Just found out... Low T

[Alejandro]

Hey guys-

Great forum


I'm a mid 40s guy that has been feeling very elderly.

I've got a long list of old injuries and health problems. Plates and screws in my leg, had a fractured neck, and back injury, shoulder injury and now arthritis as well.

Before I got hurt, I always ate like a horse, and if I started to get fat, I'd run, and lift for a while, and the fat melted away. But my weight has gotten out of control over the past few years. I got on a ketosis diet, and lost 40 pounds, then spent 2 weeks pissing blood, and passed a big kidney stone.

I went off the diet, gained all the weight back and still struggle with kidney stones. I've passed 5 smaller stones since the first big one.

I got on Potassium Citrate, and sodium bicarbonate pills to keep my urine ph in check, since my stones are uric acid.

I've also went from feeling tired, to more fatigued, to now having no control over crashing out every afternoon. This lack of energy along with an ever lower libido and ED have my marriage in dire straights.

I was reading a forum about ED when I read about low testosterone. My symptoms matched, so I saw my doctor and got tested.

Now I've got a big stash of "vivrone" test E. It was really cheap, but I had to buy 60 vials.

I still haven't went through with an injection yet.

I've been reading here for about a week, and honestly, I'm overwhelmed with all this information.

 

[SolomonGrundy]

remember more is not always better and get blood work done, health first

 

[NateDEEzy]

I am assuming the supply of Test E came from the doctor who prescribed it after they saw you blood results indicated low T?

If so, what ALL did you have tested, and what were the results of the blood test?

 

[hippiez]

I am also in my mid 40's with low testosterone and can empathize with you. This site has been overwhelming at times but there are some very knowledgeable people who can assist with you education process. You have to do the work but its worth it all in the long run. I went to the doctor and got a script for (Watson) test cyp, 1-1.5 cc a week to maintain levels and I get my blood work done about every six months just before I inject for the next week. I also have gone to injecting twice a week instead of just the once to keep test more level. I also recommend you watch a documentary Knives over Forks 2011, It's more information that will help with your overall health.

Low energy and fatigue may be more than testosterone levels. With that said I lost about 15 lbs of fat and gained 15-20 lbs of lean muscle with test my first year, without changing anything to diet or exercise. The beauty of testosterone is it's just more of who you are or were, bring it back. I agree with "bhrees" that more is not always better, so do your home work and get educated or stay off of it.

 

[Alejandro]

Well, the doctor didn't tell me to get any blood test done, other than for testosterone.

I went in early in the morning, and my level as 9.48 nm/liter the normal range is 8.64-29 nm/L. I'm sure if I'd have had the blood drawn later in the day, it would have been even lower.

Doc told me that there are only 2 kinds of Testosterone replacement available here in the Philippines, and asked me if I would be willing to take shots. I told him yes, and he said "Good, the pills don't work as well".

Then he told me there are 2 brands available here, and wrote both on the prescription. He told me I could check the pharmacy in the hospital where his office is, but said it's sometimes hard to find.

I went to 3 different places, and when I finally found it, it was way too expensive.

So I looked online, and found the other one "Vivrone" really cheap.

I was wondering if it could possibly be fake, since it was so cheap, but the pharmaceutical company has a good reputation here, and I also found a few reviews on the brand name, that were all positive.

But I still have lingering doubts, since this IS a third world country, that's full of fake everything.

Plus, the doctor didn't know anything about prescribing anything to keep estrogen in check, so I'm not convinced he knows what the hell he's doing.


The ampules I have are 250mg. They have a glass stem that you have to break. The doctor told me to inject 250mg, then go get another testosterone test done after 2 weeks.

 

[SolomonGrundy]

Well, the doctor didn't tell me to get any blood test done, other than for testosterone.

I went in early in the morning, and my level as 9.48 nm/liter the normal range is 8.64-29 nm/L. I'm sure if I'd have had the blood drawn later in the day, it would have been even lower.

Doc told me that there are only 2 kinds of Testosterone replacement available here in the Philippines, and asked me if I would be willing to take shots. I told him yes, and he said "Good, the pills don't work as well".

Then he told me there are 2 brands available here, and wrote both on the prescription. He told me I could check the pharmacy in the hospital where his office is, but said it's sometimes hard to find.

I went to 3 different places, and when I finally found it, it was way too expensive.

So I looked online, and found the other one "Vivrone" really cheap.

I was wondering if it could possibly be fake, since it was so cheap, but the pharmaceutical company has a good reputation here, and I also found a few reviews on the brand name, that were all positive.

But I still have lingering doubts, since this IS a third world country, that's full of fake everything.

Plus, the doctor didn't know anything about prescribing anything to keep estrogen in check, so I'm not convinced he knows what the hell he's doing.


The ampules I have are 250mg. They have a glass stem that you have to break. The doctor told me to inject 250mg, then go get another testosterone test done after 2 weeks.

two weeks is too soon, wait at least 30 days, 250 mg per week is a very high starting point for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), unless you're a giant. i take 200 mg per week and id bet most docs would like to cut that in half.
you will see an increase in hematocrit and red blood cell size, be cautions so you dont get thick blood and stroke out

 

[Alejandro]

Well, I'm no giant. I'm just a fat 246 pound 5-11 incher. Technically, that IS considered a "giant" here in the Philippines though-

I'm only supposed to take one 250mg shot every TWO WEEKS to start with, but the doctor said I could go up to 250mg weekly, if my levels don't rise enough.

I was reading a post on here about a study where guys on a higher dose had fewer side effects?

I would rather take smaller injections more often. Maybe 50mg every 3 days? But the ampules I have are made to do the entire 250mg in one shot.

And I don't know how I could only draw out 50mg for a shot, without contaminating the left over test, since there's no lid to put back on the ampule.

I did see where some guys do 250mg twice a week, but I really don't want to deal with too many side effects...

 

[Megatron28]

Draw the 250mg into more than one syringe (e.g. two or three) and then store the syringes for future use. They should keep fine like that for the short times between your injections.

Make sure you keep getting bloodwork done and watch your estradiol.

 

[SolomonGrundy]

yes split it into 2 shots one per week, you will feel better soon, then if your blood test allow maybe go to 150 or 200 a week

 

[Alejandro]

Thanks for the replies and good advice guys. I think I'm ready to take the plunge, and fill up some needles.

I need to remember just to stay in this Testosterone Replacement area. I used the search function, and was reading recommendations in the section for high level athletes.

I never was, and never will be a competition bodybuilder-

Just trying to feel better and keep wifey happy...

 

[hippiez]

Alejandro, We are not the same size and remember people respond differently to drugs. I started at 50mg per week but I increased it to 125mg per week with two injections per week. I noticed that the body builders are doing 250mg , twice a week to gain mass (500mg total) Guys that are in the gym also stack with other types as well. Before you go that route, GET EDUCATED! and set your goals. I recommend starting out with a smaller dose, see how you feel and working your way up. Be aware of your possible mood swings while cycling and control your dose.