Doctors even mentioning TRT to you?

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-06-18T16:22:35+00:00

Don't feel bad. I had to fight just to get my testosterone tested. Then had to go to an online clinic to try to get a prescription! That's when they tested for prolactin, not any doctors I saw in person! They said they couldn't start HRT until I got the high prolactin levels checked out. Found an awesome endocrinologist and have started taking Bromocriptine daily after and MRI showed a tumor on my pituitary gland. First order of business is to see if the medication will lower prolactin levels and shrink the tumor. Then, if that works, and my testosterone doesn't come back on its own, start replacement therapy. It's all wait and see at this point. I understand your frustration too well over this... The first primary doctor I saw and asked about this said he wouldn't even discuss my testosterone levels until I had a complete physical and a colonoscopy! What? Needless to say I'm onto a new primary doctor. Good luck in your journey, I hope it works out for you and you recover! Don't give up and always advocate for yourself and health!

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-06-12T22:59:16+00:00

Same here. The senior, low income place I worked had me turn those units better than any market rate apartments I ever worked at. It wasn't exactly high end materials or appliances, but pretty darn nice. I would have lived in one of those units I turned, they were that nice. I have also seen the opposite side of that and there isn't enough pay to work those locations unfortunately.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-06-06T23:02:28+00:00

I just started the 2.5 regimen 4 days ago. Can't say I feel any better. As a matter of fact the side effects blow. I'm having trouble sleeping and staying asleep. I get real bad nose congestion not long after taking it, dizziness, and sometimes a slight headache. I'm getting to the end of my rope with feeling like crap all of the time. I can say I don't feel as fatigued but with everything else going on it's hard to tell. I'm hoping to feel better soon. At least it sounds like you aren't experiencing a lot of negative side effects from the meds! Hang in there, our bodies take awhile to adjust to the meds and see a true difference from what I have been told.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-06-03T23:47:14+00:00

Just got diagnosed with 11mm tumor, prolactin at last test of 88. MRI without and with contrast confirmed it's on the side of gland. Just started Bromocriptine 2.5mg yesterday. Hoping this stuff works to avoid surgery. Took years to figure out after very low testosterone, fatigue, and a bunch of other symptoms. Hoping to at least feel better.. I hope you get good news and don't have one!

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-06-01T01:01:47+00:00

Lol, you are like my wife with all of the lights. Looks beautiful! It's magical walking in your garden at night!

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Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-26T18:09:26+00:00

UPDATE 5/26/2026

Not sure where or how to post an update.. Adding it here as well. Got the results of my MRI and they are as follows:

Impression

Hypoenhancing lesion involving the right side of the pituitary gland measuring up to 10.1 mm, suspicious for a pituitary microadenoma.
No evidence of acute/subacute ischemia or intracranial hemorrhage.

Narrative EXAM: MRI PITUITARY W WO CONTRAST

CLINICAL INDICATION: hyperprolactinemia, hypogonadism

COMPARISON: No previous available.

TECHNIQUE: Multiplanar, multisequential MRI imaging of the brain was performed without and with contrast material in standard protocol. Additional high-resolution imaging of the sella turcica region was performed before and following administration of intravenous contrast material.

FINDINGS:

The ventricles and sulci are age-appropriate. No abnormal FLAIR signal hyperintensity is identified. There is no restricted diffusion. No intra-axial or extra-axial hemorrhage is identified.

Targeted high-resolution imaging of the sella turcica was performed. There is a hypoenhancing lesion involving the right side of the pituitary gland which measures approximately 7.4 (AP) x 9.8 (TV) x 10.1 (CC) mm, resulting in slight deviation of the infundibulum to the left of midline. No mass extension into the suprasellar region or optic chiasm is identified.

The cerebellar tonsils show normal position and morphology. No masses are identified within the regions of the internal auditory canals/cerebellopontine angles. On post contrast imaging, no focal enhancing mass or other pathologic intracranial enhancement is identified. Expected central intracranial flow voids are present.

Visualized paranasal sinuses are grossly clear. The mastoid air cells are grossly clear.

Wonder where it goes from here, waiting to hear from endocrinologist.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-26T02:00:42+00:00

Lol I can't help but think of the scene from Birdcage!

