Sparkss journey to recovery

[Robert5891]

Glad to see y'all made it through Matthew A OK.

Growing up in NOLA I've weathered my fair share of nasty hurricanes!

 

[FireTitan]

TRT update

It has been 5 days. The "insertion" spot for the pellets is still sore, but healing. I am down to a regular band-aide now. The area is a little tender if I forget and sit down a bit "hard" onto the sofa. But otherwise no ill effects.

I noticed I have been a little edgy lately, which I am almost wanting to attribute to the TRT, but I also have not been sleeping well, for at least 4 days now. Partially due to my back, partly due to a sick child, partly due to the anxiety of the storm.I am also still fighting with allergies/sinus issues. So it could be any number of reasons for both my lack of a good sleep and also my edginess/impatience/aggressiveness.

I am still fighting that massive lethargy, which could also be attributed to all of the same things as, and including, my recent poor sleep patterns.

Since I have not been working out I also backed off on the nightly protein shakes. Maybe my body became accustomed to that and the lack of it is causing me sleep issues?

Or it could just be my body adjusting to the test?

I did notice a little more energy (or at least a desire to have more energy, if that makes sense). Plus I little bit more libido than before. But all of that could come from feeling guilty for not having touched (or even through about) the weights in several days. Even to the point of being a little glad to have some of that time back for other things, like family time (that I do not regret, just regret the feeling that I was happy to skip the weights).

My diet has been far from great, with us now working through some of the food we had stocked up on ahead of the storm, and also not feeling like doing much of anything (like cooking). But I have managed to keep my waistline for growing noticeably, although I feel I lost some fullness in my upper body. Probably more from the lack of sleep than diet or lack of exercise.

Glad you made it through that "micro" storm. And im glad to hear from you. Keep your head up my friend, I promise this all a test, and I know you have the resolve to pull through it all triumphantly! As for the sleep, I cant remember if I told you or not, but $10 diffuser and $6 bottle of lavender oil from Walmart has been an incredible help in my sleep efforts. Turn it on about 10 minutes before you sleep, and close the door. You'll remember waking up in the morning and thats about all.

 

[Sparkss]

Glad you made it through that "micro" storm. And im glad to hear from you. Keep your head up my friend, I promise this all a test, and I know you have the resolve to pull through it all triumphantly! As for the sleep, I cant remember if I told you or not, but $10 diffuser and $6 bottle of lavender oil from Walmart has been an incredible help in my sleep efforts. Turn it on about 10 minutes before you sleep, and close the door. You'll remember waking up in the morning and thats about all.

You did bro. I have not tried it yet, still giving the melatonin a shot, since it also has other benefits (especially when on TRT, from what I read). Thanks!

 

[FireTitan]

You did bro. I have not tried it yet, still giving the melatonin a shot, since it also has other benefits (especially when on TRT, from what I read). Thanks!

Sorry to have been redundant buddy. But for what its worth, I do the melatonin as well, the Lavender just makes it better. Ill go away now

 

[Sparkss]

TRT meds

So the TRT doc recommended a number of medications/supplements to take. I also found some online resources for a few that I added, some I was directed to by folks here on AM (@hairygrandpa).

DHEA
Pregnenolone
D3
K2 (from MK-7)
DIM (Diindolylmethane)
Melatonin

And here I thought going on TRT meant less supplements LOL.

He also suggested that I stay on the fish oil and daily multi and consider adding vitamin A.

I have an ADK supp on order, so I will compress 3 of those down to 1 pill. I also have recently added Ashwagandha to my supp stack. I noticed that on AlphaMax XT I handled stress a lot better than normal, staying calm in situations where I normally would not have. After researching the ingredients the Ash was the one that stood out as the benefactor of that increased calm. so when my dose/bottle of AlphaMax ran out I just switched to Ash.


I am also starting to think that my edginess is from the TRT. I ran out to grab some dinner tonight and noticed that I was driving rather aggressively. If I were edgy from a lack of sleep I don't think I would be so aggressive on the road. Plus, I noticed a definite uptick in my libido this afternoon. Maybe the test from the TRT is starting to trickle in but suppression is still a long ways off, so what little T my body is making is being added to the mix?

I am going to set my alarm for an early wake up call and try to get to bed early tonight and give the workout a shot tomorrow. I am still on a sort of a restriction for lower body workouts, but should be good to go for upper body ones. I almost considered just doing arms, since that should not but any strain on my lower back or lower body (where the insertion surgical wound is).

 

[Sparkss]

Sorry to have been redundant buddy. But for what its worth, I do the melatonin as well, the Lavender just makes it better. Ill go away now

Thanks for looking out bro, I really appreciate it. I just need to source those supplies as the stores that have them are not near where we live or on any normal route that I take.

 

[FireTitan]

Thanks for looking out bro, I really appreciate it. I just need to source those supplies as the stores that have them are not near where we live or on any normal route that I take.

