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Testosterone Replacement, Low T, HCG, & Beyond
Testosterone Side Effect Management
Personal experiences with both HCG Monotherapy and TRT?
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<blockquote data-quote="Sakuraba39" data-source="post: 73789" data-attributes="member: 15636"><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. I look forward to your results. I doubt the VA would ever entertain this protocol. I presume you have a private Doc that may entertain prescribing this for the reasons given or will you procure this by other means?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**Yes, this ND script is from my private doc faxed to Empower. Due to some spinal issues, I have a bit of polyneuropathy and we've noticed that over the last 2 years that my left side is now about the same as my right (I'm left-handed/leg and that side has atrophied a small amount).</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. So what dose will you be starting with, 100mgs Deca a week? Less is usually best, unless competing in bodybuilding.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**To start off with, no, but I'm open to it IF I notice any positive side effects from ND use. Several posters here have indicated that you should take an equal amount of T to ND. However, I am not against ramping up ND if I feel/sense any benefit beyond that of T. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">If it's the same, well, ND costs me and T is free. I will increase the dosage before I make any decisions to cease. I'l probably start at 80/80 (ND/T). </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. Testosterone (F&T): (They usually do this one, but refused to do this for me and didn't schedule it in my next lab </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">draw).</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Estradiol Sensitive: (VA doesn't list this lab, but should use this test as it is more accurate than the regular estradiol </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">lab they do).</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">CBC W/Differential: (I think they scheduled this one in my next lab)?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">CMP-14: (VA refused this one, and didn't list this lab in my next lab draw)?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Lipid Panel: (VA normally does this lab, but not at my next scheduled lab draw)?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">IGF-1: (VA doesn't list this lab either).</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Prolactin: (VA did this lab previously. They know my prolactin is high, but they refused to add this to my current and </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">next labs. Not have the attempted to provide any meds for this).</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">A1a: (They did this lab previously and know it is high, but refused to schedule it on my current and future labs. Nor </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">would they write me a script for Metformin)?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">PSA: (They always do this lab). But not this time, nor on my next scheduled labs)?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">DHEA-S: (The VA has done this lab several times previously, but refused to do it this time nor in my next labs)? </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">THS: (The VA refused to do this one when I requested it, but added it to my next lab draw).</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">SHBG: (The VA refused to do this lab, although they have done this one previously)?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**I get my IGF-1 done once a year by the VA, buy my private doc has to request it. It's not a standard test. Honestly, though, I don't even think I need it any more. It's be well within range for the last year. Once I got leveled off a lot of these labs became unnecessary, IMO. But, they do it and they're already poking a needle in my vein&#8230;.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Don't quote me, but I believe that Nelson has posted an E panel on here for about 40-50$. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. The only labs they scheduled for July was CBC & Thyroid (whatever that means-TSH)? As there are several other Thyroid tests available to accurately detect any potential thyroid issues). Like: T3 and T4, to get a full REAL picture of thyroid should be:TSH, T3, T4, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3 (not to many people get this one done-not has the VA ever done this lab for me). Not sure if it is even available w/the VA?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**RT3 IS available at the VA and I just had mine done in May. Again, however, it's not standard. My private doc requests it. Perusing my labs I see that the VA has run: total t4, free t4, TSH, t3 uptake, parathyroid, serum t3, RT3, free t3, and calculated my RT3/FT3 ratio (should be over 20). </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">My guess is that your doc would have to have a “legit” reason to request these labs. I have been to many docs before I had to go into the VA system and several since. I have “documented” medical reasons to run these labs. I use quotation marks to denote what the VA would consider. If all you have are VA doctors and labs, you will likely never be fully treated <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite3" alt=":(" title="Frown :(" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":(" /> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. Have to agree at this point, sometimes being honest and up front hoping to get a proper diagnosis obviously can be to your detriment when dealing with the VA's rigid policies and attitude. Did the Cytomel work for you?