Headaches & blurred vision in 1 eye-TRT related?

[suprarob]

Been on TRT,HCG & AI creme regiment for 3 years now. Lately I have felt lethargic at times,developed a partial blurred vision in my left eye and had headaches that accompanied the blurry vision. I am on a low dose test cup (100 mg week sub Q). I have been going in circles with my dr over raised RBC and feel I have polycythemia. My blood count is at 53% and he thinks that is ok. It is against my religion to give a blood donation and he thinks a phlebotomy is too extreme. Concerned as I have read that strokes can occur. I also read that blurred vision and headaches are signs of mini-strokes with a big stroke on the horizon. Should I be concerned?

[kelkel]

Be concerned. Polycythemia can cause blurred vision.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera? - NHLBI, NIH

Get a phlebotomy and another doctor.

[Lifted1]

I'm not a very religious guy, but I cant imagine letting my beliefs interfere with my health. I read Kels link and this situation sounds very serious. I would suggest donating double reds asap...just think of it as a larger than usual blood test.

[bullshark99]

I would agree^^^^ I respect the fact of your religion but that's not gonna do you much good if you have a stroke and suffer brain damage.

[suprarob]

Thank you for the advice. I am very concerned as I have several of the symptoms. I actually changed drs and he did all kinds of tests and said not necessary at present. The cost was high as he did ultrasound spleen tests and stuff. Don't know if i can afford to keep changing drs but I certainly can't afford a stroke. Is there anyway I can do this myself?

[xcraider37]

Thank you for the advice. I am very concerned as I have several of the symptoms. I actually changed drs and he did all kinds of tests and said not necessary at present. The cost was high as he did ultrasound spleen tests and stuff. Don't know if i can afford to keep changing drs but I certainly can't afford a stroke. Is there anyway I can do this myself?

First and foremost of course as the other have said go get rid of some blood, but if that is not an option start with the following.

While this may not be a popular opinion with one of the blood experts on this site, you need to immediately start drinking water if your a lifter you should be drinking a gallon a day anyways, also won't hurt to do a baby aspirin or two a day until you get thing figured out. Last but not least start to lower your test dose.

Go get another CBC in three to four weeks and see where you stand. Be careful diagnosing yourself over the internet just causes anxiety.

[suprarob]

First and foremost of course as the other have said go get rid of some blood, but if that is not an option start with the following.

While this may not be a popular opinion with one of the blood experts on this site, you need to immediately start drinking water if your a lifter you should be drinking a gallon a day anyways, also won't hurt to do a baby aspirin or two a day until you get thing figured out. Last but not least start to lower your test dose.

Go get another CBC in three to four weeks and see where you stand. Be careful diagnosing yourself over the internet just causes anxiety.

That is one place I lack. Drinking water. Thanks for the reminder. Starting now! And your right about the anxiety!

[2Sox]

To my knowledge every religion believes that a donation to those in need - charity - is blessed by God. When I go to the Red Cross and donate, I often see people of different religions doing the same. Perhaps this will reconcile you with your beliefs. This brings to mind a quote that always affected me very much, "The glory of God is man fully alive." I don't want to be insensitive but IMO, if you don't get this issue under control, there will be no glory in this for anyone.

[suprarob]

To my knowledge every religion believes that a donation to those in need - charity - is blessed by God. When I go to the Red Cross and donate, I often see people of different religions doing the same. Perhaps this will reconcile you with your beliefs. This brings to mind a quote that always affected me very much, "The glory of God is man fully alive." I don't want to be insensitive but IMO, if you don't get this issue under control, there will be no glory in this for anyone.

The religion I grew up around is a bit tight fisted when it comes to helping with charity. They feel every dollar should go to advancing spiritual interests. My mom is a JW and she passed that on to us. Blessing at times and at others not so much. We can take blood fractions but can't give blood. Can't take whole blood. So it's a tough spot to be in. If I can't get it resolved soon I will take matters into my own hands.

[kelkel]

The religion I grew up around is a bit tight fisted when it comes to helping with charity. They feel every dollar should go to advancing spiritual interests. My mom is a JW and she passed that on to us. Blessing at times and at others not so much. We can take blood fractions but can't give blood. Can't take whole blood. So it's a tough spot to be in. If I can't get it resolved soon I will take matters into my own hands.

