system, instead of attacking foreign cells of the body (viruses, bacteria, etc.) it attacks all cells good and bad. (reason of this unknown)

Now I can see how AAS will build up your muscle cells and help restore damaged tissue that lupus destroys, but this is what I do not understand...

...what happens after your 12 week cycle?

Wouldnt lupus still be confusing your immune system during and after your cycle?

Are you currently using AAS?

I ask these questions in an informative sense, not because I doubt what you say.

Thanks bro,
C

**ThankfulLiving** · 03-20-2008, 05:59 PM

Thanks for the interest. As you mentioned there are varying degrees of lupus. Unfortunately, mine was crippling. Quite honestly, I'm not sure how the lupus reacted to the steroids other than positively.

I'll always have lupus, but the use of steroids enables me to be healthy for lengths. Since my initial cycle, I've had several more when I feel symptoms like arthritis beginning. I'll likely continue their use as long as I'm around.

If your Uncle's condition worsens, I hope you'll often good advice.

**FortKnox36** · 03-20-2008, 06:23 PM

True.

Well just curious man how are your kidneys/liver doing? Make sure you keep an eye on that (which I am sure you are).

I know my uncle has problems with his kidneys, and steroids cant be too beneficial to those suckers.

But hey man, sounds like AAS is workin wonders for you and I am glad to hear how AAS can help someone so much. Keep carryin the flag and God bless you brother.

C