So, can a man undergoing TRT live a "normal" life?

[anyman]

As many here likely know, I am not exactly the most accepting person around when dealing with hypogonadism, which I've taken to calling "Acquired Eunuch Syndrome". I despise dependence. Actually, "fear" might be a better word. One year into this and I am no more settled than I was. Sorry for the rant, but I remain angry. I post this partly to vent and more so to see how others deal with this and maybe learn something.

More seriously, one of my biggest laments as of late is the perceived loss at life's opportunities. For example, I always intended to travel and take adventures as I got older and had more time and money. I'm in my mid 40s and always thought I'd travel and do more when my kids, now 6 and 9, got older. More rugged hiking/rafting and even safari like activities were always appealing. Now--not so much. The irony of approaching the point when such things could be done just to be unable to actually go is a bit tough at times.

The thought of being utterly dependent on fragile, easily lost/mishandled and not so easily replaced meds, many of which don't travel well, is NOT appealing. I just can't see going to China, for example, if I must carry T, hcg, syringes and more. I also always wanted to raft the Grand Canyon and am now very hesitant. Can't see going to the wilderness with syringes. Not something I can picture and seems so wrong. The word "lame" comes to mind. I want the freedom to just go and do something --without constant worry about how crappy I'd start to feel if meds are lost or run out.

So, how do others here deal with this, or am I alone in these thoughts? Never been much for religion myself, but I find myself angry with whatever creator there may be for inflicting such a pointless affliction on me and others. My wife is tremendously supportive, for which I am grateful. But, I'd like to live without boundaries, or at least no more than everyone else.

[MarkLA]

Anyman,

I think there are medical conditions which really prevent people from doing the things in life -- things like dialysis, loss of limbs, etc.

I just don't see it with hypogonadism. Taking a long trip? Get the 3 week T-Cyp injection. Sure it's not as nice as several smaller shots, but it works. Pellet implants would also work. Gel/Cream would probably be easier to transport than needles. Or just take your T and syringes with you. One padded bag and there you go.

That said, any place with any medical infrastructure is going to be able to give you T. Some countries you can get it OTC.

I know you want to be "normal" as would most of us, but the fact is that our bodies need treatment to get normal levels.

Mark

[bodyfort]

@anyman, your consider lucky if you here my story, but im not going to whine here. All I can say is I was undiagnosed for hypogonadism right I hit my puberty. I change my doctor in 13 years and was diagnosed for hypogonadism. I dont want to give anymore detail but try visualize. There are more worst than us so you are normal

[azr101]

I thank God for TRT every day. I live more vibrantly, fully, functionally, and with greater reward than I ever did without it.
Take my advice, don't look for problems, look for challenges for which you can find solutions. Even when you don't feel like it, don't see any obstacles, just see solutions to challenges that you can easily solve. Remember you're not dependant on TRT, you can live without it, but you'll live a hell of alot better with it. It's still your choice.

Now quit *****ing and enjoy life! It's almost a new year and a great time to start living like the independant person you are.

Oh yeah, for what it's worth, I'm on Pellets for TRT and I can go 5 months without re-treatment. Very convenient.

[Diancecht]

As many here likely know, I am not exactly the most accepting person around when dealing with hypogonadism, which I've taken to calling "Acquired Eunuch Syndrome". I despise dependence. Actually, "fear" might be a better word. One year into this and I am no more settled than I was. Sorry for the rant, but I remain angry. I post this partly to vent and more so to see how others deal with this and maybe learn something.

More seriously, one of my biggest laments as of late is the perceived loss at life's opportunities. For example, I always intended to travel and take adventures as I got older and had more time and money. I'm in my mid 40s and always thought I'd travel and do more when my kids, now 6 and 9, got older. More rugged hiking/rafting and even safari like activities were always appealing. Now--not so much. The irony of approaching the point when such things could be done just to be unable to actually go is a bit tough at times.

The thought of being utterly dependent on fragile, easily lost/mishandled and not so easily replaced meds, many of which don't travel well, is NOT appealing. I just can't see going to China, for example, if I must carry T, hcg, syringes and more. I also always wanted to raft the Grand Canyon and am now very hesitant. Can't see going to the wilderness with syringes. Not something I can picture and seems so wrong. The word "lame" comes to mind. I want the freedom to just go and do something --without constant worry about how crappy I'd start to feel if meds are lost or run out.

So, how do others here deal with this, or am I alone in these thoughts? Never been much for religion myself, but I find myself angry with whatever creator there may be for inflicting such a pointless affliction on me and others. My wife is tremendously supportive, for which I am grateful. But, I'd like to live without boundaries, or at least no more than everyone else.