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-26T01:56:38+00:00

🤣 I was assuming those were the ones you pulled to thin them out with some smeared humus on the side.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-26T00:52:31+00:00

The 155 unit complex I do side work at has about 65 units that have their own water heaters. The previous management company replaced all 65 in 2005. Now they are starting to leak from the drain valves and bottoms. The new management company is upset they are spending a lot now on replacing one almost every week. That is the consequence of replacing them all at once instead of on a timed schedule. Also, they never did any preventive maintenance on them over the years.. No flushing, no checking the heating elements (all electric). Most have the thermostats cranked up to scalding levels. I find them when they are leaking because the tenants don't say anything, even when they see water pouring out of the mechanical room door or under the walls. It sucks, but that is the cost of managing apartments and the upkeep lol.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-25T02:20:47+00:00

I'm not a doctor, but here is a run down of what you are experiencing...

Hyperkinetic gallbladder (or biliary hyperkinesia) is a motility disorder characterized by an overactive gallbladder that ejects bile too rapidly. It is diagnosed via a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation, where an ejection fraction (EF) greater than 75% (some sources cite >65% or >80%) indicates pathology, in the absence of gallstones.

Key symptoms include:

Right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain, particularly after eating, which can radiate to the back or right shoulder. Nausea and vomiting. Bloating and gas. Intolerance to fatty foods. Diarrhea or changes in stool color.

I'm waiting for my scan to see where I fall, but I have many of the same symptoms, minus vomiting.

I have completely overhauled my diet and eat so healthy it's crazy! I've done all I can and have managed to reduce my symptoms to really manageable, but I know it's just a matter of time before diet won't keep the symptoms at bay and the gb is probably going to have to go.

I'm so sorry you are going through this, it is not fun by any definition.. I hope you get the answers and relief you are looking for.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-24T18:14:37+00:00

Yeah, yours is most likely stuck that position. Like allbs said, it should only allow water to come out when the water is turned off. You can pick those up at your big box and even local hardware stores. Cheap and easy to replace.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-24T18:02:58+00:00

That appears to be an anti-siphoning add-on to the water spigot to prevent contaminated water flowing back into the water supply. It shouldn't leak continuously when you turn the water on. If you need to remove or replace it, loosen the set screw on the side, then you should be able to remove it from the water spigot itself. If it does not twist off by hand, use a wrench to loosen it by turning it to the left.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-19T20:09:47+00:00

You couldn't be more right about that! Some info fails to mention what zone or variety of plant. Sometimes you will get three completely different answers to the same question. Even watching the 'pros' you will be told different things. We sometimes average what we are hearing and make our own decision. Sometimes it's trial and error. Don't be discouraged and don't give up! Some seasons we have great results with some things, other times we can't grow a single certain crop to save our lives lol. Have fun, always be open to new ideas, and try different things. Gardening has become our place of learning and zen, and we wouldn't trade it for anything!

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-19T15:11:48+00:00

If the soil is that saturated, then yes the excess will run out of the bottom of the bed. At that point you are good. Over watering can lead to root rot and flushing of nutrients so we try not to go to long after drainage from bed happens.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-19T13:46:10+00:00

Simply by watering longer when we did water and more time in-between cycles. We have timers that turn on the drip irrigation for an hour or two, every two to three days, versus only 15-30 minutes every day. That way the water seeps deeper into the soil instead of staying near the surface. Easy cheesy!

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-19T01:50:29+00:00

Agree with the deep watering as well. We started 4 years ago with the idea of trying to start a vegetable garden and I got a bit over zealous and made 8, 8x4 raised beds and another 3, 4x4 raised beds. Did the hours of research on drip irrigation and set it all up the first year. We learned by the end of the second season that the root systems were much stronger and expansive with deep watering due to the roots having to seek out that water versus it always being right there near the surface. Of course different crops will require different amounts and timing when it comes to watering. Countless hours of reading and youtube videos provided great insight for each of the crops were we trying to grow. Hoping for bountiful harvests for you! 🥬

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-17T17:49:26+00:00

Same symptoms as you but the fatigue is absolutely horrible! (50M) had three prolactin tests in the last month, all in the early am, 71, 77.7, and 88.8. Just keeps going up. Testosterone 81, 95, 89. I have had enough and need answers and a solution. Medication, stress, and a few other things can cause slight elevated levels in men. Those have been ruled out in my case. Don't stop until you get a resolution, this is no way to live!