Walmart.com bro. Or, cause I care, Ill get it and send it to you. Hows THAT for customer service? Lol

 

[justhere4comm]

Incredible story and truly inspiring transformation. Hat is off in honor of your struggle and success moving forward sir!

 

[Sparkss]

Walmart.com bro. Or, cause I care, Ill get it and send it to you. Hows THAT for customer service? Lol

Thanks FT. I doubled down on the melatonin last night and was able to get a good nights sleep. I think my current issues are T level related, which should balance/sort itself out shortly. I woke up feeling pretty good and got a semi-decent workout in (that I will post later). I have your suggestion as my Plan B, as a backup if my current night time protocols fail me. Since I am back to working out I will also be taking my night time shake again tonight. I have read that agmatine (that I include in my evening shake) can also help improve sleep. So we will see if it gets better tonight (compared to last night).

Incredible story and truly inspiring transformation. Hat is off in honor of your struggle and success moving forward sir!

Thanks bro, I appreciate the support and kind words. As they say it is more so a journey than a destination . I am glad to have you along for the journey!

 

[Sparkss]

10/11 Chest

Incline DB Press........................30/20, 40/15, 50/9, 9, 9
Flat Bench DB Press.................50/15, 15, 14, 8
Decline DB Press......................50/12, 9, 9, 9
Incline Flyes..............................20/12, 12, 8, 8

Today was not the best day to try to get a workout in. Between making sure our daughter got all of her meds before heading off to school (doctor cleared her yesterday to return to school), a couple of early meetings that I had and coming back to work after being off for 3 1/2 days and all of that catch up I barely was able to focus on exercising. But I felt good and energized, in fact I could have pushed more, and more sets/exercises, if I had the time. But since I did not I focused on just chest (no triceps like I normally do). I did hit a PR for incline bench, and felt pretty strong/good doing it. My chest was majorly pumped by the end of that short but intense workout. Hopefully that is just an indication of more to come!

 

[Sparkss]

10/12 Back

Bent Over BB Row. (OH grip).................65/20, 145/12, 12, 12, 12, UH Grip 15
Incline Bench BB Row............................85/15, 15, 15, 15
Landmine Super Set
...1 Arm......................................................70*/10, 10, 15, 15
...D-Handle................................................70*/12, 15, 20, 15

Another short but sweet workout. I ran out of time and did not get my lower back hyper extensions in. I will just work those into my arm day later this week. I had good energy today, and didn't really feel like I struggled with the weights, although I did go a little light on a couple of the exercises, but more for my grip than my target muscles. Whenever I do that I try to make it up by focusing on form and contraction at the peak and then a good slow negative.

My work schedule is not going to let up for the next couple of months, so I think I am switching to a 5 day split now, for the sake of time, basically 4 exercises per day. Chest, Back, Shoulders/traps, Arms, Legs.

On a positive note I definitely feel different on the TRT. I woke to morning wood for the first time in a long time.I am not sure if it is the DHEA or TRT, but i am leaning towards the TRT.

 

[Sparkss]

10/13 Shoulders/Traps

Standing Side Lateral Raises..............10/20, 20/12, 11, 11, 12
Seated Bent Over Rear Delt Raises....30/15, 15, 15, 15
Seated Over Head DB Presses...........30/7, 10, 10, 10
Shrugs.................................................60/15, 15, 15, 15
..SuperSet
Back Hyper Extensions.......................10/30, 30, 24, 25

Another short but good workout. I hit my 4 exercise mark while still feeling like I hit all of the target muscles. I also made up the hyper extensions that I missed yesterday.

I started OL's Orig1n today (two doses down). It is supposed to be a GH booster (that I picked up during their initial offering sale last month). Should pair nicely with the TRT, guess I will find out .

 

[Sparkss]

10/14 Arms

BB Curls................................................45/20, 65/12, 12, 12, 12
Skull Crushers.......................................45/20, 65/14, 12, 12, 10
Hammer Curls.......................................30/18, 35/11, 8, 8, 8
1 Arm Behind the Head Extensions......20/10, 10, 8, 8

First time I focused on just arms since I started working out again post-surgery. 4 short exercises gave me a pretty good pump. I almost ran out of time and had to rush my last two triceps extension sets. But I managed to get them in. Tomorrow is a rest day. There is a family event/Fall Festival we are going to and I get to mow the grass either tomorrow or Sunday. So far I am feeling pretty good. Not necessarily back to my "old self", but getting there. The pellets have only been in for just over a week (9 days) so I shouldn't expect too much just yet.

 

[Sparkss]

So, I had a question (or 3) around PH/SARM cycles (and TRT)

Is the lethargy reported typically from HPTA suppression?

Is normal TRT (when its in "full swing") usually sufficient to combat any lethargy from suppression?

