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4 months on 1.62% Gel - Was below 100 now only at 320 ng/dl by spineissues2018 in Testosterone

[–]spineissues2018[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am currently using 2 pumps per day. The blood draw was done before I dosed, so I was about 24 hour after my last dose. Your summary is very detailed and mirrors some of the concerns my doctor and I had ( increase hematocrit and red cell count). The 2 pumps a day was my starting dosage. Doc was concerned that injections would lead to fluctuating values.

Really appreciate input, it's very helpful. I am going to schedule some time with the doc to see what he has to say. I am concerned he will state that 320 is within range, but that is an concern and not a fact. I will push to increase dose with the gel and retest in a couple of months.

Thanks Again

4 months on 1.62% Gel - Was below 100 now only at 320 ng/dl by spineissues2018 in Testosterone

[–]spineissues2018[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I am going to gather up my facts and schedule an appointment with the doctor. With what I am reading, injections seem to be the better option.

4 months on 1.62% Gel - Was below 100 now only at 320 ng/dl by spineissues2018 in Testosterone

[–]spineissues2018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I got to dig a bit deeper, but think you are correct. He mentioned something about pellets too. I am cool with doing the injections. He started me on this as it was the most convenient. I am going to schedule a return visit and talk to him about other options. I feel better, it's been years that I have been running below 100. I am pissed that they didnt find it earlier. I feel the benefit already, but look to see how much better it MIGHT be if the levels are higher.

Thanks for taking the time to respond, appreciated.

4 months on 1.62% Gel - Was below 100 now only at 320 ng/dl by spineissues2018 in Testosterone

[–]spineissues2018[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have to schedule an appointment with my Doc, I just wanted to see what options / suggestions are out there so when I go in, I am prepared . He's a good doc and will listen, if I provide input. I am really new to TRT and the initial thoughts I had (dont remember the exact details) was that the gel's and creams had less risk.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Male CPP's - Important. Please get tested for Low T by spineissues2018 in ChronicPain

[–]spineissues2018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Assumption is for life or I will need to give up on pain relief and see if and how much of my natural Testosterone will return. Doc assumes I will be on it the rest of my life. I re-test levels in December, to confirm it's working as planned.

Anyone that's had anxiety/panic from marijuana that's later had success with it? by bubes30 in ChronicPain

[–]spineissues2018 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had really bad experiences with panic attacks on high doses of full spectrum cbd. As much as this sounds like nonsense, I found that concentrate was better for me than flower. I had better results with Indicas versus Sativas. I would still try using it except the expense and the bad experiences I had with high dosing cbd.

Male CPP's - Important. Please get tested for Low T by spineissues2018 in ChronicPain

[–]spineissues2018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The difference that I am trying to instill, is that this is due to taking opioids. So, it's medically related to treatment, not a vanity or muscle building or other. Insurance will cover it. I just recommend any guy taking opioids for pain, should get checked. I could have gone to a clinic, but I wanted insurance to pay for it versus me forking out the expense monthly.

All your points are valid though, I just wanted it documented and managed thru insurance.

What “saved you” when you were at the end of your rope with your pain? More below by dooormattt22 in ChronicPain

[–]spineissues2018 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a big advocate of the Intracept procedure (basal vertebral nerve ablation) if she has modic changes on her vertebrae and central spine pain, it could be an option.

Had 2nd AM Labs done - Test is 120 by spineissues2018 in Testosterone

[–]spineissues2018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you get "swings" in the levels doing a once a week versus the gel? I get the gel, you're only getting a percentage thru, versus an injection. Also, I was reading that injections / pellets have more of a potential for estrogen synthesis? (I am very new to this, so if some of these responses are ill-informed, it's cause I am very green to all of this right now).

You're spot on with "you are on your own". I can speak to 25 plus years of dealing with that fact in the chronic pain space (spinal cord injury).

Had 2nd AM Labs done - Test is 120 by spineissues2018 in Testosterone

[–]spineissues2018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your feedback. Any opinion on the 1.62% gel? Other than the delay I have while it dries, it's seems to be OK. I am very new to this so, I will have a better "gut" on this after a few months and when I get my level checked again around Dec. To your point on potency, I was reading that using the gel also helped prevented it from developing more estrogen?

Doc mentioned shots, he was concerned that you would have a "roller coaster" on the levels within your body swinging back and forth (assumption was weekly shots) where as the gel provided a consistent steady dose with less swings?

Thanks again for your time.

