Hey all, I'm introducing myself as a new user to ExcelMale. I have been visiting this site for a long while, but only recently joined the forums to get some direct information if possible.
I started TRT about 3 years ago when my T levels were just at the recommended cutoff for non-HIV infected patients age 47. The results were nothing short of miraculous. Even my doctor was shocked and amazed by the difference in the quality of every aspect of my health and appearance.
About six months into therapy, I started having the ups and downs. They were really severe. I could go about 10 or 11 days feeling normal but then couldn't get out of bed for the last three days before my next shot. I tried changing my diet and my sleeping patterns and nothing seemed to help. Finally, I changed my dosage to once weekly and was able to avoid the exhaustion, but never got the benefit that I had grown accustomed to right after my injection.
I switched doctors about a year ago but continued on TRT with no problems. There is no indication in any of my blood work that I have any of the precursors to any of the side effects associated with TRT. However, due to a scheduling problem where the clinic canceled my appointment and wasn't able to reschedule me for 2 months, my doctor refused to renew my testosterone prescription.
He wants me to go in to have my testosterone levels tested though my last doctor indicated that the clinic doesn't test for bio-available or free testosterone, just total testosterone--which may not paint a complete picture.
My question is this: If I have been on TRT for 2-3 years and now I am basically being forced to quit cold turkey, what effect should that have on my Test levels and what can I do to counter the serious side effects that I am experiencing?
Since I ran out of Testosterone a week ago, I have literally slept about 18-20 hours a day. Even as I type this, I am falling asleep. I haven't been very good at taking my regular HIV meds because I don't even know what day of the week it is. I sleep. When I am awake, I am so fuzzy-headed that I do stupid things like leaving the stove on with a pot of mac and cheese burning to a crisp. The quality of my life is so severely diminished that I have begun looking for illegal sources of Testosterone just to function. I have been like this for almost a week and I don't see any real difference. I'm unable to eat or stay hydrated because I will literally sleep 12-15 hours in a row, getting up to pee or try to eat/drink. I certainly don't have the energy or focus to prepare a meal and I'm lucky if I can stay awake through a bowl of cereal without spilling it on myself.
There is no reason that I can see why my doctor would withhold my testosterone as all of my test results are perfect. I am supposed to have my T checked tomorrow if I can get to the clinic. I certainly cannot drive like this.
Any input on what I can do to counter this complete lack of energy and focus would be greatly appreciated. Even if I could just shake this fuzzy fog-like feeling that I have in my head and body, that would help.
I started TRT about 3 years ago when my T levels were just at the recommended cutoff for non-HIV infected patients age 47. The results were nothing short of miraculous. Even my doctor was shocked and amazed by the difference in the quality of every aspect of my health and appearance.
About six months into therapy, I started having the ups and downs. They were really severe. I could go about 10 or 11 days feeling normal but then couldn't get out of bed for the last three days before my next shot. I tried changing my diet and my sleeping patterns and nothing seemed to help. Finally, I changed my dosage to once weekly and was able to avoid the exhaustion, but never got the benefit that I had grown accustomed to right after my injection.
I switched doctors about a year ago but continued on TRT with no problems. There is no indication in any of my blood work that I have any of the precursors to any of the side effects associated with TRT. However, due to a scheduling problem where the clinic canceled my appointment and wasn't able to reschedule me for 2 months, my doctor refused to renew my testosterone prescription.
He wants me to go in to have my testosterone levels tested though my last doctor indicated that the clinic doesn't test for bio-available or free testosterone, just total testosterone--which may not paint a complete picture.
My question is this: If I have been on TRT for 2-3 years and now I am basically being forced to quit cold turkey, what effect should that have on my Test levels and what can I do to counter the serious side effects that I am experiencing?
Since I ran out of Testosterone a week ago, I have literally slept about 18-20 hours a day. Even as I type this, I am falling asleep. I haven't been very good at taking my regular HIV meds because I don't even know what day of the week it is. I sleep. When I am awake, I am so fuzzy-headed that I do stupid things like leaving the stove on with a pot of mac and cheese burning to a crisp. The quality of my life is so severely diminished that I have begun looking for illegal sources of Testosterone just to function. I have been like this for almost a week and I don't see any real difference. I'm unable to eat or stay hydrated because I will literally sleep 12-15 hours in a row, getting up to pee or try to eat/drink. I certainly don't have the energy or focus to prepare a meal and I'm lucky if I can stay awake through a bowl of cereal without spilling it on myself.
There is no reason that I can see why my doctor would withhold my testosterone as all of my test results are perfect. I am supposed to have my T checked tomorrow if I can get to the clinic. I certainly cannot drive like this.
Any input on what I can do to counter this complete lack of energy and focus would be greatly appreciated. Even if I could just shake this fuzzy fog-like feeling that I have in my head and body, that would help.