What compounds work better with TRT?

What compounds don't work well, or don't make sense, with TRT?

Thanks,

 

[hairygrandpa]

So, I had a question (or 3) around PH/SARM cycles (and TRT)

Is the lethargy reported typically from HPTA suppression?

Yes, without exogenous test, lethargy will happen due to suppression .

Is normal TRT (when its in "full swing") usually sufficient to combat any lethargy from suppression?

Yes

What compounds work better with TRT?

All orals (and injectable AAS) will work great.

What compounds don't work well, or don't make sense, with TRT?

Test base like 4-AD, natural test boosters.

 

[hairygrandpa]

When you are on TRT, no suppression will happen. That is awesome! All oral PH's and AAS don't suppress anymore.
....but.... most (all) oral PH's and AAS lower your good cholesterol , -up your bad -and up blood pressure and red blood cell counts , besides being hepatotoxic and can elevate prolactin -and or estrogen.
You have to cycle, watch your estrogen, prolactin -and blood lipids. Also recommended is to donate blood if red blood cell count is elevated.

 

[Sparkss]

When you are on TRT, no suppression will happen. That is awesome! All oral PH's and AAS don't suppress anymore.
....but.... most (all) oral PH's and AAS lower your good cholesterol , -up your bad -and up blood pressure and red blood cell counts , besides being hepatotoxic and can elevate prolactin -and or estrogen.
You have to cycle, watch your estrogen, prolactin -and blood lipids. Also recommended is to donate blood if red blood cell count is elevated.

I knew TRT upped your red blood cell count (hemocrit) but did not know PHs would add to that. And yea, I planned to donate regularly to help keep my hemocrit numbers down . I have exestane for the E2, but prolactin is another story.

I actually have some LGD that I picked up earlier this year that I might make use of, still not sure yet. I also have 1 bottle of the Epidrone (would want a 2nd bottle from what I am reading). I am still 2.5 weeks away from my first blood draw on the TRT, so I am waiting until after that to start anything (else). But two weeks can fly by

 

[Sparkss]

10/17 Legs

Squats.............................................115/20, 155*/15, 15, 15, 15
Single Leg Calf Raise (BFR)...........30/20, 18, 18, 18
Standing Single Leg Curl (DB)........30/15, 15, 15, 15
Lunges.............................................40 (2x20 DB)/12, 12, 12

Somewhere along the way I threw my back out and have been laid up since then, hence the major delay in my posting. I am not sure what happened as my form felt good, no rounded back or anything, and the weights were not anything I had not done before. As I slowly recover my lower back I am struck by how tight and sore my legs are (once the nerve pain from the lower back injury wore off and I could tell what my legs actually felt like). The tops of my legs are rubbing together down to a point much lower on my thigh than I recall ever happening before, and I am not 2.5 days out from my workout.

I will post more later, but now I need to go rest some more and spend more time in my inversion table.

 

[Sparkss]

10/20

Flat Bench DB Press..............................................30/20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20
Incline DB Row (laying facing incline bench).........30/20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20
Incline DB Curl.......................................................25/15, 15, 15, 15

10/21

Seated Side Lateral Raises.................15/15, 15, 15, 15
Seated Overhead DB Press................25/15, 15, 15, 15
Seated Incline Front Raises................20/15, 15, 15, 15
Seated Incline Triceps Extension........20/20, 30/15, 15, 15


My lower back is still royally messed up. I spent the last 2 days trying to think of exercises I could do w/ no lower back engagement (IE seated with my back firmly planted against the chair back or laying with no lower back involvement).. The ones above were what I came up with. The other challenge is that because I workout in a home gym, everything is BB or DBs, so I had to be able to move the weight into position for whatever lift/press I was going to do. This meant I had to use lower weights than normal for several exercises. For those I just upped the reps and focused on the TUT. One example is the set of 20 flat bench presses took over 2 minutes to complete. There were 0 RPs, I just took it slow and steady on both positive and negative motions, all the way to the last rep.

I am not sure when my back will be "healthy" enough for squats, bent over rows, dead lifts or anything else like that. For now I am just taking it easy without taking it too easy

 

[FireTitan]

10/20

Flat Bench DB Press..............................................30/20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20
Incline DB Row (laying facing incline bench).........30/20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20
Incline DB Curl.......................................................25/15, 15, 15, 15

10/21

Seated Side Lateral Raises.................15/15, 15, 15, 15
Seated Overhead DB Press................25/15, 15, 15, 15
Seated Incline Front Raises................20/15, 15, 15, 15
Seated Incline Triceps Extension........20/20, 30/15, 15, 15


My lower back is still royally messed up. I spent the last 2 days trying to think of exercises I could do w/ no lower back engagement (IE seated with my back firmly planted against the chair back or laying with no lower back involvement).. The ones above were what I came up with. The other challenge is that because I workout in a home gym, everything is BB or DBs, so I had to be able to move the weight into position for whatever lift/press I was going to do. This meant I had to use lower weights than normal for several exercises. For those I just upped the reps and focused on the TUT. One example is the set of 20 flat bench presses took over 2 minutes to complete. There were 0 RPs, I just took it slow and steady on both positive and negative motions, all the way to the last rep.