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**No, I quit taking it because even though it got my labs within range, it made me feel jittery and gave me heart palpitations. My body prefers hypo-everything, it seems. I broke it up into smaller dodges, but it came down to either feeling nothing at all or arrhythmia. So, I quit it and my other thyroid me (Westhroid). </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. Sad, but true, you have to play the VA-BS game in order to get what you want or need.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**Yes, my advice is not tell them anything that you KNOW they disapprove of. Avoid the hassle. I do most of my communicating with them via Myhealthyvet. Do you have that? It's free and you can access all of your records on line. You can even request labs, refills via secure email. The less you have to deal with them, the better. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. Funny thing is I eluded something similar to this point to my VA nurse and she looked at me with those WTF are you talking about eyes? <img src="https://www.excelmale.com/webkit-fake-url://7190975E-C17D-4797-862D-C648336F7B4B/pastedGraphic.png" class="bbImage" alt="" data-url="https://www.excelmale.com/webkit-fake-url://7190975E-C17D-4797-862D-C648336F7B4B/pastedGraphic.png" style="" /> Lol. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**Perhaps, for your pre-diabetes, a Endo would be helpful. That's it, however. I wouldn't even tell that doc what else I was doing. Volunteer nothing, just like when you were in active duty! Never volunteer! No good ever came from it. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. I remember about 10-15 years ago spending a whole day traveling back & forth to a VA facility 300+ miles away to see a VA Endo about acquiring an anti-estrogen for high estrogen levels I had. (Mid-age male). AI's didn't exist at the time and again, they won't prescribe stuff for off-label use anyways. Only for female breast cancer patients. But I didn't know this at the time? That was the last time I saw a VA Endo and justly so. Why bother if you know whatever it is you want or need is considered "Off-Label use" to the VA?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The Endo made me feel as if I was asking for a script of pain killers or something and ultimately wouldn't prescribe an anti-estrogen because of the off label use. <img src="https://www.excelmale.com/webkit-fake-url://7190975E-C17D-4797-862D-C648336F7B4B/pastedGraphic.png" class="bbImage" alt="" data-url="https://www.excelmale.com/webkit-fake-url://7190975E-C17D-4797-862D-C648336F7B4B/pastedGraphic.png" style="" /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**I hope you got travel pay! When they make me go to my regional VA, I get about $80 in travel pay. Other than the wear on my truck, it's a good deal. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">For what Arimidex costs, you might as well at that to the list of things to avoid discussing with the VA.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. True, but more specifically, my A1a labs told me I was pre-diabetic.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**”pre-“ at the VA is like calling the police to tell them that you are subject to being pre-robbed.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. I paid my TRT clinic $25 to write me a script for Metformin, as are all their scripts they write or call in. The script itself was filled for no cost by Publix because I presume the med is so cheap to produce and they do that as a service for the general public who can't afford health insurance, which I think is pretty cool! Which is another reason the VA didn't make me too happy because of this fact and the fact they knew I am pre-diabetic. WTF again? <img src="https://www.excelmale.com/webkit-fake-url://7190975E-C17D-4797-862D-C648336F7B4B/pastedGraphic.png" class="bbImage" alt="" data-url="https://www.excelmale.com/webkit-fake-url://7190975E-C17D-4797-862D-C648336F7B4B/pastedGraphic.png" style="" /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**The best bet, I think, if possible, is to find a doc that specializes in this sort of thing and make a visit to his/her office. Then all your consultations can take place over the phone. That's what I do. If I ever need anything, they are on it&#8230;.scripts, disability forms, jury duty letters, lab requests&#8230; . </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">They get back to me that day or first thing the next. My doc also has his own pharmacy on site, so you don't have to f' around with petty local pharmacies&#8230;. Haggling over bullshit like scripts that don't differentiate between 5ml @200mg or 10ml @100mg&#8230;15 pill of 10mg or 30 of 5&#8230;. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">His pharmacy can/will get Nandrolone, but they charge more than Empower. I wouldn't have even known about Empower if it wasn't for the GoodRx app. So I had his office fax a Rx to them. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. There is a TRT clinic in my town I could see with fair prices...$100 a month for all supplies. But then I would have to go through the initial expenses again of the initial physical, labs, initial doctor consult fees, etc. Doesn't make much sense financially or otherwise, other than maybe convenience?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**Couldn't you have all your paperwork faxed to the (potentially) new clinic? It might be worth a shot. Convenience has price, too. I think we'd all be willing pay a bit more to avoid unnecesarry aggravation &#8230;.but that's up to the individual. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><strong>R</strong>. So for now the online thing with Defy is sufficient. I got my 2nd Test Cyp script for $41.45 + $25 to call in my script at Walgreen's w/a goodrx coupon. Normally a 10ml, 200mg/ml Test Cyp vial would cost me $129.00 through my TRT clinics compounding pharmacy. So I save some money w/the goodrx coupon at Walgreen's (Watson Test Cyp-10ml/200mg/ml vial).