I think you are being unrealistic about the restrictions. Except for anything that needs refrigeration just pack it in a small hard case. Frankly even if you lost it during a vacation you are not going to die, which could be the case if you e.g. were an insulin dependant diabetic.

You have the same restictions as e.g.someone who is very nearsighted. If they lost their glass's they would be in trouble if for example they were in China or in the Grand Canyon etc.

You bring this up a lot. Have you considered seeing a therapist to work this through. Large numbers of people deal with these constraints on a daily basis and have worked through them and there is no reason it cant be the same for you IMO.

[dadream]

Well your right man, guess your gonna have to kiss all your dreams goodbye because you're on TRT......

Come on man get real would ya. Life has not passed you by just cus you gotta take a few shots. Looks to me like you hit a midlife crisis or somethin and are making excuses not to do the things you wish you could.

Also it's not like your life depends on the TRT. Worst comes to worst don't take it, or buy some OTC test boosters for the trip if you don't wish to carry your prescibed meds.

Don't let something as miniscule as being on TRT stop you from seeing the world.

[BigAk]

Remember you're not dependant on TRT, you can live without it, but you'll live a hell of alot better with it. It's still your choice..

Not a true statement... The longer one is on TRT, the less it will become a choice anymore; and one truly can't live without it... So, it becomes a true dependency not only physically but also on a psycological level.

I'm not trying to deter Anyman from TRT, but I'm being realistic.

Also it's not like your life depends on the TRT. Worst comes to worst don't take it, or buy some OTC test boosters for the trip if you don't wish to carry your prescibed meds..

Same applies.. Not a true statement. Once you're on real pharmaceutical drugs for this condition, no over the counter stuff will work as replacement... When worse comes to worst, there's no option but to continue TRT.. TRT is for life.

Usually; statements like the above come from those who have been on TRT for about a year or less and have not lived this for a long time.... been there... used to say the same things..

[rick055]

You bring this up a lot. Have you considered seeing a therapist to work this through. Large numbers of people deal with these constraints on a daily basis and have worked through them and there is no reason it cant be the same for you IMO.

I agree.

I'm not a professional and believe me, I'm not bashing anybody, but this borders on an anxiety disorder. I know this because I have a mild case myself. "What if"... can be overwhelming.

Being on the TRT even helps that, by the way. I am still working upwards (second real week), but when I feel "on", it's like yeah, I'm doing the right thing.

[BigAk]

That said... Anyman.. I don't think you should give up on living your life to its fullest. If TRT is your only option, so be it. Just do it. It could be a lot worse you know. If you're scared of the issues, why don't you give yourself a year trial basis and see what happens.. Just make sure, you keep that HCG as your best friend and make sure it's good and not defective. This will be your ticket to successful restart in case you decided to.

I did TRT for a year and a half and was pleased with it... It was my option to leave it as the idea to be on life long meds had become very unappealing to me.

[JanSz]

I agree.

I'm not a professional and believe me, I'm not bashing anybody, but this borders on an anxiety disorder. I know this because I have a mild case myself. "What if"... can be overwhelming.
Being on the TRT even helps that, by the way. I am still working upwards (second real week), but when I feel "on", it's like yeah, I'm doing the right thing.

And it does not help when others are feeding out the flame of anxiety.

I had something of this (anxiety) to the extend,
I did not realized (luckily) that I could go see a shrink.
My problem was mostly depression, rage, bad thoughts.

In a hind side, after about 6 -9 months on Androgel I realized that I am different.
It took some searching, and then I realized that the "normal" mill stone is gone from my chest and shoulders.

My ED was probably 5-10% on importance scale.

[Hyde12]

You could always take a vacation to Mexico. I am sure you will have no problem getting meds there, LOL. In all seriousness being on TRT isn't that bad, at least you will live longer and have higher test than most men your age.

[azr101]

Not a true statement... The longer one is on TRT, the less it will become a choice anymore; and one truly can't live without it... So, it becomes a true dependency not only physically but also on a psycological level.

I'm not trying to deter Anyman from TRT, but I'm being realistic.



Same applies.. Not a true statement. Once you're on real pharmaceutical drugs for this condition, no over the counter stuff will work as replacement... When worse comes to worst, there's no option but to continue TRT.. TRT is for life.

Usually; statements like the above come from those who have been on TRT for about a year or less and have not lived this for a long time.... been there... used to say the same things..