I am not sure when my back will be "healthy" enough for squats, bent over rows, dead lifts or anything else like that. For now I am just taking it easy without taking it too easy

Let it rest brother, and do some serious soaking in hot water and epsom salt!! It does wonders

 

[Sparkss]

Let it rest brother, and do some serious soaking in hot water and epsom salt!! It does wonders

heating pad, ice packs, analgesic cream, prescription NSAIDs, inversion table and lots of rest. That is what I have been throwing at this back injury.

I actually feel a little better after some exercise in the morning. But by mid-day I am hurtin again.

 

[FireTitan]

heating pad, ice packs, analgesic cream, prescription NSAIDs, inversion table and lots of rest. That is what I have been throwing at this back injury.

I actually feel a little better after some exercise in the morning. But by mid-day I am hurtin again.

Been there. Hate it for you man. Id actually be careful on the inversion table though. Its usually a good thing, but without knowing what the injury is, you could be making it worse

 

[Sparkss]

Been there. Hate it for you man. Id actually be careful on the inversion table though. Its usually a good thing, but without knowing what the injury is, you could be making it worse

I appreciate the warning. I am a chronic back pain sufferer. The last MRI showed bulging discs L4, L5 and S1. At that time they were not bad enough to warrant surgery, but enough for a cortisone shot (which I declined, as that is just a temporary band-aid). While this could be something completely different, the odds are it is the same issue I have been dealing with. It feels just like the other times I over-stressed my lower back, and the inversion table helped to decompress my discs just a bit.

 

[sparks2012]

There still room in here for me, Sparkss? Been AWOL for a bit, but looks like you're making due with what you have (as always).

 

[Sparkss]

There still room in here for me, Sparkss? Been AWOL for a bit, but looks like you're making due with what you have (as always).

There will always be room for you here bro, even if I had to stand in the corner to make room, you will always have a place. I am glad to hear that you safely navigated your recent personal trials, and travels, with your family. I have not kept up with your log as diligently as I normally do, but am sure that despite your time out of your normal environment and routine, you are still enviously fit and ripped!

I have been dealing with the back injury and taking the time to spend more time with my family. My work has been over the top the last couple of weeks, working crazy hours during the week and through the weekend. It does seem that when I make progress in one area, another crumbles a little. Example, TRT started kicking in, and I am feeling a lot better, more like my "old" self from earlier this year. But then my lower back gave out, just as I was starting to have "good" workouts (although those could be related, if I was too aggressive jumping back into the workouts with my new-found, TRT fueled, energy). But unrelated would be my work getting crazy again, making the workouts harder to fit in. But as you stated, I "make do with what I have", as there is really no other alternative .

How are things going in your world these days? I hope everything is great with you and your wife (how is her foot feeling these days?). Guess I need to pop over to your log and catch up

 

[Sparkss]

10/24 Chest

Incline DB Press................................30/20, 50/14, 10, 10, 10
Flat Bench DB Press.........................50/15, 15, 15, 14
Incline DB Pull Over..........................40/15, 15, 15, 15
Incline DB Fly....................................20/15, 15, 12, 11

I overslept (just a little), had a ton of work waiting for me when I woke up, but it was still a good workout. My muscles felt full and pumped. I used OL CU PWO + 2 Hyrdo3 (from the samples I got the last OL order I placed). Nothing new or earth shattering for my PWO supp "routine". But I had good focus, moderate intensity (Still working up to the "gonna catch fire" intensity level) and good strength. Hitting the 50 lb incline DBs for only the 2nd time this year (first time was a month or so back just before the worst of the lethargy set in, and before the TRT started). I have been taking Or1gin for a week or so now and the appetite from it is pretty major. But so far the waist line has managed to stay more or less under control. While working out today my lats and biceps were really standing out and pumped (even though I only worked my chest). Even my wife commented about my lats. All in all a pretty good start to my day.

 

[FireTitan]

10/24 Chest

Incline DB Press................................30/20, 50/14, 10, 10, 10
Flat Bench DB Press.........................50/15, 15, 15, 14
Incline DB Pull Over..........................40/15, 15, 15, 15
Incline DB Fly....................................20/15, 15, 12, 11

I overslept (just a little), had a ton of work waiting for me when I woke up, but it was still a good workout. My muscles felt full and pumped. I used OL CU PWO + 2 Hyrdo3 (from the samples I got the last OL order I placed). Nothing new or earth shattering for my PWO supp "routine". But I had good focus, moderate intensity (Still working up to the "gonna catch fire" intensity level) and good strength. Hitting the 50 lb incline DBs for only the 2nd time this year (first time was a month or so back just before the worst of the lethargy set in, and before the TRT started). I have been taking Or1gin for a week or so now and the appetite from it is pretty major. But so far the waist line has managed to stay more or less under control. While working out today my lats and biceps were really standing out and pumped (even though I only worked my chest). Even my wife commented about my lats. All in all a pretty good start to my day.