Just do it. We won't tell if you won't.

[OingoBoingo]

The religion I grew up around is a bit tight fisted when it comes to helping with charity. They feel every dollar should go to advancing spiritual interests. My mom is a JW and she passed that on to us. Blessing at times and at others not so much. We can take blood fractions but can't give blood. Can't take whole blood. So it's a tough spot to be in. If I can't get it resolved soon I will take matters into my own hands.

How about giving blood, and then asking for forgiveness?

[Chauffeur]

How about giving blood, and then asking for forgiveness?

This.

OP this is not something that's going to go away on it's own. Would you be comfortable finding another doctor who will write you an order for a therapeutic blood draw?

[suprarob]

This.

OP this is not something that's going to go away on it's own. Would you be comfortable finding another doctor who will write you an order for a therapeutic blood draw?

Yes extremely comfortable with this. It is what I am seeking.

[OingoBoingo]

Interesting description of the situation on Wikipedia.

[OingoBoingo]

Yes extremely comfortable with this. It is what I am seeking.

Is a therapeutic blood draw one of the permitted procedures? If not, then how is destroying the blood showing more respect than donating it? If so, it shouldn't be hard to find a willing doctor; maybe a JW one.

Hope you don't mind the questions, but am curious.

[lovbyts]

Is a therapeutic blood draw one of the permitted procedures? If not, then how is destroying the blood showing more respect than donating it? If so, it shouldn't be hard to find a willing doctor; maybe a JW one.

Hope you don't mind the questions, but am curious.

Sounds like a selfish religion. Help yourself but not others.

You could always go to a biker bar and look for the biggest meanest looking guy and call him a pvssy. I'm sure you would loose enough blood to help for a while

[PistolPete33]

That's pretty messed up. Either way my health is much more important than having a stroke because of some odd religious belief. Simply ask yourself what is more important?

[lovbyts]

That's pretty messed up. Either way my health is much more important than having a stroke because of some odd religious belief. Simply ask yourself what is more important?

Who needs doctors? God will fix everything... Forget the fact that maybe it was God who gave us the tools (doctors, medicine, science) to let us fix ourselves.

[OingoBoingo]

Sounds like a selfish religion. Help yourself but not others.

It's a little more complicated than that. As I understand it, the belief stems from an interpretation made in the 1940's of Mosaic law.

The JWs have updated some of their beliefs (such as vaccinations and organ transplants), so there's always the chance they might update their position on transfusions.

[xcraider37]

Sounds like a selfish religion. Help yourself but not others.

You could always go to a biker bar and look for the biggest meanest looking guy and call him a pvssy. I'm sure you would loose enough blood to help for a while

While I don't agree with the JW, I think we need to have some respect for the OP beliefs.

[OingoBoingo]

Who needs doctors? God will fix everything... Forget the fact that maybe it was God who gave us the tools (doctors, medicine, science) to let us fix ourselves.

God also gave us the tools to destroy ourselves. That doesn't mean we should use them.

There are many belief systems on the planet, and I wouldn't be surprised if each and every one had their own struggles; maybe some struggle with birth control, maybe for some it's cloning. Look at what's happening with the Muslims. I could go on.

And as I mentioned in a previous post, JWs have changed their position on some medical matters recently, and it's always possible they will again.

It's encouraging to me that change is possible.

[suprarob]

Yes our current understanding is to "pour the blood upon the ground" according to Mosaic law. For the most part we are pretty harmless people,no wars,no cheating,no over drinking,no promiscuity,no lying,no stealing and try to care about all humans regardless of their belief system. Oh and no blood,however as Oingo mentioned they have updated their beliefs with changing times and medical findings. Problem is they have become so large that they move slow in making changes it seems. Can't wait till then. Need to do something fast.

[suprarob]

That's pretty messed up. Either way my health is much more important than having a stroke because of some odd religious belief. Simply ask yourself what is more important?

Some principles are more important than us.

[OingoBoingo]

Best of luck!