I don't know. I usually agree with all the posts you make, but I have to disagree here. The 7 years before I went on TRT were a mess. Depression, anxiety, insomnia (I'm talking Machinist insomnia) and to top it all off I was even working on a perky little case of GYNO! Oh Joy!

I don't care if I had to take my TRT via suppository daily, I'm NEVER going back to that shell of an existence.

[rick055]

I don't know. I usually agree with all the posts you make, but I have to disagree here. The 7 years before I went on TRT were a mess. Depression, anxiety, insomnia (I'm talking Machinist insomnia) and to top it all off I was even working on a perky little case of GYNO! Oh Joy!

I don't care if I had to take my TRT via suppository daily, I'm NEVER going back to that shell of an existence.

I hear that, especially as the TRT really starts to work. I switched from gels to shots two weeks ago...

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but if you take hCG while on TRT, and you maintain your own production, isn't the worst case that if you had to stop you'd really be no worse off than you were pre-trt?!?

And if pre-treatment was 340 and you felt crappy, what did you do but gain years where you didn't feel crappy.

I think these doubts are really more for guys who are mid-normal levels who really don't have the physiological symptoms necessitating TRT, but that really isn't appropriate TRT in the first place.

If you have little energy, are apathetic, have low libido and have ruled out other treatments/causes, isn't not doing TRT foolish? Especially with what we're seeing about low endogenous levels and a myriad of diseases.

[anyman]

I think you are being unrealistic about the restrictions. Except for anything that needs refrigeration just pack it in a small hard case. Frankly even if you lost it during a vacation you are not going to die, which could be the case if you e.g. were an insulin dependant diabetic.

You have the same restictions as e.g.someone who is very nearsighted. If they lost their glass's they would be in trouble if for example they were in China or in the Grand Canyon etc.

You bring this up a lot. Have you considered seeing a therapist to work this through. Large numbers of people deal with these constraints on a daily basis and have worked through them and there is no reason it cant be the same for you IMO.

I am well aware that some view my carping as unhealthy or in need of assistance. Maybe they are right. But, I pride myself on seeing things as they are and not how I want them to be. I personally abhor needing a crutch, so to speak, to live a normal life. Your nearsightedness example is perfect--and exactly why I am contemplating lasik now that the complication rate is finally low enough. My wife had it 2 yrs ago and is thrilled.

I like to ready for anything and don't want to be held back by a stupid medical condition. I keep extra food, money, fuel and much more available "just in case". Since TRT seems inevitable I am also starting to amass a good 6 month minimum supply of all meds.

This may be totally non-PC of me to say, but I am concerned that we as a species are through our actions and inactions deliberately weakening our gene pool. Not a good long term strategy IMHO. Of course, recognizing this is easy. What to do is another matter entirely. Haven't been able to find an acceptable solution that balances humanity and moral concerns with the harsh realities of nature. Who knows, fate may make the choices for us when some disaster or another comes along and reimposes that most basic rule of nature: survival of the fittest.

The above notwithstanding, I appreciate the comments here as I learn from other points of view.

[JanSz]

I hear that, especially as the TRT really starts to work. I switched from gels to shots two weeks ago...

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but if you take hCG while on TRT, and you maintain your own production, isn't the worst case that if you had to stop you'd really be no worse off than you were pre-trt?!?

And if pre-treatment was 340 and you felt crappy, what did you do but gain years where you didn't feel crappy.

I think these doubts are really more for guys who are mid-normal levels who really don't have the physiological symptoms necessitating TRT, but that really isn't appropriate TRT in the first place.

If you have little energy, are apathetic, have low libido and have ruled out other treatments/causes, isn't not doing TRT foolish? Especially with what we're seeing about low endogenous levels and a myriad of diseases.

Mostly one should watch SHBG.
TT levels are of secondary importance.
Important is the resultant BioAvailable testosterone.

If for example someone had TT=750 all the time until today,
and until year ago his SHBG was stable making him happy, then his SHBG went up 50%,
he will be in just as bad shape as somebody whos SHBG did not changed but his testis slowed their production.

[anyman]

The longer one is on TRT, the less it will become a choice anymore; and one truly can't live without it... So, it becomes a true dependency not only physically but also on a psycological level.

Once you're on real pharmaceutical drugs for this condition, no over the counter stuff will work as replacement... When worse comes to worst, there's no option but to continue TRT.. TRT is for life.

Usually; statements like the above come from those who have been on TRT for about a year or less and have not lived this for a long time.... been there... used to say the same things..

