Update on HRT

[juicelee]

I went in for my first meeting with an endo today...just a review after two blood tests approximately 4 weeks apart my total test remained at 100 while free test, lsh, and fsh remained normal...Immediately after me saying that my free test had previously (twice) come back within normal range he said because of this I cannot help you and began on explaining how it all "works" of course I knew how it all works...and what low test meant...am I wrong that if my free test is normal it automatically disqualifies me from trt?! even when I began on saying that my quality of life sucks and I should'nt be experiencing what I'm experiencing at my age...he still kept repeating "we dont treat your condition" or "there's no issue here"...I mean how isnt this an issue my ****ing test is that of a woman...I mean am I wrong? or is this guy totally wrong in words and actions...I didnt wait ten weeks to be told no in the blink of an eye...Does anyone know of any good HRT doctors in western NY?

[CeeLo]

Yeah, you need to seek out for a new doc. Levels aren't the end of the world. Symptoms are what he should be treating.

[juicelee]

ok thanks bro...one thing I left out was he did offer to give me another blood test, and I got the script... my question is this do I get the bloodwork see how it turns out with this guy, or do I start looking for a new guy, also because I have low test could i also make an appointment with a Uro too even though my doctor only recommended endos?

[THORSZ]

It Doesn't sound like he does TRT. I would switch. Call around and ask if they do TRT beofre you go.

[juicelee]

ok thank you bro...I'm on yellowbook right now searching for endos and uros in my area....you think I would be able to go to a uro if my doc referred me to endos? and still have it covered?

[bonangus1]

Mate, pls dont waste your time with Endo's...they are very unhelpful if you have low T. Make an appointment with someone who specialises in Low T, Someone who is up to date with the protocols that we speak about on these forums.
The blood tests are half the clue your symptoms and how you feel are the other half.

[Coach 44]

I have to agree with bonangus1. Most of us have heard different things from different docs. If your current doc says he can't do anything for you, then find another doc. We've all been there at varying frustration levels. Don't worry about why your doc can't help you, just focus on finding someone that can help you. From my limited experience, when you find a doc that has a clue, he or she will probably start yoiu on Androderm or Testim gel, then you'll be in position to learn from the bros around here how to get the injections. Then you'll be on your way. Hopefully, you'll find a doc that will listen to your symptoms, and what course you believe will benefit you. And write you a script. Just know that it's worth the hassle. Good luck dude.

[CeeLo]

I'm seeing an endo and I think that it is protocol for them to start you out on test gel first to see how your body responds. Then if the SYMPTOMS haven't got better or you are having PROBLEMS with the cream, then you can start talking to him about the injections.

A friend of mine told me about this endo and it took him 6 mos to get the injections. You hae to be a little patient with thoe guys, because they don't want every tom, dick, and lee priest coming in and asking for test injections.

[juicelee]

ok cool thanks alot guys you have been a great help...I will try and find another doc to talk to in my area that is interested in helping me, also I ll follow up with the bloodwork to get some more recent test results...What do you guys mean about finding a doc who specializes in low T? like a HRT clinic? a Primary care? a uro? an endo who gives a damn about helping people? thanks again guys I appreciate it

[CeeLo]

try and endo or Uro. I haven't tried a Uro. But ask around and see who others are seeing and what results they are getting. Try to see if someone can reccomend someone in your area that has prescribed injections.

[warchild]

you should look around for a doc more willing to work with you

[juicelee]

Ya I agree...I ve been searching around for possibilities without much luck...I'm meeting with My PCP tomorrow to get a copy of the previous blood tests...and ask for more endo's or uro's to call and inquire about their treatment of low t....

[warchild]

dont give up it took me a few phone calls to find a good doc

[juicelee]

I wont man I cant live feeling like this all the time its a total bummer...the problem is my doctor outright kinda agreed with this endo in that free t is the factor in determining whether or not I will receive treatment...So if my doctor backs this endo and he says no I'm out of luck really unless I pay out of pocket...Which I will do if I have to but I'd rather not...So when I meet with my PCP tomorrow afternoon I will just ask him to refer me to someone with more of a liberal approach to the issue, Im also going to mention that I would see a urologist too so it gives me more options not sure if I approach the uro differently tho

[Coach 44]

Juice, if you have a choice of primaries, changing him would be the best way to go, imho. But I realize that most of the time, you can only do that at your ins. carriers annual time. Finding someone to write the script should be your objective at this point. Test cyp is cheap if you have to pay out of pocket. Stay with it bro!

[juicelee]

actually Coach, it might not be that difficult because my primary is leaving the state and heading south, so its the perfect opportunity to change and find someone who will be willing to help me...in finding a replacement should I call and ask them up front if he treats low T? or what would you recommend me doing?

