Blood work: over a year, still cant find answers

[entre83]

I'll try to make this short, Im 29 very healthy, been an athlete all my life, mostly weight training in my mid-late 20's.

Last year I was in a very mild accident, more like a love tap;I was rear ended and had a bit of whip lash in my lower back l4/l5, w pain emanating down my hip. It has been over a year and I have not been able to recover from this, but I exhibit symptoms of low test; fatigue, little to no motivation, lack of concentration, aching joints, loss of muscle, back pain, muscle spasms. Before the accident I was battling fatigue, but I feel like the stress from the accident just shut my body down.

I still eat healthy but its very difficult to work out, its more like going through the motions; I have a small business luckily it allows me a little freedom but my work is suffering, as well as my social life. I had x rays, mri's, all came back negative. Im on tramadol, naproxin and a muscle relaxant, and my doctor does not seem real intent on helping me other than pumping me with pills.

I just got my blood work back for test levels, they don't seem bad; I was just hoping to get some feedback to put me at ease and possibly focus my search elsewhere.
Testosterone 597
Free Testosterone 126
Sex Binding Globulin 30

I hope I'm not wasting anybodies time Im just trying to pursue all venues. Its hard being your own advocate for your health especially when you cant find what is wrong, when you are clearly suffering...

[steroid.com 1]

Adrenal Fatigue?

Need to see Cortisol assay along with a complete Thyroid work-up.

Many of the symptoms you describe can also be related to Adrenal Fatigue and/or Hypothyroidism.

In fact, Hypothyroidism and indeed cause Hypogonadism.

[Rusty11]

"Its hard being your own advocate for your health especially when you cant find what is wrong, when you are clearly suffering..."
While I can't help you with your situation, I can completely understand this statement. Without stealing your thread, I've been on Testim for several months with no effects. Last week I decided to do two packets a day instead of one. In three days, I started to feel this "feeling of well-being" I keep hearing about...along with improvements in other areas, especially in the morning (if you know what I mean). So, today I called my Doc, requested to have my dose upped AND thanks to this great website, faxed over a nice letter and a request to have ALL things checked that are in the sticky. My endo (I've been a thyroid patient of his for 12 years) has only checked thyroid, total test, and one other thing. So, we'll see what he says. I have good insurance, so I see no reason why he won't agree to have these things checked out. I'm fighting for this because of several issues that arose last year,,,,the worst being insomnia. I'm sick of pills to sleep. So, like you, we just have to take matters in our own hands and fight. Anyway, I hope things work out for you. I know it's frustrating.

[Vettester]

Those numbers are fine, but what you provided us is only a 3 point panel out of approx. 20 needed labs to get a better assessment. Testosterone is only one component in the myriad of many to keep one functioning properly.

In addition to GD's suggestion, I would also consider looking at your IGF level and GH. HGH therapy might be one potential option to explore.

[HRTstudent]

Well, I can't say much other than I don't think testosterone is the root of your problems. It should set your mind at ease regarding this one area at the least.

[Renholder]

Is that all you got of bloodwork?

Like others said, you need a comprehensive panel of bloodwork that includes everything.

Your problem could be related to your adrenals (cortisol output) or thyroid, among a whole bunch of other things as well. It could be as simple as too little iron or even too much.

You simply need to dig a lot deeper. Testosterone is not always the answer. Often it can be a symptom and even correcting it with TRT will not improve your situation at all if you don`t adress the real cause.

[fit2bOld]

About the back issue, I just had surgery at L4-L5-S1 three weeks ago as the nerve was severely pinched by the disc they did a Micro-difrectomy it clears a path for the nerve to sit and does not use hardware or fusion. The pain through my hips buttocks and down my legs to my calves and feet is gone. This was done by a neurosurgeon and I very happy with the result.

Follow Gdevine's advice on the testing he is very knowledgeable...

[entre83]

I attached my comprehensive blood work chart, it was like pulling teeth sitting there with my doctor going over this; I felt like I just needed to take his word for whatever he was saying.

The only thing that stands out to me is that my b12 is above the standard range and my Iron level is really high as well as transferrin saturation, my TSH levels look fine about mid range TSH 2.15 0.27 - 4.20

Sorry, I didnt know any other way to attach the documents, I had to split up the files as they were too large.

Also my platelet count is very low 91 150-330 which could be a sign of autoimmune.

Looking forward to hearing back form you guys, thanks so much for taking the time to help me!

[entre83]

My Iron is high Iron 262 45 - 170; looking more into this but if anyone one has information they want to share, please do.

[steroid.com 1]

These are standard panels and don't tell us much from a hormonal perspective. See the sticky at the top of the forum "Finding a TRT Doc" it will show you what you need to make a good assessment on your hormonal health.

Your thyroid appears fine but iron is too high and needs to come down. High iron serum levels in men is not healthy.

Other then that, you seem fine from what's here.

[kelkel]

Your D can be bumped up as well. Start supplementing. It will reduce shbg and improve free T levels.

[entre83]

Thanks so much!!!

I feel a little better now that I can at least head in one direction and check some more things off the list!

I will look through the sticky, thanks for mentioning that; after I see my neurologist this month, if we can find nothing, then I will pursue trying to schedule a visit with an endocrinologist.

Again, thank you very much; God bless!

[entre83]

You guys lead me too, haemochromatosis which is caused by too much iron which does affect the endocrine glands.

Could be on to something here, thanks soooo much!!!!: )

[Vettester]

You guys lead me too, haemochromatosis which is caused by too much iron which does affect the endocrine glands.