EXACTLY! Pure dependence on anything is a weakness I'd rather not burden myself with unless absolutely necessary. Lessens the odds in my favor when dealing with whatever life throws at me. Just ask those who faced Hurricane Katrina, for example, how easy it was to be dependent on meds when power, supplies and even food were nowhere to be seen. Sorry, but when the $hit hits the fan and FEMA or the Red Cross shows up I'll be they aren't carrying vials of T cyp.

This said, I appear to be in need of TRT and have little choice. The cold reality is that is bad things happen I am screwed. Not how I envisioned living in only my mid 40s...... I can only hope this isn't a genetic issue and I didn't similarly burden/weaken my kids.

[anyman]

I'm not a professional and believe me, I'm not bashing anybody, but this borders on an anxiety disorder. I know this because I have a mild case myself. "What if"... can be overwhelming.

I have always preferred to be prepared and never viewed such as a bad thing. Then again, I am also not much for psychological matters. Always thought the whole field was, well, not for me. I can step back and look at myself from a third person and admit "Yup, you're defective and screwed if/when this dependency comes back to bite you". I just want to live life like a normal person and not need to run for a shot every other day. What a drag......... Might be easier were I older than mid 40s. Too bad I feel so crappy and crippled by unrelenting fatigue without treatment.

[azr101]

This may be totally non-PC of me to say, but I am concerned that we as a species are through our actions and inactions deliberately weakening our gene pool. Not a good long term strategy IMHO. Of course, recognizing this is easy. What to do is another matter entirely. Haven't been able to find an acceptable solution that balances humanity and moral concerns with the harsh realities of nature. Who knows, fate may make the choices for us when some disaster or another comes along and reimposes that most basic rule of nature: survival of the fittest.

The above notwithstanding, I appreciate the comments here as I learn from other points of view.

WTF?
You're going way too far with this. Plenty of us are on TRT and we're living happy healthy lives, I bodybuild, race Intermediate class motocross, snowboard, and the week after x-mas I'm going paragliding in Torrey Pines along the way I managed to have 2 healthy kids too.
If there's anything holding you back it's not going to be TRT it's your mental attitude.

I know this because 7 years ago I had a near fatal motorcycle accident. My left leg was a near amputation at the knee. All four ligaments torn in two, popletiel aretery severed, kneecap crushed, tibial plateau broken in two.
The doctors wanted to amputate my leg right there. But my family moved me to a different hospital where a great man, Dr. Socia of John C. Lincoln hospital agreed to re-attach my leg, but even he said that my chances of ever walking normally were nil. It was a hard, hard road but today, I have nearly normal function of my injured leg. I can even squat over 400 pounds.
I credit this to getting my mind right. I willed myself through this and made up my mind right then and there that nothing would hold me back.
Nothing can hold you back either, OR anything can hold you back if you let it. You're choice.

[anyman]

WTF?
You're going way too far with this. Plenty of us are on TRT and we're living happy healthy lives, I bodybuild, race Intermediate class motocross, snowboard, and the week after x-mas I'm going paragliding in Torrey Pines along the way I managed to have 2 healthy kids too.
If there's anything holding you back it's not going to be TRT it's your mental attitude.

When bad things happen people who are excessively dependent on meds or other external matters often fare the worst. Study history. Or ask ad emergency responder. Like you I have hardly given up on life. I don't race bikes, but am restoring some old Suzukis. Seen too much to ride them much on the road, so I have fun with my '08 BMW 335. Wish I could race. I'm impressed-seriously. I exercise regularly and do much, much more. Hell, if I am lucky I can retire quite comfortably before 60. WTF are we doing to ourselves and our environment that this condition is becoming rampant?

I know full well some think my comments extreme. But, that's why I throw them out there--to see what others think and see if I am alone in my thoughts. As I sit here catching up on work and posting I see the timer, set to go off in an hour, and realize that it's almost shot time. Again. That's not how I want to live.

Nonetheless, I thank you for your comments and thoughts. I was hoping for more than the usual "what dose should I be on" discussions.

[Diancecht]

I always liked the concept is that of life deals the cards and you decide how to play them.

My brother (now deceased) fought cancer for over 27 years he gradually became paralyzed going from cane to canes to walker and finally a wheelchair. He loved black power shoots and mountain man gatherings as well as civil war reinactments. He started firing volleys with the rest of the guys, next to propping himself up next to a tree and playing sniper. Finally when he couldnt walk he played a battlefield casualty. He never stopped laughing or enjoying life.He never went on disability and only stopped working during those times he was hospitalized. He and his wife went on cruises every year knowing the clock was ticking. He died happier at 47 than most people who have lived twice as long.

Its all a matter of whether you look at the glass of life as half empty or half full.