Sounds like you are not only well on your way, but starting to get excited about it as well! Outstanding brother

 

[Sparkss]

Sounds like you are not only well on your way, but starting to get excited about it as well! Outstanding brother

Yea, definitely a more positive outlook on things, especially my workouts. How are you getting along these days?

 

[FireTitan]

Yea, definitely a more positive outlook on things, especially my workouts. How are you getting along these days?

Glad to hear it, I knew it would come back around for you!! Im good. Starting to see some weight drop a bit, its sow but dropping nonetheless. Strength still increasing and Incan finally grip things fairly decent with that stupid broken finger. Other than that, staying busy with work and hunting.

 

[Sparkss]

Glad to hear it, I knew it would come back around for you!! Im good. Starting to see some weight drop a bit, its sow but dropping nonetheless. Strength still increasing and Incan finally grip things fairly decent with that stupid broken finger. Other than that, staying busy with work and hunting.

Glad things are leveling out and improving for you too!

 

[sparks2012]

There will always be room for you here bro, even if I had to stand in the corner to make room, you will always have a place. I am glad to hear that you safely navigated your recent personal trials, and travels, with your family. I have not kept up with your log as diligently as I normally do, but am sure that despite your time out of your normal environment and routine, you are still enviously fit and ripped!

I have been dealing with the back injury and taking the time to spend more time with my family. My work has been over the top the last couple of weeks, working crazy hours during the week and through the weekend. It does seem that when I make progress in one area, another crumbles a little. Example, TRT started kicking in, and I am feeling a lot better, more like my "old" self from earlier this year. But then my lower back gave out, just as I was starting to have "good" workouts (although those could be related, if I was too aggressive jumping back into the workouts with my new-found, TRT fueled, energy). But unrelated would be my work getting crazy again, making the workouts harder to fit in. But as you stated, I "make do with what I have", as there is really no other alternative .

How are things going in your world these days? I hope everything is great with you and your wife (how is her foot feeling these days?). Guess I need to pop over to your log and catch up

You know what man, no matter what life throws at us we can always bounce back. Sure, it might take some more time than we're used to, but I just ran through your most recent chest session and your initial thoughts getting back into it and it seems you're already gonna break past where you were a month ago. Work is work, it's always gonna be there. Just gotta find time to work around "work", funny how that ends up turning out isn't it? Lol But anyway, yes the wife and had a safe and pretty uneventful trip home, and are back to work and everything. Her foot is doing pretty good, although the metal rod that's in there can aggravate her if she's wearing the wrong type of shoes for an extended period, or we've been walking all day. She's coming along nicely with it though. Trying to get her back in the gym but she needs to break away from her current mindset about being so tired all the time...it's tough to try and motivate someone else but she'll get there.

 

[Sparkss]

You know what man, no matter what life throws at us we can always bounce back. Sure, it might take some more time than we're used to, but I just ran through your most recent chest session and your initial thoughts getting back into it and it seems you're already gonna break past where you were a month ago. Work is work, it's always gonna be there. Just gotta find time to work around "work", funny how that ends up turning out isn't it? Lol But anyway, yes the wife and had a safe and pretty uneventful trip home, and are back to work and everything. Her foot is doing pretty good, although the metal rod that's in there can aggravate her if she's wearing the wrong type of shoes for an extended period, or we've been walking all day. She's coming along nicely with it though. Trying to get her back in the gym but she needs to break away from her current mindset about being so tired all the time...it's tough to try and motivate someone else but she'll get there.

I the metal rod permanent? Or just until her bones heal more "solidly"?

I do know about the downward spiral of being too tired to exercise and the lack of exercise depressing the metabolism making you more tired. I hope it all works out for her and she can get back to her "old self".

 

[sparks2012]

I the metal rod permanent? Or just until her bones heal more "solidly"?

I do know about the downward spiral of being too tired to exercise and the lack of exercise depressing the metabolism making you more tired. I hope it all works out for her and she can get back to her "old self".

Technically the rod is permanent but it can be removed later on if she chooses. I think the bones healed fine, the rod was just something to anchor in everything but there was no initial intention of taking it out. As far as her downward spiral, well, it'll take time I guess. We'll be in Italy next year and living on the coast so we'll be outside more and undoubtedly at the beach too so hopefully that'll make her want to get back in the gym. Who know, we'll see.