</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">**That IS nice. I thought they were getting rid of 10ml vials&#8230;or maybe that was only for insurance, not out of pocket. </span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Sakuraba39, post: 73789, member: 15636"] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. I look forward to your results. I doubt the VA would ever entertain this protocol. I presume you have a private Doc that may entertain prescribing this for the reasons given or will you procure this by other means?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**Yes, this ND script is from my private doc faxed to Empower. Due to some spinal issues, I have a bit of polyneuropathy and we've noticed that over the last 2 years that my left side is now about the same as my right (I'm left-handed/leg and that side has atrophied a small amount).[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. So what dose will you be starting with, 100mgs Deca a week? Less is usually best, unless competing in bodybuilding.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**To start off with, no, but I'm open to it IF I notice any positive side effects from ND use. Several posters here have indicated that you should take an equal amount of T to ND. However, I am not against ramping up ND if I feel/sense any benefit beyond that of T. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]If it's the same, well, ND costs me and T is free. I will increase the dosage before I make any decisions to cease. I'l probably start at 80/80 (ND/T). [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. Testosterone (F&T): (They usually do this one, but refused to do this for me and didn't schedule it in my next lab [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]draw).[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]Estradiol Sensitive: (VA doesn't list this lab, but should use this test as it is more accurate than the regular estradiol [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]lab they do).[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]CBC W/Differential: (I think they scheduled this one in my next lab)?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]CMP-14: (VA refused this one, and didn't list this lab in my next lab draw)?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]Lipid Panel: (VA normally does this lab, but not at my next scheduled lab draw)?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]IGF-1: (VA doesn't list this lab either).[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]Prolactin: (VA did this lab previously. They know my prolactin is high, but they refused to add this to my current and [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]next labs. Not have the attempted to provide any meds for this).[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]A1a: (They did this lab previously and know it is high, but refused to schedule it on my current and future labs. Nor [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]would they write me a script for Metformin)?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]PSA: (They always do this lab). But not this time, nor on my next scheduled labs)?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]DHEA-S: (The VA has done this lab several times previously, but refused to do it this time nor in my next labs)? [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]THS: (The VA refused to do this one when I requested it, but added it to my next lab draw).[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]SHBG: (The VA refused to do this lab, although they have done this one previously)?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**I get my IGF-1 done once a year by the VA, buy my private doc has to request it. It's not a standard test. Honestly, though, I don't even think I need it any more. It's be well within range for the last year. Once I got leveled off a lot of these labs became unnecessary, IMO. But, they do it and they're already poking a needle in my vein….[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]Don't quote me, but I believe that Nelson has posted an E panel on here for about 40-50$. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. The only labs they scheduled for July was CBC & Thyroid (whatever that means-TSH)? As there are several other Thyroid tests available to accurately detect any potential thyroid issues). Like: T3 and T4, to get a full REAL picture of thyroid should be:TSH, T3, T4, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3 (not to many people get this one done-not has the VA ever done this lab for me). Not sure if it is even available w/the VA?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**RT3 IS available at the VA and I just had mine done in May. Again, however, it's not standard. My private doc requests it. Perusing my labs I see that the VA has run: total t4, free t4, TSH, t3 uptake, parathyroid, serum t3, RT3, free t3, and calculated my RT3/FT3 ratio (should be over 20). [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]My guess is that your doc would have to have a “legit” reason to request these labs. I have been to many docs before I had to go into the VA system and several since. I have “documented” medical reasons to run these labs. I use quotation marks to denote what the VA would consider. If all you have are VA doctors and labs, you will likely never be fully treated :( [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. Have to agree at this point, sometimes being honest and up front hoping to get a proper diagnosis obviously can be to your detriment when dealing with the VA's rigid policies and attitude. Did the Cytomel work for you?