Could be on to something here, thanks soooo much!!!!: )

I'm a carrier for hemochromatosis, and have a lot of experience in this department. I didn't see anything out of whack with your ferritin, which is usually a key indicator for this disease. You can talk to your doctor about this, but the only way to know for sure is by performing a liver biopsy. If positive, both parents MUST be carriers too.

You can easily control your iron level by donating blood. After just 2 donations, your iron levels should be in a "normal" range.

[entre83]

hmmmm...thank you.

I am going to go see my doctor asap, do you think I should still get tested for it?

Nothing happens with this guy unless I force him, is my level high enough to request it?

If I did give blood how often would I have to do this to keep my levels normal, and should I continuously be monitored/tested?

[Vettester]

Again, I don't see anything out of the ordinary with your ferritin level. You could ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist to get a 2nd opinion. If you were positive hemochromatosis, your ferritin would probably be > 1,500, and it more than likely would have been detected in one of your parents. It's usually prominent in males with European decent.

I donate blood every 2 months at 450cc per session, and everything stays in check (Iron, ferritin, RCB, hema, etc.). The blood banks are very interested with people who have iron enriched blood.

[entre83]

I sent a few messages to my doctor, so I should hear back in a few days and go from there.

If he cant see me Ill look into donating blood, about how soon would any symptoms subside if this is the case; well at least what have you experienced?

[Renholder]

Again, I don't see anything out of the ordinary with your ferritin level. You could ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist to get a 2nd opinion. If you were positive hemochromatosis, your ferritin would probably be > 1,500, and it more than likely would have been detected in one of your parents. It's usually prominent in males with European decent.

Not necessarily true.

His serum iron and transferrin saturation is high and that makes a case for HH. Ferritin is usually elevated, but will not reach the levels you indicate before a lot of iron have accumulated in the body. Early diagnosis is important.

[Renholder]

I sent a few messages to my doctor, so I should hear back in a few days and go from there.

If he cant see me Ill look into donating blood, about how soon would any symptoms subside if this is the case; well at least what have you experienced?

Your serum iron and tranferrin saturation is high, but your ferritin is normal (one negative against HH). I find it strange that your doctor did not do more testing based on this.

You need to take the HFE gene test in order to confirm hemachromatosis. However, this test can only confirm it, not negate it. If there is still doubt, a liver biopsy can confirm it, but it is easier to do the gene test first.

Treatment is fairly simple: agressive weekly phlebotomies in the beginning to get levels down fast and then maintenance at a much less frequent rate. If diagnosed early, I think this is a condition that should not affect your long-term health negatively.

Do not donate any blood on your own for now. Do it together with your doctor AFTER you have a diagnosis.

While you are at your doctor, I would insist on gettting a more complete blood work done anyway. It may not be hemachromatosis.

Let us know what happens!

[entre83]

I cant thank you enough for helping me put a game plan together!

[Renholder]

I cant thank you enough for helping me put a game plan together!

You`re very welcome.

I hope you keep us posted on what happens. If it does turn out to actually be hemachromatosis, I would find it very interesting to see how you improve if and when you start weekly phlebotomies and lower your iron levels. The prospects for recovery is VERY good from what I know, especially with an early diagnosis. The sad thing is that many people go undiagnosed for so long that they may have irreversible organ damage by the time they get a diagnosis.

Now, this is only speculation on my part and remember that neither I or anyone else here is a doctor. Further, you should also know that a lot of us here have gone through a LOT of doctors before finally finding someone who is willing to help us. Many GPs are clueless and ignorant about this stuff. So don`t give up if your current doctor proves to be ignorant and tells you that you are healthy, when you know that you`re not.

Even if it is not hemachromatosis, donating blood is probably a good idea anyway. I`m not sure if it is possible to have iron overload without hemachromatosis, but it may be possible. And the best way (chelation is an alternative) to reduce iron is to donate blood.

Good luck!

Renholder

[oldschoolfitness]

damn brother!! im feeling ya on the injuries. in 05 i broke my back and dislocated by c5-c6 vert. some plates, screws, and small rods put it all in working form. sounds like you recovered pretty good from the injury. i hope you get some answers soon but the adrenal fatigue seems to be a likely candidate. hang in there if that blood work is looked at by the right individual they should be able to pinpoint your problem. best of luck!!

[entre83]

My doctor is refusing to believe there is anything wrong with me, this is so frustrating : (

He is like a broken record, take your pills daily and you will be fine; basically he wants me to be doped up all day, I am sickened that this is how most doctors practice.

I am now in search of a new doctor, but for the time being I demanded further testing and I think per nys law they cannot deny any request a patient makes.

[Renholder]

My doctor is refusing to believe there is anything wrong with me, this is so frustrating : (

He is like a broken record, take your pills daily and you will be fine; basically he wants me to be doped up all day, I am sickened that this is how most doctors practice.

I am now in search of a new doctor, but for the time being I demanded further testing and I think per nys law they cannot deny any request a patient makes.

What were his comments on high serum iron and transferrin saturation? Completely normal?

You should at least get the gene test done.

Since you are having symptoms and two abnormal test results that could indicate hemachromatosis and possibly explain your symptoms, it is ridiculous that he keeps saying you are normal. But I`ve been there myself many times. Most GPs really are clueless.

Just get the test done and preferrably a new doctor. Even if you get the test with him and HH is confirmed, will he be able to give you adequate treatment?