Hello, my name is Sammy. I am 31 years old, I am originally from Los Angeles, CA but I currently reside in Dallas, TX. About 2-3 years ago I started to feel more tired than usual throughout the day, pretty lazy, my hair started thinning out of nowhere, I would get real tired in the middle of my workouts, sex drive was down, started gaining fat in my chest and stomach but the rest of my body was pretty lean, didn't see much gains in muscle mass (I worked out about 4 times a week and I had always been a very active person) Overall, I just felt like crap! I looked up my symptoms and came to the conclusion that I was probably suffering from low levels of testosterone. Early 2016, I went to our family doctor but she didn't help me at all. I told her how I was feeling and I told her that I might be suffering from low T. She said that it might be depression, stress, or ED. She was basically trying to talk me out of TRT. She tried to prescribe me anti-depressants and viagra but I said, NO THANK YOU! So a few days later I went back for a blood test. She told me that I would get the results through an app that the clinic has for the patients. I got them but I didn't have the slightest clue on what I was looking at. So I got frustrated and just left it alone. A few weeks ago I found a low T clinic here in Dallas and I went in to get my levels checked. Found out that my levels were at 209. So I was cleared to receive treatment. My first injection of Test Cypionate (140mg) came out to $60 until my insurance could be verified. I was told that once my insurance was verified the injections would probably be around $35 per week, about $150 a month. Even though I thought $150 a month was expensive, I still wanted to give it a go. After talking with my wife, we agreed to cut back on a few things in order to fit it into our budget. This past Saturday I went in for my second injection and was informed that my injections were going up to $74 per week ($296 per month) because of my insurance plan. I was very disappointed. We are not going to be able to afford the injections at $74. So now I only have 2 options, stop my TRT (which I do not want to do!) or find a less expensive alternative. Is it cheaper to administer it myself? WHAT CAN I DO???
Hello everyone! I just started TRT but I have a problem. PLEASE HELP
- Thread starter ssjr85
- Start date
CoastWatcher
Moderator
Well, you've fallen into a trap. You've had bad medical care initially, walked into a testosterone mill, and are being taken for a ride financially. Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. First of all, post up your lab results, all of your lab results and not simply your total testosterone. That means, total and free testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol/sensitive, CBC, PSA, SHBG, your thyroid panel (TSH, t3, t4, rt3, and thyroid antibodies), and prolactin. At a minimum, those are the baseline labs needed to evaluate your gonadal status and determine what protocol is appropriate for you. As far as cost and injections, we all inject ourselves; it's a simple procedure and it's cheap. You want nothing to do with the mill you have been consulting. You're not the first member here at EM to find they've been taken for a ride on the hormone highway, and you won't be the last. Post up your labs, and let us know if you need the name of a doctor. You certainly deserve better treatment than you've received so far.
CoastWatcher
Moderator
Can you check what you have and simply list the tests that were run? Results later? That way, we can suggest others that might be needed.
CoastWatcher
Moderator
Ok - when you can, when you're near a scanner, scan the entire package. Without the ranges (labs establish their own ranges and calibrate to their own standard) we can't offer much commentary. But...no other thyroid tests besides TSH. No PSA - a critical value to capture at the start of therapy. No CBC?
CoastWatcher
Moderator
Another key test not run.
View attachment lab results.pdf Here are my lab results. My PSA (0.35 ng/ml) is on the second page. Also, my prolactin levels were at 34.2 in case you can't see the number. According to their ranges I have too much prolactin.
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CoastWatcher
Moderator
First impression - you had an incomplete work-up and at least one incorrect test was run. Your thyroid evaluation was incomplete. Your TSH is fine, but you need additional tests: t3, t4, rt3, and thyroid antibodies. The estradiol test run was the wrong one for evaluating men. You always want the sensitive (LC, MS/MS) test run. Your doctor should have known that.
What was said about your prolactin? Elevated levels call for an MRI to evaluate your pituitary. It can be treated, but it can't be ignored. It could go a long way toward explaining your symptoms.
Finally, I can't help but wonder at your care. You deserve better.
johndoesmith
Member
Wow, you seem to be primary hypogonadal, if those "fast pack" results are as reliable as the more common blood test. I am not sure what a "fast pack" is but it mentions an immunoassay, so presumably they are correct, plus you said you had total testosterone checked by a doctor before.
200's and LH of 8 is most certainly more primary than you are secondary, so you do seem to me, to need TRT.
Prolactin can cause problems as well, and coastwatcher is right, it needs to be evaluated, but it's not as high as I'd expect with any sort of tumor. Always good to know if it is or not.
Your E2 test is of course the wrong test, but most likely your E2 is low assuming the usual overestimation by the standard test.
If you can swing $100 a month defy medical is an option and you'd receive quality care and be able to self inject.
What I don't like about your clinic is not being able to self inject and charging $60 to have some MA stick a needle in you. It is NOT worth $60.
CoastWatcher
Moderator
If you found that doctor in this Forum the chances are excellent that he's capable of managing your case. You can also contact Defy Medical, they are a site sponsor but I am not a patient. Their model works for many members here at EM. Plug the name Saya into the search box and you will find multiple posts from Dr. Justin Saya, Defy's medical director. One of the leading physicians in this field, a moderator here at EM, and a fine guy.
CoastWatcher
Moderator
Defy will answer any question you have - treatment model, costs. Ask them blunt questions.
Good luck - keep us posted and stay active here at EM.
What would you suggest that I do? Contact the doctor that I saw on the list? Or contact Defy Medical?
CoastWatcher
Moderator
That isn't my decision to make. Go to the Defy website, then call them (as I suggested, ask them all the questions you want). You can also contact Prime Body, another site sponsor who, I believe has a presence in Dallas. Then call the doctor you identified here. Tell Defy and Prime Body that you are a member here at Excelmale.
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