[lovbyts]

Sounds like a selfish religion. Help yourself but not others.

You could always go to a biker bar and look for the biggest meanest looking guy and call him a pvssy. I'm sure you would loose enough blood to help for a while

While I don't agree with the JW, I think we need to have some respect for the OP beliefs.

It was just a suggestion on how to do some blood letting.

Some principles are more important than us.

But if there is no us what good are principles?

[suprarob]

.....

But if there is no us what good are principles?

Well it's a good thing Ghandi,Lincoln,Jefferson,Washington,Jesus,William Wallace and myriads of others didn't see it that way.

[lovbyts]

Well it's a good thing Ghandi,Lincoln,Jefferson,Washington,Jesus,William Wallace and myriads of others didn't see it that way.

Yeah I know, I'm just being facetious.

[suprarob]

You got me there Lovbyts.

By the way just got a call from my Dr. He said drop the test thats the problem. Guy is an idiot. (This is not the dr that prescribed it to me,rather the blood dr I was referred to)

[Chauffeur]

Yes extremely comfortable with this. It is what I am seeking.

I'd call around and speak to some doctor's offices and explain your situation. This is a pretty time sensitive issue so I wouldn't delay this any longer than you have to.

I don't know much about JW, but do you guys have a network of JW doctors that you can visit? I'd guess that they would be understanding of your issue.

You could always just donate through the Red Cross or something, and then after your blood has been drawn, inform them that you self inject testosterone. My understanding is that they won't use blood from people who self inject due to the concern of non sterile techniques.

It's not the most ethical way to have your blood drawn, but it would help you.

[lovbyts]

Typical doctor, throw the baby out with the bath water. Did you explain to him the religious aspect of donating and why you want an rx for a phlebotomy? Now is that the same thing as when they take blood just like you are donating but they just destroy it? I dont see how that is any more extreme than donating? Also if you go the religious route I really dont see how he could argue or deny you since it's not something harmful or unethical.

OK it may sound weird and it would take a few days I'm sure but there are people who still use leaches to take blood. They are even used by doctors to help preform some types of surgery since they produce something to stop the bleeding as soon as they detach.

[xcraider37]

I'd call around and speak to some doctor's offices and explain your situation. This is a pretty time sensitive issue so I wouldn't delay this any longer than you have to.

I don't know much about JW, but do you guys have a network of JW doctors that you can visit? I'd guess that they would be understanding of your issue.

You could always just donate through the Red Cross or something, and then after your blood has been drawn, inform them that you self inject testosterone. My understanding is that they won't use blood from people who self inject due to the concern of non sterile techniques.

It's not the most ethical way to have your blood drawn, but it would help you.

I have got to think this will go against OP's beliefs as well.

[suprarob]

I'd call around and speak to some doctor's offices and explain your situation. This is a pretty time sensitive issue so I wouldn't delay this any longer than you have to.

I don't know much about JW, but do you guys have a network of JW doctors that you can visit? I'd guess that they would be understanding of your issue.

You could always just donate through the Red Cross or something, and then after your blood has been drawn, inform them that you self inject testosterone. My understanding is that they won't use blood from people who self inject due to the concern of non sterile techniques.

It's not the most ethical way to have your blood drawn, but it would help you.

Brilliant idea!

[2Sox]

^^^^^ This is not relevant since doctor prescribed self injections d0 no disqualify donators. It's one of the questions that one must answer before donating and it is made very clear "doctor prescribed". Think also diabetics with daily insulin.

Then there is a self treated phlebotomy. Bass, a guy on this forum, even has a You Tube of him doing it!

[bullshark99]

^ 2sox makes a great point, reach out to Bass maybe he could walk you thru it, yes he is on YouTube demonstrating.

[suprarob]

I got the phlebotomy right after posting my last replies. It didn't go as I expected. Actually worst exp of my life. See this thread I started on it;
http://forums.steroid.com/hormone-re...ml#post6933264

[Beethoven]

I personally don't understand that. Being that I'm alive due to a transfusion when I was a child. I wonder if anyone would actually let their child die when he or she could be saved. smh. I respect it but will never understand it.