New to HRT

[UpstateNY]

I want to thank everyone that makes this forum possible and those that have posted and pinned the "info" articles. Thanks to you, I convinced my Dr.to test me and I am now on AndroGel. I handed him a copy of the pages he needed to read regarding blood tests and treatment for low test., much to my surprise, he read them, agreed to the tests and prescribed!
I injured my back several years ago and have been through hell and back. I've wanted to get off all the meds and get my life back somewhat but couldn't. I've only been on the gel for a week now, but I do feel much better and strong enough to excercise modestly. I'm hoping for more and for more results in time. I'd like to hear from anyone else who's been in this type of situation, it may help me progress faster and without problems.
As of now I use one packet a day of the 1%, 5gm per dose gel. I don't have my original test numbers yet but will post them when I do. All I know at this point is that both my DHEA and my free test. were low. I'm 43 and other than the neck and back discs and being out of shape, I'm in good health. Any input on the use of AndroGel, or any other HRT or suppliments would be GREATLY appreciated!!
I found a doc that specializes in HRT that is in my plan and not too far away and I hope to get a consult soon. Can't thank you guys enough for giving me some real hope and the needed info to open at least one doctor's mind and possibly help many guys!!!! Anyone else from Central or Upstate NY out there?
NY

[Ufa]

edit

[zaggahamma]

Welcome...glad your feelin better....had some back probs off/on too...on same stuff/dose as you and only for 3 weeks....nothing REALLY noticable yet...lost 5 lbs last week....kind of what I was looking 4 believe it or not....I had lost some serious fat last year then hit BIG plateau and found out i had low T...prob why i couldn't get rid of the jelly belly....3 weeks...down 5lbs...we'll see? UPSTATE NY IS NICE, hope you stay feelin good man
j

[UpstateNY]

Thanks for the replies! Thsi site is very helpful and I'm doing my best to get the word out to others. It's made a big difference in my life in life & I'm only into 1 wk of treatment. I studied biology in college and majored in pre-med studies. Hormones and their actions was my major area of study, along with substance P, and the endophines and enkephlons of the body (the natural opiates), and how they related to each other and created homeostasis (balance). It's just amazing to find that to this day doctors will accept hrt for women but not men and not even listen to the science behind it and blindly accept the clinical studies as hey relate to treatment. We don't have scientist as doctors anymore, we have businessmen and people that can pass tests. Sad!!
As soon as I can, I will post my initial tests and follow ups. I'd really appreciate hearing from others who are using HRT and their numbers, meds and experiences. Thanks again to everyone here that's looking out for each other and the lurking reader! If it wasn't for you guys, I'd likely still be suffering with pain, and many other nasty symptoms. Anything I can do to help is there for the asking. My email is available for the asking!! Nothing to hide, now games here. This is about qualtiy of life!!!

[Ufa]

edit.

[UpstateNY]

Yeah, it's pretty twisted. I know more docs using coke and other drugs even lots of alcohol but to them, that's totally different! I'll have to give Oasis a call, I'm always open to listening to advice. It got me this far. I don't profess to know a thing, so I listen and don't talk about wht I don't know. With my doc not knowing much I don't think he's my best bet, but at least he got me started rather than my waiting to find someone better suited. I hope to hear and read a lot more here.

[zaggahamma]

Oasis no takey insurance, though???

[Ufa]

edit

[zaggahamma]

I actually talked to Oasis....pretty intuative and patient people...sent my blood work in....never heard back.....don't know if they're waiting for me to call and ask for something....i emailed the guy I was corresponding with and asked him to forward my tests to docs and get back with a plan of attack....hadn't heard back in several weeks? he did mention he was working on getting the shit paid by Aetna...also said that he could provide me with some var.....TEMPTING
SORRY, How you been, Upstate, Ufa?

[UpstateNY]

JPKman,
I'm doing ok, I guess. Check my latest updates and you'll see what's going on with my doc and me. How'd it turn out with Oasis? I'm finding that if you look hard enough and ask enough people, you might find a good and open minded doc locally. I found a doc within driving distance of me on the site I was referred to on this forum. Most of the docs are "anti aging specialists" but if they're covered by my insurance, and understand why I'm there, I don't have a problem with what they call themselves. I'm not looking to grow, just feel better and get back in to the shape I was in prior to my injury,or close too it. Who wouldn't like to get more muscular? My injuries aren't going to allow any real lifting for me, so I'll be happy with trading some water and body fat for lean muscle and a good cardio level. I'm in decent shape for 43 but I was an athletic until I was forced to retire due to disc injuries. Being ok by the norm, has never been good enough for me. I'm amazed to see how much better I feel just with a low dose of HRT! My labs are still low so I can't imagine how much better I'll feel when I get things in balance. I'm really looking forward to it, maybe I'll get some of my life back!!! That's what I'm praying for!!!!

[Ufa]

edit

[UpstateNY]

I've only had the one and I didn't have a choice. I couldn't walk, I had a fragment in a nerve and lost the use of my leg. The pain was off the scale!! What is Var? I've never heard of it. I don't think any ins. at this time pays for GH. Too bad, from what I've read, it has great potential for people with injuries. I'd try it. Being on a limited income thanks to my early retirement, paying out of pocket is out for me. It's a long story that sounds more like fiction, though unfortunately it's true. I'm hoping to get a handle on things while I'm still young enough to enjoy life. It's been a real tough 3 yrs!!!

[Ufa]

edit

[UpstateNY]

I'm lucky to hae what I have now! I'm still looking for a Dr. that knows the ropes. All I want is to feel like I did before or as best as I can. A Dr. who really knows would be best for me. Every other one is only using guess work. It's a shame, but perhaps someday the sterotype will face and people in need will be treated properly. Where I live, if you are elderly, they know a great deal about treating your ailments and you'll get anything you need or want.
Thanks for the answer

[zaggahamma]

Yeh....good to hear from you again Upstate...HRT alone has been a little lift...no major back inuries per say to me, but have had lower back pain...prob form auto accidents/scoliosis(minor), but actually since HRT....very little pains to tell the truth....and Yeh...HGH down the road for me ($$$$$$$$$) a big issue with me...my biggest pain is tendonitis (left elbow) maybe one day HGH will help....cortizone has in the past but for very short term....I can't even do the same amount of weight with the left (like dumbell military presses) b cuz of the elbow pain....but man...I feel a lot better since I got my T levels up....I'm taking double what prescribed until I get a doc that will teat me and not the #'s.....glad to hear from u again Upstate....hope we all get what we're looking for