 

[Sparkss]

Technically the rod is permanent but it can be removed later on if she chooses. I think the bones healed fine, the rod was just something to anchor in everything but there was no initial intention of taking it out. As far as her downward spiral, well, it'll take time I guess. We'll be in Italy next year and living on the coast so we'll be outside more and undoubtedly at the beach too so hopefully that'll make her want to get back in the gym. Who know, we'll see.

First off my comment may have come across totally wrong. I did not mean your wife's downward spiral, but the downward spiral of her energy levels. Both of which can have significantly different connotations. My apologies for not being clear the first time in my post.

Secondly, The Italian Coast? wow, sounds awesome. Color me super jealous! How long will you be stationed there? I recall you had mentioned that upcoming tour a while back, but don't remember any details around it, sorry.

 

[Sparkss]

10/26 Shoulders

Side Lateral Raises............................10/20, 20/15, 15, 15, 15
Front DB Raises.................................25/15, 15, 15, 15
Incline Rear Delt Raises.....................25/15, 15, 18, 20
Incline DB Shrugs...............................65/15, 15, 15, 15

Woke up 15 mins before my alarm went off this morning, was feeling pretty rested and not really tired, so I started early. I managed to knock out the work and Emails waiting for me and dove into my workout. Today felt pretty good and went by fast. Even with monitoring Email and tackling some work between sets I finished in under an hour. The intensity was about the same as Monday, but the drive was definitely higher, probably due in part to actually getting my workout in before the PWO wore off, which is normally my problem. The weights felt good, not too light, not too heavy, but nothing I couldn't push/pull/lift. And they were about what I managed the last "real" shoulder workout, but from memory that one felt more taxing then today's did.

 

[Sparkss]

6/27 Back

1 Arm DB Row....................45x20, 65x15 (x4)
Incline BB Row...................125x15 (x4)
Decline DB Pull Over..........35x15 (x4)
.Superset
Back Hyper Extensions.......20, 20, 18, 18

My lower back is still hurting a little and definitely weak, so I avoided any exercises that would tax or otherwise put a load on my lower back (so bent over rows were out). All things considered it felt like a good workout. I actually woke up ahead of my alarm again, however this time I was still groggy/fatigued, but I went ahead and pushed myself out of bed and into my morning routine. Even so I started my workout a little later than yesterday, and it took a bit longer still to finish up, but not too much more.

 

[Sparkss]

10/28 Rest day

Listening to my body I woke up this morning feeling fatigued so I am calling it a rest day. I went ahead and turned off the alarm, getting up when the rest of my family got up, about an hour later. Even upon waking I realized that I was quite sore, and in muscle groups that I worked out at the beginning of the week. Talk about majorly delayed soreness.

Despite feeling like the tank is empty for a good workout, I did wake up with what felt like pretty full muscles in general. Maybe 15% ~ 20% of a full on workout pump. So a day to just recover and feed the body will be good. If I feel like that upon waking, imagine how it might feel after filling up on aomse good food (and some carbs).

I noticed that Orig1n has me quite "full" in the evenings, the appetite increase and my giving into it leave me noticeably stuffed. However the next morning I am back down again (at least mostly. I haven't seen my abs in over a month, but the increase in overall mass is worth it, so far). I weighed myself last night and was 190. After waking this morning I weight in at 184. Looking at the visible change in my waistline I can believe the scale.

Mrkleen laid some wisdom on my a little while back about cycles, TRT and what I should be considering for the next several months. I will be sticking with my normal natty supps for the first 6 months on TRT to take advantage of the exogenous test and treating that like a mini-cycle all on its own, to take advantage of my body's reaction and adoption of the higher test levels. I have a blood draw scheduled for next week to find out just what my levels are/will be. So aside from the TRT itself I am remaining (mostly) natty. (although that statement alone still contradicts itself ). I do know that so far I feel great on the TRT. the only questions I have are 1. Have I reached the saturation level of Test for the pellets yet? (or will it get even "better") 2. How my E2 levels are doing and should I be including an AI, like most TRT patients? and 3. How long will it last before my next implantation. Should be roughly 5 months. Would like to extend it to 6 if I can help it, there are studies using arimidex to extend it, but I am waiting for my labs next week before I start any AIs.

I am considering starting Androcrine (Laxogenin). I could use the joint support and increased recovery that I read it brings. I have 2 bottles of it here that I picked up during their last sale. I may start that this morning. I am just not 100% sure about using a TD right now, for personal and family reasons. But it should be fine.

 

[FireTitan]

10/28 Rest day

Listening to my body I woke up this morning feeling fatigued so I am calling it a rest day. I went ahead and turned off the alarm, getting up when the rest of my family got up, about an hour later. Even upon waking I realized that I was quite sore, and in muscle groups that I worked out at the beginning of the week. Talk about majorly delayed soreness.