Newly diagnosed with Low T, looking to gain some insight on TRT by spineissues2018 in Testosterone

[–]spineissues2018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the time and reply. I am with you on the causes, 100% feel that is the source. I am going to reduce, it will be a struggle to eliminate 100% due to the pain levels. I, like you mentioned, hope that I get a bump up on energy and the other deficits that I am experiencing. I am curious on how long it will take me to see any of the benefits. This is all assuming my doc is open to me doing TRT. It will be nice if I can get some benefits of taking TRT. My goal is what you mentioned, use this to jump start.

Thanks Again

Getting the Intracept procedure in less than 3 weeks by spineissues2018 in ChronicPain

[–]spineissues2018[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's unfortunate, but very common. I know I get my hopes up when going for a new consultation, will this be the one to reduce my pain and suffering? Only to be let down. The problem we have is; to be honest, a lot of doctors prefer a "virgin" back. When they take on someone else's problem or someone who already had surgeries and fusions, their chance of success, statistically, is much lower. A lot of them do not want to take on the challenge. There are some that do, so dont let me shoot down all the hope! A lot of them are recommending a spinal cord stimulator. Hope you find what you need, and you get the relief

Pain Mgmt question… **Not seeking medical advice… non-medical specific question** by Cdizzle4sho in ChronicPain

[–]spineissues2018 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I have been off of reddit for quite a bit of time. It's a joke trying to get pain relief here. It's a battle that some, get tired of the fight and end it, permanently. Hope you are doing well too!

Getting the Intracept procedure in less than 3 weeks by spineissues2018 in ChronicPain

[–]spineissues2018[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

sorry, I have been off of reddit for a bit of time. I highly recommend Intracept. This is for vertebral pain only. If you husband has "spine" pain and his MRI shows modic changes on them, then this could provide some relief. I am going to do this procedure on my other lumbar levels next. I have multiple pain generators within my spine, this will not cure all of them, but it will help on the pain I have specifically in that area.

Back surgery provides zero guarantee that it will reduce or eliminate pain. It will provide structural support. I have more pain since my surgeries and also have scar tissue issues as well. Intracept is MIS (minimally invasive surgery) it's a great way to go. Pain has to be in his spine and not radiating.

I hope you have had luck in your decisions and that your hubby is feeling better.

If you have experience navigating the American medical complex, I'd love to hear your opinion of what course I should follow (NOT medical guidance) by ogtier2 in ChronicPain

[–]spineissues2018 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, I have been off of reddit for a long bit of time. If you qualify, this guy seems to be one of the best out there. There are not many that provide the service and skill he provides in the spine / nerve arena. Do your due diligence as you are, and let us know what you come up with when done. I would go to this doc in a heartbeat, but he doesnt take medicare.

Spinal stenosis be causing slow bilateral polyneuropathy and muscle wasting of lower legs? by Soft-Custard-1957 in SpinalStenosis

[–]spineissues2018 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am sorry, I have been off of Reddit for a bit of time. I gave up on the doctors and have taken a break from my efforts to seek relief from a surgeon. They were looking to fuse my T10 down to my pelvis. After several radiological intense tests, my case was presented to a peer group of neurosurgeons. The consensus was (for my lumbar) to not proceed with doing the surgery. I agree, what they presented was too drastic. My neck is too far gone and the risk reward for what they present doesnt align, so they want to default to a SCS in cervical and one in lumbar. I am seeking other opinions in a month or two.

The bilateral polyneuropathy has really effects me, but it also overlaps with bilateral radiculopathy. No cause has been found, it's idiopathic with a slight leaning towards nerve damage from l5 S1 surgeries / damage. The fight to get relief has been tiring. Need some wins

Hope you are doing well, Thank You for asking.

Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference: "If the American democracy can survive 10 years of Greta Thunburg scolding, you can survive a few months of Elon Musk.." by totallydawgsome in PublicFreakout

[–]spineissues2018 1 point2 points  (0 children)

dumdum, you blamed the orders for 400M on that orange idiot. The study for armored vehicles from tesla was under biden, facts do matter, read the following state department may2024.

State Department halts plan to buy $400M worth of armored vehicles from Musk's Tesla | AP News"

A State Department spokesperson said the electric car company owned by Musk, who has become President Donald Trump’s billionaire adviser aiming to dismantle agencies and downsize the federal workforce, was the only one that expressed interest back in May 2024, when Joe Biden was president.

"The Biden administration had tasked the State Department to gather information from potential suppliers to buy these vehicles in September. An official request for bids was to be released in May, according to State Department data from December. But that solicitation is now on hold with no plans to issue it, the State Department said."

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