bad doctors, MS and confusion after starting TRT

[rayek]

So I have been lurking for a bit and am just incredibly confused by all this stuff floating around about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) which is sad since normally I am very astute about the medications I need and my general health.
I am 33 and been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis for 8 years now, my energy levels, libido and memory have been plummeting for quite a while now and I kept bugging my neurologist to figure it out, finally he tested my T and found it to be sitting at 140 consistently. He prescribed me Androgel 1.6% but insurance would not cover it so I went on Testim 1%, typical results it would appear, 2 weeks in and I felt like I hadn't since I was 19, the next week felt back to normal.
So I called my neuro to see what we could do, he just prescribed more, no blood tests, no follow up, nothing. Obviously this does not suit me so i am about to go in and talk with my GP but I want to be prepared, the problem is that I have no idea where to go with this, I like being informed and my GP listens to me since generally I am very well informed but on this subject I am confused by the talk of supplemental drugs to avoid estrogen, discussions on peptides and rhGH, gel vs injectibles, compounding pharmacies, etc...
what do I need to go to my GP with? Blood tests are done, insurance has agreed that my levels are low, now I just need to know what I should be pushing to get, honestly I would prefer injectibles but I really don't care but I do want to know what I should be getting along with the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to compliment (such as the discussions on rhGH or GHRH) and anti-estrogens. I cannot find any HR clinics in my area so I am on my own here.

Any help would be appreciated, especially since with all the other wonderful MS issues I haven't felt so good as week 2 on Testim in my life and I want that back and to have it continue forever (as would my wife).

 

[03ACE]

Personally (and this is coming from someone with only a few months experience with TRT), I would talk to your GP as you mentioned. Tell him you have researched, and you would prefer self injecting testosterone, since going to the office every week would be very cumbersome. My doc said I had options of cream, gel, implant, or shots. The topical solutions are ok, but you need to worry about skin to skin contact and transfer with others (wife or kids). In his words "you don't want your old lady growing a beard, right?" LOL.

I mentioned that I grew up taking allergy shots, and I would have no problem doing them myself. He was totally ok with that. Now, being a GP, and not particularly up to speed on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) he prescribed me 200mg (1mL or 1cc) every other week. I told him that I thought I should break it into two doses, and do an injection every week. He was like "as long as you don't mind twice as many shots, it's ok with me." I have been doing that for a few months now, and while I have been feeling better, I don't think I am 100% dialed in yet. I am now changing to 50mg on M/W/F to try and maintain a more steady level. It is more than he prescribed, but should still have me well within "normal" range. I can tell when I am at a good level, because I feel really good. My mood is incredibly improved, I feel more energetic, and my libido is great. When I have taken my shot and 5-6 days go by I don't feel terrible, but I definitely feel "blah". Just tired, grouchy, no libido, etc.

As far as your MS, I feel for you. My wife has a family member that was diagnosed when he was in his late 20s, and I know it can be a really tough road. If your Dr. doesn't get your testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) straightened out, keep looking until you find one who does. You may never feel like a rock star, but you should definitely feel better! Hope this helps!

 

[rayek]

thanks 03ACE that really does help, self injecting is not a problem, spent 4 years doing daily injections for MS and those where VERY irritating to the injection sites so I got that down, this gives me a great start.

 

[03ACE]

Oh, Test will be a breeze then. It isn't much volume wise, and you can use a really small needle if you want. Good luck!