First Blood: BW after 1 month

[NEFLRick]

So been on TRT for about 2 months now. Pretty much all good--wake up with a kickstand every day, feeling great, have been more positive, getting stupid strong in the gym and getting bigger. But what does the blood work say?

Well, let's do a before/after thing. When we first met here were my numbers:

Total T - 245 (258-1100)
SHBG - 23.90 (2.00 - 180.00)
Free T - 56 (150.0-350.0)
Estradiol - 22 (20-54)
RBC - 5.15 (4.37 - 5.63)

So, after the 1st month I had my BW done. Was a mistake but a function of the holidays and scheduling. But that's when we did it. Here are the numbers:

Total T 674 (258 - 1100)
SHBG 20.70 (2.00 - 180.00)
Free T 187.0 (150.0 - 350.0)
Estradiol 41 (20 - 54)
RBC 5.93 (4.37 - 5.63)


So....as we see my test levels have come up significantly. My estrogen is also following suit (not surprising, I've experienced the bloating and sore joints). My RBC is high. For various reasons, I'm unable to donate blood so wondering if I need to see about getting something for that.

Overall, I can't complain too much. Seems to be working both on paper and in practice. Now I just started a cut to see if I can ditch some of this excess fat. I have gained some weight since I started. A combination of water weight, muscle weight and fat for sure. I was famished when I first started and surely ate too much. That hunger craving has passed thankfully. I have, however, gotten noticeably bigger. Saw some friends I hadn't seen in about a month yesterday and they were like, "Holy shit! You're HUGE!" I'm not a small guy to begin with but I can notice as well.

Anyway, that's where I'm at currently. Thanks again for everyone's advice!

Oh, my protocol is 200mg 1x per week. 250iU HCG 3x per week.

[kelkel]

Hi Rick,

You're only a couple weeks early on BW per standard protocols, but it really doesn't mean it would be that much different.

When was the Blood pulled relative to your last injection?
Have your doc write you a script for a therapeutic phlebotomy to help your H & H.
You need to make your next E2 test a Sensitive Assay as that number really means nothing. I can give you the correct Labcorp codes if you need them.
I strongly recommend splitting your dosage in half and injecting twice per week to help with your E and to give steadier serum levels.

Very happy it's working out for you!

[NEFLRick]

Hi Rick,

You're only a couple weeks early on BW per standard protocols, but it really doesn't mean it would be that much different.

When was the Blood pulled relative to your last injection?
Have your doc write you a script for a therapeutic phlebotomy to help your H & H.
You need to make your next E2 test a Sensitive Assay as that number really means nothing. I can give you the correct Labcorp codes if you need them.
I strongly recommend splitting your dosage in half and injecting twice per week to help with your E and to give steadier serum levels.

Very happy it's working out for you!

Thanks.

Test was morning before I do my injection so at about 6 days post injection.

I will definitely ask them about the therapeutic phlebotomy. Doesn't that number indicate blood getting thicker? Sorry, I haven't read much about this number just know being too high isn't good. I've got circulation issues in my leg to begin with (old basketball injury) and have to wear a compression stocking (sucks). I've had DVT multiple times already (also sucks).

I asked the doc whether it was sensitive or not and I'm not sure he knew what I was talking about. If you have the code, I'll give it to them for my next test.

I meant to ask them about this and forgot. I do have a sterile bottle. Have to inject my syringes into it and split it into 2.

Also, starting a cut and getting rid of some BF should help with the E level as well.

[kelkel]

Thanks.

Test was morning before I do my injection so at about 6 days post injection.
Ok. Day 2-3 after your shot you level is probably pretty high.

I will definitely ask them about the therapeutic phlebotomy. Doesn't that number indicate blood getting thicker? Sorry, I haven't read much about this number just know being too high isn't good. I've got circulation issues in my leg to begin with (old basketball injury) and have to wear a compression stocking (sucks). I've had DVT multiple times already (also sucks). Yes, blood thickens which can lead to a cascade of issued. Normally measured in hematocrit.

I asked the doc whether it was sensitive or not and I'm not sure he knew what I was talking about. If you have the code, I'll give it to them for my next test.
Labcorp E Sensitive 140244. CPT Code 82670. Save these and take them with you to the lab every time.

I meant to ask them about this and forgot. I do have a sterile bottle. Have to inject my syringes into it and split it into 2.
this doc gives you pre-filled syringes? Ask him for a normal script to handle it yourself at home and that you want to split the dosage. Educate him as to why.

Also, starting a cut and getting rid of some BF should help with the E level as well.

Yes it will! Good luck!

[NEFLRick]

Thanks Kelkel. All very helpful...as usual.

And yes, they provide pre-filled syringes. They have a compounding pharmacy so I'm guessing that's why they do it--profit. Unfortunately, I had a hell of a time finding a doc who was open to TRT in this area. This guy is a little TOO open but, at least, I can manage things on my own with my BW and help from you and the others around here. Trying to be smart about it if I can help it.

[Rusty11]

Trying to be smart about it if I can help it.

Hi. Since you are trying to be smart, reducing your rbc through donation would be a good, easy, first step. Take it from me, that can rise quickly and if too high, you can't donate, but will need to get an rx phlebotomy. My hct was high, but went down quickly and back to normal after two donations. You will start feeling horrible if you don't take care of this.

[NEFLRick]

Hi. Since you are trying to be smart, reducing your rbc through donation would be a good, easy, first step. Take it from me, that can rise quickly and if too high, you can't donate, but will need to get an rx phlebotomy. My hct was high, but went down quickly and back to normal after two donations. You will start feeling horrible if you don't take care of this.

I can't donate blood for various reasons.

[Rusty11]

Sorry. I missed that in your op.
Hopefully, you can get an rx phlebotomy and/or lower your t dose. Just finished talking to a pharmacist about this. My doc didn't inform me of the dangers.

[e1ectric]

thanks for the great info