Despite feeling like the tank is empty for a good workout, I did wake up with what felt like pretty full muscles in general. Maybe 15% ~ 20% of a full on workout pump. So a day to just recover and feed the body will be good. If I feel like that upon waking, imagine how it might feel after filling up on aomse good food (and some carbs).

I noticed that Orig1n has me quite "full" in the evenings, the appetite increase and my giving into it leave me noticeably stuffed. However the next morning I am back down again (at least mostly. I haven't seen my abs in over a month, but the increase in overall mass is worth it, so far). I weighed myself last night and was 190. After waking this morning I weight in at 184. Looking at the visible change in my waistline I can believe the scale.

Mrkleen laid some wisdom on my a little while back about cycles, TRT and what I should be considering for the next several months. I will be sticking with my normal natty supps for the first 6 months on TRT to take advantage of the exogenous test and treating that like a mini-cycle all on its own, to take advantage of my body's reaction and adoption of the higher test levels. I have a blood draw scheduled for next week to find out just what my levels are/will be. So aside from the TRT itself I am remaining (mostly) natty. (although that statement alone still contradicts itself ). I do know that so far I feel great on the TRT. the only questions I have are 1. Have I reached the saturation level of Test for the pellets yet? (or will it get even "better") 2. How my E2 levels are doing and should I be including an AI, like most TRT patients? and 3. How long will it last before my next implantation. Should be roughly 5 months. Would like to extend it to 6 if I can help it, there are studies using arimidex to extend it, but I am waiting for my labs next week before I start any AIs.

I am considering starting Androcrine (Laxogenin). I could use the joint support and increased recovery that I read it brings. I have 2 bottles of it here that I picked up during their last sale. I may start that this morning. I am just not 100% sure about using a TD right now, for personal and family reasons. But it should be fine.

What are your concerns with the TD? If its your family coming into contact, you have no worries. Once its dried, its good to go, not to mention the fact that Androcrine is 100% natural. Id like to help you if I can, so you know youre welcome to either discuss it here or PM me. If you do decide to purchase the Androcrine, use my code of "titan15" for a 15% discount. Anything I can do to help you man, let me know...,you know youre my homie!

 

[Sparkss]

What are your concerns with the TD? If its your family coming into contact, you have no worries. Once its dried, its good to go, not to mention the fact that Androcrine is 100% natural. Id like to help you if I can, so you know youre welcome to either discuss it here or PM me. If you do decide to purchase the Androcrine, use my code of "titan15" for a 15% discount. Anything I can do to help you man, let me know...,you know youre my homie!

Thanks, and yea it is the "coming into contact" thing that I worry about. My little one is wanting more and more "daddy time" lately, and I know this time will pass to where she won't want to be around us at all (in her teen years), so I don't want to miss a minute of it. Also my wife has been more intimate lately, and I don't want to miss a minute of that either . Unlike hormonal products I figured there were any issues with the wife and andocrine. Women can use laxo if I recall.

I just read somewhere (think you posted it) that andocrine had a 24 hour absorption time. So I wasn't sure how that translated for transference. Plus, as I found out this morning, 5 pumps is a lot to try to spread onto my small frame. I ended up with my forearms up to my biceps coated (along with chest, shoulders and abdomen).

I know that other TDs left a "residue" after I used them, like for hours, or longer (OL Ep1c Unleashed TD). the results were great, and I had no problem using them while my family was overseas during the summer break, but once they were back it became too cumbersome to deal with, so I actually stopped before finishing my last bottle.

I already have 2 cans of Andocrine, but depending on how I respond I may go for a 3rd. Time will tell. the other bit about when I picked them up, that was before I knew I was going to end up on TRT, so I also have 2 cans of Sustain Alpha. not much use now, unless I end up having to come off of TRT before they expire. Unless I am overlooking something about SA that would benefit TRT (and be worth the cost/usage) ?

 

[Sparkss]

Question for the audience about BCAAs. Best time and amount to consume. I used to pretty much add them peri and post workout + to my night time shake. But I heard someone mention a report that BCAAs taken peri workout were not as effective as once thought and that it was a waste of $$.

My peri drink consists of 8g or so of hydro whey, so that has approximately 1.5g of BCAAs on its own. I also take 14g whey PWO (combination whydro and isolate), bringing over 2g BCAA with it, and 17g whey (combination Casein and Isolate) bringing over 3g BCAAs. So from start to finish I get roughly 7g BCAAs across my workout.

So do I need to add BCAAs to my peri drink, or perhaps PWO or Post shake? Or do you think that is enough. I do recall reading that Leucine needs to be taken every 3 hours to keep triggering the mTOR pathways, if I got that right. But the when, how much and everything else seems to be all over the place in terms of recommendations.

I do think at the very least I should add some to my evening shake, as the protein in it currently brings less than 2g BCAAs.

Short version for the "why the questions" is that I am out of BCAAs and trying to decide what I should buy, if anything, and what size container, to fit my intake needs.