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**No, I quit taking it because even though it got my labs within range, it made me feel jittery and gave me heart palpitations. My body prefers hypo-everything, it seems. I broke it up into smaller dodges, but it came down to either feeling nothing at all or arrhythmia. So, I quit it and my other thyroid me (Westhroid). [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. Sad, but true, you have to play the VA-BS game in order to get what you want or need.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**Yes, my advice is not tell them anything that you KNOW they disapprove of. Avoid the hassle. I do most of my communicating with them via Myhealthyvet. Do you have that? It's free and you can access all of your records on line. You can even request labs, refills via secure email. The less you have to deal with them, the better. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. Funny thing is I eluded something similar to this point to my VA nurse and she looked at me with those WTF are you talking about eyes? [IMG]https://www.excelmale.com/webkit-fake-url://7190975E-C17D-4797-862D-C648336F7B4B/pastedGraphic.png[/IMG] Lol. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**Perhaps, for your pre-diabetes, a Endo would be helpful. That's it, however. I wouldn't even tell that doc what else I was doing. Volunteer nothing, just like when you were in active duty! Never volunteer! No good ever came from it. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. I remember about 10-15 years ago spending a whole day traveling back & forth to a VA facility 300+ miles away to see a VA Endo about acquiring an anti-estrogen for high estrogen levels I had. (Mid-age male). AI's didn't exist at the time and again, they won't prescribe stuff for off-label use anyways. Only for female breast cancer patients. But I didn't know this at the time? That was the last time I saw a VA Endo and justly so. Why bother if you know whatever it is you want or need is considered "Off-Label use" to the VA?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]The Endo made me feel as if I was asking for a script of pain killers or something and ultimately wouldn't prescribe an anti-estrogen because of the off label use. [IMG]https://www.excelmale.com/webkit-fake-url://7190975E-C17D-4797-862D-C648336F7B4B/pastedGraphic.png[/IMG][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**I hope you got travel pay! When they make me go to my regional VA, I get about $80 in travel pay. Other than the wear on my truck, it's a good deal. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]For what Arimidex costs, you might as well at that to the list of things to avoid discussing with the VA.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. True, but more specifically, my A1a labs told me I was pre-diabetic.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**”pre-“ at the VA is like calling the police to tell them that you are subject to being pre-robbed.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. I paid my TRT clinic $25 to write me a script for Metformin, as are all their scripts they write or call in. The script itself was filled for no cost by Publix because I presume the med is so cheap to produce and they do that as a service for the general public who can't afford health insurance, which I think is pretty cool! Which is another reason the VA didn't make me too happy because of this fact and the fact they knew I am pre-diabetic. WTF again? [IMG]https://www.excelmale.com/webkit-fake-url://7190975E-C17D-4797-862D-C648336F7B4B/pastedGraphic.png[/IMG][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**The best bet, I think, if possible, is to find a doc that specializes in this sort of thing and make a visit to his/her office. Then all your consultations can take place over the phone. That's what I do. If I ever need anything, they are on it….scripts, disability forms, jury duty letters, lab requests… . [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]They get back to me that day or first thing the next. My doc also has his own pharmacy on site, so you don't have to f' around with petty local pharmacies…. Haggling over bullshit like scripts that don't differentiate between 5ml @200mg or 10ml @100mg…15 pill of 10mg or 30 of 5…. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]His pharmacy can/will get Nandrolone, but they charge more than Empower. I wouldn't have even known about Empower if it wasn't for the GoodRx app. So I had his office fax a Rx to them. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. There is a TRT clinic in my town I could see with fair prices...$100 a month for all supplies. But then I would have to go through the initial expenses again of the initial physical, labs, initial doctor consult fees, etc. Doesn't make much sense financially or otherwise, other than maybe convenience?[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**Couldn't you have all your paperwork faxed to the (potentially) new clinic? It might be worth a shot. Convenience has price, too. I think we'd all be willing pay a bit more to avoid unnecesarry aggravation ….but that's up to the individual. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][B]R[/B]. So for now the online thing with Defy is sufficient. I got my 2nd Test Cyp script for $41.45 + $25 to call in my script at Walgreen's w/a goodrx coupon. Normally a 10ml, 200mg/ml Test Cyp vial would cost me $129.00 through my TRT clinics compounding pharmacy. So I save some money w/the goodrx coupon at Walgreen's (Watson Test Cyp-10ml/200mg/ml vial).[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana]**That IS nice. I thought they were getting rid of 10ml vials…or maybe that was only for insurance, not out of pocket. [/FONT][/COLOR] [/QUOTE]
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Testosterone Replacement, Low T, HCG, & Beyond
Testosterone Side Effect Management
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