A bit of my history, and a few questions.

[Ryan]

First off thanks, it's cool to find a forum that's about us guys issues and trail and error meds to get well.

Id found I had vericesicle (sp) badly while an early teenager, I thought it was testi cancer and keep it quite for years, Im ashamed of it now but was to embarassed then to even go to my parents. After all the reading and research Ive done I believe this is to be the reason for my Low T issues and cronic Arthritis problems the past 20 years. I was around 12-13 when I found the problem in the shower and didn't find out what it really was and had surgery to repair it until 2008. 6 years later Im now 38 and have just found I have low T values and started Androgel 3 months ago. My first blood work was 193 and 4.6. After a full 2 months of the gel, I def. with no question feel a lot better but my numbers are still only 401. At my age it looks like I should be at least 6-700 is this correct guys?

Next, I really don't have a good feeling about the Dr that's treating me. He's an Indian guy prob in his 60's and very old school, he wants to talk then leave the room, no discussion. I tried to mention other things Ive read on this Forum and he was hearing none of it, just said to keep taking the Androgel the same way I have been and don't worry about the numbers.

This prompted me to find a new Dr. I went this week to see the guy that did my verocesile surgery in 08 for some questions, he wasn't a whole lot better and didn't want to hear about anything I had to say or have read. He looked at my labs and suggested me coming in the office every 3 months for "Testopel Treatments" 1/8 in. dia. pellets that he injects under the skin on my hip, that dissolved slowly and last 3-4 months? Does anyone else have any insight on this treatment? My Angogel is costing me 122 dollars a month out of my pocket now, not yet sure of the cost of this new stuff. Oh, and I do 4 pumps a day of the gel. He said 2 on each thigh every morning. I dint tell him but from reading on here and seeing how folks find it better to spread out their treatments for a more even dose, Ive done (2) in the morning and (2) in the evening since the beginning, still the same 4 a day but more spread out. I started noticing I felt better after like day 3, lots more energy and a much more "clear" thought during the day, and better mood. I have though noticed Ive gained like 12-15# but kind of all over, just feel stronger and more full. Im about 5' 11" and 230# now, a little heavy maybe for my height but more thick build rather than a belly.

Sorry for the long post, and wouldn't blame anyone skipping over it, but hell I had a lot to say and wanted to give a fairly good description and the past history to explain my issues. Ive had 2 past next spinal fussions one in 06 the other in 07, I have really Bad Arthritis through out my entire spin. Ive been putting off another level fussion for a couple years that they say has to happen, the nerve pain is getting bad enough now that Im going to have to give in this year sometime. I just really want to get this T meds thing fiqured out, as I think it really helps me deal better with the pain and mild depression that comes with my problems. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!! Again sorry for the long ass post, lol.

Ryan

[Justin]

I'm not entirely sure what your question is but it does sound like you might need some physician help. We'd be happy to help you if you're interested, just give us a call. Or if it's just questions you have, ask them here or again give us a call and we'll do what we can to help.

[Ryan]

Thanks, there were several questions listed above. I just wanted to give some history to see if anyone would think this new Testopel pellets would be something good for me to try? Also should I be OK with numbers around 403, what would you my numbers need to be on the low end for a 38 year old active guy? Needles kept me from being a Fireman [riding the box] so I really don't see it practicle that I'm going to start giving myself a shot every few days for the rest of my life. The gel seems to be helping quite a bit but bothers me to much for my wife and twin 7 year olds. Just looking for the best option for me to get where I need to be and be myself again. I hate this foggy feeling, horrible memory, and huge loss of energy. Thanks

[martyjack]

I tried the implants and didn't like them. The procedure is painful, regardless of what you hear. The downside is the fact you can't control where your levels reach. I felt like crap the whole time and would tell them about it.....each time they just wanted to increase the dosage. My levels were thru the roof! Another downfall was the fact that most of these places don't understand the estradiol conversion. I believe the estradiol has been a problem for me for along time, just had a hard time finding Dr's who understand this? I started out years ago with Androgel and it worked great for about 6 months. After that I had an absorption problem and had to resort to different delivery systems. I've tried the all and for now I do the injections. I have seen where people are starting the subaqueous injections. There are videos on this site about it too. If you hate injections these may be better and less painful. Injections are way cheaper than the gels too!

[Ryan]

Thanks Marty for the response back, when taking the pellets how long did you try this method? What was the cost and how often did 'you' get more pellets put back in? You said your numbers were high, how high? What do you thing is a great number to try and maintain at my age. I'm not concerned with the number just want to feel the way I should at my age and a active life style. Thanks again!

Ryan

[martyjack]

Ryan, you need to be concerned with the numbers! When I first started with HRT With Androjel I thought I had found the fountain of youth. I was very happy with the initial results, but it was short lived. I started having absorption problems, but I also think it could have been unbalanced Estriadiol levels. I was slapping the gel on all the time.....my dosage was 10mg daily. My levels started dropping, then I went to injectable's, creams, etc. I have done them all. Bad thing like I said before is that most doctors who prescribe testosterone don't even consider or want to talk about the conversion of Testosterone to estradiol. Some guys have more trouble than others. The higher the dosage the more chance you have of conversion.....more is not better...believe me. It took me years to figure this out! I even had a doctor giving me 200ml weekly! I think now you may find more doctors who understand the delivery better....good luck. I now do 50ml every 3 days, along with a small arimidex the day after the injection. I'm hoping my next labs will be better?
My experience with pellets were not so good.....it's great that you do the procedure and don't have to deal with it for 4-6 months. The kicker is you have no idea what is going to be right for you..... it'll will take time to get the amount given tailored to fit your needs. I don't feel so great when my levels get too high....I paid about 4 k to join this elite place that pushed the pellets and would handle all hormone issues. That was BS....I knew more about hormone issues than these clowns running the place. The last implant I received I ended up seeing my family doctor for some issue.....he was going to do some blood work so I inquired about checking my testosterone levels and he did. When they came back they were over 1100! he was not happy about that.....thought I was crazy and was going to kill myself! Long story short....respect HRT.. abuse with testosterone will not make you feel better. It's a delicate balance, but well worth it if you can keep things in check. You may have no trouble with the implants, especially since you haven't tried other methods. The dosage you get should be based on you weight and how low your levels are. If you start feeling low levels again....say 4-5 months or whenever...get your levels checked. If they are low, then the next time you receive implants then the dosage will be increased. I'm not joking about the pain either....it sux's! The deaden a spot on your hip, then cut a deep slot into you, then have a metal gun(much like a chaulk gun)...... this holds the pellets and pushes them into your ass. The pellets are about the size of a double A battery....just not as tall. I was getting 10 of these shoved into my hip......felt like I had a golf ball in my hip when I left. Not trying to discourage you, but I will never do it again. Best luck to you if you decide to do them.

[Ryan]

Shit.....that painted a picture for sure, lol. He said they were a 1/8th" in dia. that's a long ways from a AA battery, lol. I don't know what to do, I'm going to see If there's a T specialist in the Mesquite or Dallas area and maybe start over with a fresh prospective.

[martyjack]

Maybe the sizes have changed since I had them? I still would go with other methods first. Love to hear how your progress goes.