After endless tests, I was finally diagnosed with primary and put on TRT by my endo. Without me pushing for certain tests, probably I'd still run around with my symptoms put off as "stress".
I'm quite happy, but due to my education in this forum I was able to spot quite quickly that he's absolutely clueless/inexperienced when it comes to T.... suggested initial protocol was 250mg of enanthate, every 4 weeks, just to give you an example.
(oh, two more highlights: This endo also stated that "the ideal estradiol/estrogen level for men is 0 (yes, zero!) because men don't need estrogen; and, when I suggested smaller syringes for self-injection (he gave me 3ml syringes) and smaller needles (I was sent home with 18 gauge, 5cm (roughly 2 inch) harpoons), he literally said "there are no smaller syringes than 3ml that you can buy that he is aware of, besides the fixed-needle insulin syringes").
So I went to an urologist with my labs and hopes for better treatment.
While the endo is quite young (around 40, endo practice for around 2 years), the urologist is in his 60s and was actually head of urology of a state hospital).
Some highlights of my discussion:
- "did you ever go and see a psychiatrist?" (indicating that I am making my symptoms up, despite CLEAR labs)
- "your levels are low (I was barely scratching the low range with the labs I presented - another test I did that I didn't have at that time showed below-range). You're fine." "But I'm not a 90-year old, overweight diabetic. I should not be that low.". "You're in range. That's what the range is for. You're fine."
After some long discussions:
"Look, you're obviously fixated on the T topic. Nothing I can do will change your mind, so I'll prescribe you for a few weeks. I can't promise I'll give you a prescription longer than that, though." Oh thank you - so you would kill my natural production and then leave me hanging? wonderful!!
I then asked: "Look, but if my symptoms go away, that means it helps. Why wouldn't you prescribe me?" (I didn't even bother to start the discussion about endogenous production)
"Well, you're obviously all set on testosterone, with the amount of stuff that you read. Just taking it will help you, no matter if it raises your level or not. It's a psychological thing."
He then went on to write a prescription for TestoGel, 50mg/day, for a month.
I mentioned that I have three little girls that sometimes (or always, the youngest) sleep in our bed, and that I'm worried about transfer and would rather do injections.
"Wear a t-shirt. there's no risk. besides that, there's only a three-month depot, and that's not ideal.". (he was referring to undecatonate)
"Well what about enanthate? that's available in our country?"
"Oh, we have the gels now. I don't prescribe enanthate anymore."
I stopped the discussion and went home with my prescription, I've heard enough.
When I was home, I looked at the prescription.
He had written down:
"50mg gel / once a day. To be applied before bed."
I think I need a hug now.
I'm quite happy, but due to my education in this forum I was able to spot quite quickly that he's absolutely clueless/inexperienced when it comes to T.... suggested initial protocol was 250mg of enanthate, every 4 weeks, just to give you an example.
(oh, two more highlights: This endo also stated that "the ideal estradiol/estrogen level for men is 0 (yes, zero!) because men don't need estrogen; and, when I suggested smaller syringes for self-injection (he gave me 3ml syringes) and smaller needles (I was sent home with 18 gauge, 5cm (roughly 2 inch) harpoons), he literally said "there are no smaller syringes than 3ml that you can buy that he is aware of, besides the fixed-needle insulin syringes").
So I went to an urologist with my labs and hopes for better treatment.
While the endo is quite young (around 40, endo practice for around 2 years), the urologist is in his 60s and was actually head of urology of a state hospital).
Some highlights of my discussion:
- "did you ever go and see a psychiatrist?" (indicating that I am making my symptoms up, despite CLEAR labs)
- "your levels are low (I was barely scratching the low range with the labs I presented - another test I did that I didn't have at that time showed below-range). You're fine." "But I'm not a 90-year old, overweight diabetic. I should not be that low.". "You're in range. That's what the range is for. You're fine."
After some long discussions:
"Look, you're obviously fixated on the T topic. Nothing I can do will change your mind, so I'll prescribe you for a few weeks. I can't promise I'll give you a prescription longer than that, though." Oh thank you - so you would kill my natural production and then leave me hanging? wonderful!!
I then asked: "Look, but if my symptoms go away, that means it helps. Why wouldn't you prescribe me?" (I didn't even bother to start the discussion about endogenous production)
"Well, you're obviously all set on testosterone, with the amount of stuff that you read. Just taking it will help you, no matter if it raises your level or not. It's a psychological thing."
He then went on to write a prescription for TestoGel, 50mg/day, for a month.
I mentioned that I have three little girls that sometimes (or always, the youngest) sleep in our bed, and that I'm worried about transfer and would rather do injections.
"Wear a t-shirt. there's no risk. besides that, there's only a three-month depot, and that's not ideal.". (he was referring to undecatonate)
"Well what about enanthate? that's available in our country?"
"Oh, we have the gels now. I don't prescribe enanthate anymore."
I stopped the discussion and went home with my prescription, I've heard enough.
When I was home, I looked at the prescription.
He had written down:
"50mg gel / once a day. To be applied before bed."
I think I need a hug now.