[zaggahamma]

actually Coach, it might not be that difficult because my primary is leaving the state and heading south, so its the perfect opportunity to change and find someone who will be willing to help me...in finding a replacement should I call and ask them up front if he treats low T? or what would you recommend me doing?

this is always a good idea....can save a wasted trip/money

[bd50]

juicelee, search here for a TRT educated doc in your area:


http://www.lef.org/doctors/directoryofdoctors01.htm


good luck

[bd50]

juicelee, search here for a TRT educated doc in your area:


http://www.lef.org/doctors/directoryofdoctors01.htm


good luck

juice, did u try this link yet? it helped me and lots of others here find a good doc.

[juicelee]

ok guys just another update...had my second meet today with another endo still no go he just ordered a bone density test and a fertility test...I am on the quest for a new pcp and I am checkin in to see if they treat low T...most of the docs on that website are too far away from my home I also found out what my exact levels were...I did have a third test done but I'm not sure on the results I'll keep in touch with my updates and questions thanks for all the help

First test 4/24/08

Total test 155
Free test 0.58

Second test 5/28/08

Total test 208
Free Test 0.78

[DSM4Life]

He is not doing it because he is trying to be a d!ck but rather to cover his own a$$. He needs paperwork that proves you need the test before he writes a script. You think he is going to throw away 12 years of schooling because you want to get a little bigger ? Give me a break.

[juicelee]

Wait first off I'm sorry If I've offended you in some way, but I did have the tests already saying I might need treatment, and no I dont expect him to throw away twelve years of schooling on me because frankly I wouldn't do it either if it was a gamble...But the fact of the matter is I am low based on two bloodtests....and in my own defense I dont want this to get a little bigger I want it to feel normal dont reply to my posts if you're only going to put me down please I post to get help not criticism

[DSM4Life]

Wait first off I'm sorry If I've offended you in some way, but I did have the tests already saying I might need treatment, and no I dont expect him to throw away twelve years of schooling on me because frankly I wouldn't do it either if it was a gamble...But the fact of the matter is I am low based on two bloodtests....and in my own defense I dont want this to get a little bigger I want it to feel normal dont reply to my posts if you're only going to put me down please I post to get help not criticism

I'm not putting you down but you sound like your a 12 year old having a temper tantrum because he wont give you TRT. Most doctors but not all consider 200 to be normal. If you don't like this doctors opinion then just go somewhere else.

[juicelee]

well first off I've been experiencing the symptoms of low T for years so If I sounded upset I was...i posted to vent...and every endo and doc Ive seen says its low but because of their own personal reasons they've all said I dont look like I'm low or maybe I'm one of the few who doesnt need alot of T... they refuse me...I got upset because its right on the bloodwork its flagged as low so according to the reference range 241-897I am low and should receive treatment...I have went to a few different endos now and they all give me the same answer aka bulllshit...So i posted in hopes that maybe someone could give me an idea of somewhere else i can go which they have and I appreciate it greatly, but you dont need to insult me calling me a twelve yr old its an open forum if you dont like what I'm saying dont respond please i know I wouldnt have even said anything if I didnt agree with what you were saying

[DSM4Life]

Have you looked into Anti-aging clinic in your area ?

[juicelee]

no anti-aging is the next move unfortunetly because insurance doesnt cover it, but Ill do what I can do you know of any I could contact its hard to find one I can trust...ya I looked on there BD and most of the doctors are too far away from my home in my state...I might try calling one tho just to see if he'll for sure treat me and if he says yes then it'll be worth the drive

[Coach 44]

Hey Juice...As in dealing with all people, places, and things: Take what you can use and leave the rest. Your doing the right thing in asking any questions you may have. If someone with a gang of posts criticizes your questions, just ignore them. In response to your question, yes I would ask over the phone if they treat low test, have experience in treating patients with low test, have hrt/trt experience, etc. before choosing your new primary. imho as always.

[zaggahamma]

Hey Juice...As in dealing with all people, places, and things: Take what you can use and leave the rest. Your doing the right thing in asking any questions you may have. If someone with a gang of posts criticizes your questions, just ignore them. In response to your question, yes I would ask over the phone if they treat low test, have experience in treating patients with low test, have hrt/trt experience, etc. before choosing your new primary. imho as always.

second that

[juicelee]

Will do fellas...I appreciate the support...I actually do have a consultation with a PCP today who his secretary over the phone said he has experience and does treat low test...so wish me luck Ill get back to ya

["Maximus"]

keep up posted mate! gluck

[juicelee]

Great news fellas...I finally found someone who isnt a moron when it comes to low T...I had a consultation with a new PCP about two hours ago...and in the process of our introductions I told him my primary concern was that I suffer from low test levels and I am seeking someone who can help me, I showed him the results...He said that low test is something he doesnt like to ignore and believes it should be treated asap because It can lead to osteoperosis, heart disease, vascular disease and loss of muscle mass...then he said that when we get a real scheduled appointment with him he will write me a script for whatever we decide on, I asked what methods he uses to treat low T he said patch,gel and injections ...so I made the appointment and hopefully in two weeks I will be getting T cyp inject the only downfall is he wants to do once a month injections...So Ill have to persuade him to do weekly...Im totally pumped by the way haha