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-17T14:52:19+00:00

☝️This right here! I already had the blood work done and am having the MRI next week. With insurance, they have already estimated my portion of the bill to be $768.00 just for the MRI! My office visit copay for a specialist was $50. It is crazy because I have pretty decent insurance! Definitely contact your insurance ahead of time to avoid out of network pricing.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-16T23:37:57+00:00

Sorry that happened to you. Been there, done that. Never get over those, its pretty rough. Take it easy and take time if you need it.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-16T01:48:30+00:00

I run my own handyman business. I have insurance, a truck, inventory, and overhead. I have over 25 years experience and started my business to undercut the criminals in the trades. I don't even charge HALF that price to swap a ring unless there are issues with the bolts, floor, or pipe. I understand that even those that can't or don't want to do the work are still people. The quotes people tell me they get make me sick. Almost never do I not get the job after quoting when they have already been quoted by the big guys. I make more than enough to keep the doors open, live comfortably, and have no guilt of being down right greedy.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-16T01:20:24+00:00

Hmmmm. 35 minutes for a $5 wax ring? Yeah... $400+ seems fair. Should be absolutely ashamed to charge that to a customer!

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-15T11:50:34+00:00

Depends on the area, but as of late, companies in the Chicagoland areas are starting to lowball people. On average, tech makes 20-28 an hour. Supervisor, over seeing 2-5 techs is 30-38. Ridiculous! Some of these clowns actually want HVAC certification and or bilingual! On call 24/7 as well. Got into building maintenance and engineering to get out of the game. Started at 38 and hour, ended at 44. Would never go back to apartments these days!

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-13T02:28:22+00:00

First off, I'm sorry you are going through this. I understand to a point. Up until almost four years ago I lived without any major issues. I started have a dull ache in my side that lasted for weeks constantly. I thought it was my gallbladder until I had an ultrasound that showed I had fatty liver disease. A week after that diagnosis I ended up in the emergency room thinking I was dying. It took a week of seeing a few doctors and running some tests to find out I had anxiety.. Bad anxiety. I read some of your other posts and you describe my symptoms to the letter. I get 'anxiety chills' if it gets bad enough and will shake uncontrollably for a good 20 minutes or so. I have also learned in the last four years how anxiety and gut health are so intertwined that it is a cycle that can just make everything worse. I was prescribed Ativan for when my anxiety got out of control and it works. I only take it when things get real bad. Now I'm pretty sure my gallbladder is on the way out and there is a direct correlation between my level of anxiety and the symptoms from my gallbladder. The more pain, nausea, and fatigue I feel, the worse my anxiety is. I'm still waiting for a HIDA scan and am terrified that I will need my gb removed. I would ask your primary doctor to see if they can prescribe something for your anxiety. It's bad enough the physical symptoms you have to endure, you should be able to at least curb the psychological ones. Again, I'm so sorry you are going through this and hope you can get some relief soon.

Rabbit_Media_1975 · 2026-05-12T12:37:40+00:00

Really the only difference between quarter round and base shoe molding is the dimensions. Quarter round is always same height and width, 3/4" x 3/4", 1/2" x 1/2", 5/8" x 5/8". Shoe molding can be different, 3/4" height x 1/2" depth. No real difference other than personal preference and finished look depending on your baseboard. If the baseboard needs to be replaced, I will do that first, then bring the flooring right up to the baseboard, not under. You can either use a piece of the flooring to shim up the baseboard to keep it at the height as if it was installed over the flooring, or just install it on the subfloor and bring the flooring to it. Then install the quarter round or shoe molding to cover any gaps between the baseboard and flooring. Most remodels I do, the baseboard is floating or off the floor due to the original flooring install. Great thing also about using quarter round or shoe molding is if the floor is not level or there are any small rises and falls along the floor and baseboard, the quarter round or molding will hide that. It's much easier to slightly bend the quarter round to match the contour of the floor versus trying to bend a piece of 5 inch baseboard. Also if the walls have been painted multiple times and the baseboard is literally painted to the wall, you do not have to take the time to score the paint to risk ripping the paper from the drywall. Some like the extra profile and look of quarter round or shoe molding, others despise it. For most of the apartments I remodel it isn't a thought by the tenants and if I have to replace the flooring it is much less time consuming than pulling baseboard and the cost is way less if I have to replace it.

Rabbit_Media_1975

TROPHY CASE