[zaggahamma]

Great news fellas...I finally found someone who isnt a moron when it comes to low T...I had a consultation with a new PCP about two hours ago...and in the process of our introductions I told him my primary concern was that I suffer from low test levels and I am seeking someone who can help me, I showed him the results...He said that low test is something he doesnt like to ignore and believes it should be treated asap because It can lead to osteoperosis, heart disease, vascular disease and loss of muscle mass...then he said that when we get a real scheduled appointment with him he will write me a script for whatever we decide on, I asked what methods he uses to treat low T he said patch,gel and injections ...so I made the appointment and hopefully in two weeks I will be getting T cyp inject the only downfall is he wants to do once a month injections...So Ill have to persuade him to do weekly...Im totally pumped by the way haha

CONGRATS... ask him to read/refer to the test inject insert where it shows the peak levels are around day 4/5 and begin to crash in a day or 2 after that and common sense will show that more frequent is better and you are willing to do yourself....actually the only way you'll have it ...who wants to drive to the docs office 1 or 2 times every week

kudos bro

[Coach 44]

Great news Juice! Don't worry about the bi-weekly or monthly suggestions. Once you get your test cyp, you can experiment with what works for you. Personally, I started with 200 mg.s per week like I saw a lot of bros here doing. I got acne on my back for the first time in my life, and had to reduce it to 100 mg.s per week. It's been smooth sailing since. Wish you the same results, bro. Keep us posted and don't go all, "if one's good, three must be better" on us We've all been there. Take Care.

[zaggahamma]

Great news Juice! Don't worry about the bi-weekly or monthly suggestions. Once you get your test cyp, you can experiment with what works for you. Personally, I started with 200 mg.s per week like I saw a lot of bros here doing. I got acne on my back for the first time in my life, and had to reduce it to 100 mg.s per week. It's been smooth sailing since. Wish you the same results, bro. Keep us posted and don't go all, "if one's good, three must be better" on us We've all been there. Take Care.

yeh....thats great to get to bring home the vial....some docs make em come in

[juicelee]

hahah no worries here coach Im not gonna take the chance on ruining a good thing...I consider myself lucky...thats a good idea jpk he'll have to listen when its right on the directions insert...I actually did ask him if he could teach me how to do it myself because I travel alot and it would be difficult to come in regularly and I also said that the gel would be a hassle to take with me everywhere I went, so hopefully this tactic works...also how would you guys recommend I bring up being put on HCG as well so that I dont become infertile?? I d like to have kids and I hear the only way to do it once HRT has been committed to is HCG and Clomid...Should I print off some Studies online and bring them in to show him??

[zaggahamma]

hahah no worries here coach Im not gonna take the chance on ruining a good thing...I consider myself lucky...thats a good idea jpk he'll have to listen when its right on the directions insert...I actually did ask him if he could teach me how to do it myself because I travel alot and it would be difficult to come in regularly and I also said that the gel would be a hassle to take with me everywhere I went, so hopefully this tactic works...also how would you guys recommend I bring up being put on HCG as well so that I dont become infertile?? I d like to have kids and I hear the only way to do it once HRT has been committed to is HCG and Clomid...Should I print off some Studies online and bring them in to show him??

I was unsucessful in gettin my doc to ** the HCG...he was willing to refer me back to a specialist but at that point I had no insurance and every doc visit adds up the $$$$....Thinking of going back and hoping not too late to save the boys cuz been on trt for several years

[Coach 44]

Glad I never had to worry about that. At age 46 with four sons, the wife and I are done having children. The only thing my balls are good for is holding my cup in place Not to mention the fact that I have a double hernia (only one side repaired), any less weight down there is an improvement.

[CeeLo]

I don't know what my doc was thinking, but he put me on HCG, 3000 iu a week, right after I told him that the gel wasn't working. He never even considered the Test, which is what I was wanting.

I still to this day, don't understand that logic. I have since then stop taking it and waiting for my next appointment on the 19th.

[juicelee]

The only thing my balls are good for is holding my cup in place

haha well thats good then ...well I'll have to play it by ear or perhaps do it on my own...from what Ive read the standard protocol is 500iu two to three times a week is this correct?

I was unsucessful in gettin my doc to ** the HCG...he was willing to refer me back to a specialist but at that point I had no insurance and every doc visit adds up the $$$$....Thinking of going back and hoping not too late to save the boys cuz been on trt for several years
.... Ya I might have to pay out of pocket too... but i'm not sure yet its gonna be rough If I have to...Ya I read somewhere that even on HRT theres only a 2% chance you become permanently infertile and that HCG is the best treatment to restore "vitality" once you come off and that actually a cycle of 10-12 weeks is good for your sperm...something about Spermatogenesis is an 80 day cycle and what not... Im not sure where I found it ill look for it and post it up

[Pac Man]

I'm going in with a pile of information for my doc, I don't want 'her' to put me on HCG when it's not going to help me one bit. FTS!