Anyways, I am open to thoughts and suggestions!

 

[sparks2012]

Here's some anecdotal advice that's worked for me. As far as BCAA's go, I've used them pre, intra, post, upon waking, before bed, all throughout the day. There's ALOT of info in regards to ratios, amounts, etc. of all of them, bottom line what I figured out is that if you're supplementing with them they're going to benefit in some way. To cover all bases you could fill up a gallon jug of water and throw in a couple scoops of your preferred intra/BCAA drink (or mix your own as you have been doing for a while) and drink it throughout the day. I've been consuming mine strictly intra lately as I'm not using a gallon jug to drink from at the moment. The only major difference I noticed was when I wasn't taking any BCAA's. DOMS was more prevalent and rest periods in the gym were a little longer.

 

[Sparkss]

Just received an Email from BPS with a 30% coupon, so I may be stocking up on more Androcrine a little sooner than I had planned.
FireTitan do you know how long that sale is good for? I wanted to see how Andocrine/Laxo treated me before going in for more, at least a couple of days worth .

EDIT: NM, I found the thread you started about the sale and posted the question there

 

[Alpha1a]

Just received an Email from BPS with a 30% coupon, so I may be stocking up on more Androcrine a little sooner than I had planned.
FireTitan do you know how long that sale is good for? I wanted to see how Andocrine/Laxo treated me before going in for more, at least a couple of days worth .

EDIT: NM, I found the thread you started about the sale and posted the question there

Glad you are enjoying it brother! I'm ready to start my androcrine now but saving it for pct is a b1tch lol . It'll at least make the time off a little easier

 

[FireTitan]

Just received an Email from BPS with a 30% coupon, so I may be stocking up on more Androcrine a little sooner than I had planned.
FireTitan do you know how long that sale is good for? I wanted to see how Andocrine/Laxo treated me before going in for more, at least a couple of days worth .

EDIT: NM, I found the thread you started about the sale and posted the question there

I will find out for you for sure!

 

[Sparkss]

Glad you are enjoying it brother! I'm ready to start my androcrine now but saving it for pct is a b1tch lol . It'll at least make the time off a little easier

Did you ever find out about the legitimacy of the Test you were using? And I thought about saving the Ando for later, just to ride out the TRT and see what that did for me on its own (since I was low in the T department before I started), but I am more interested in the joint health and even some of the strength aspects of Laxo. Maybe one day I can put up lifting numbers like yours .

 

[Sparkss]

I will find out for you for sure!

Thanks Bro! BPS responded that it would end midnight Halloween (PST).

I am on the fence about more Ando. It is a bit of a PITA to apply. I am a small guy in general (small frame) and 5 pumps, which is supposed to be the "sweet spot" for Ando/Laxo, takes my entire upper torso and arms and then still is a bit thick and takes time to dry. If it does for me half of what I read it does for others, then it should be worth it. I am hoping it will improve my recovery time, and that, combined with the TRT being in full swing (should be by now, if not by this time next week) where I can expand my workouts to more body parts and try out some different workout splits.

How many pumps did you use? and did you use a split dose?

Alpha, how many pumps and what dosing schedule do you have planned?

 

[Alpha1a]

Did you ever find out about the legitimacy of the Test you were using? And I thought about saving the Ando for later, just to ride out the TRT and see what that did for me on its own (since I was low in the T department before I started), but I am more interested in the joint health and even some of the strength aspects of Laxo. Maybe one day I can put up lifting numbers like yours .

Haha bro I've seen your numbers you're a beast yourself! And as far as laxo my favorite thing is the healing I'm hoping to be using it from pct all the way till next cycle (5 months total) cuz the last times I've used it I've noticed the longer the better. As far as the test I think I might have just been hoping for way too much but I'll see bloods and a "testing kit" next week so we shall see , probably good and I'm just crazy lol just gunna enjoy the strength I'm getting anyways !

 

[Sparkss]

Haha bro I've seen your numbers you're a beast yourself! And as far as laxo my favorite thing is the healing I'm hoping to be using it from pct all the way till next cycle (5 months total) cuz the last times I've used it I've noticed the longer the better. As far as the test I think I might have just been hoping for way too much but I'll see bloods and a "testing kit" next week so we shall see , probably good and I'm just crazy lol just gunna enjoy the strength I'm getting anyways !

Do you use Private MD Labs for your bloods? I love how they don't break the bank and I literally get the results Emailed to me the very next day, often before noon. There is a thread here on AM about them (how I found out) and I have the latest 15% discount code from their FB page. Luckily one of their supports labs is not far from my house, here in N. Fl. You are down south a bit, right?

EDIT: I get my 4 weeks blood work done next Thursday. I am really anxious to know what my T levels are up to on this TRT.

 

[Alpha1a]

Do you use Private MD Labs for your bloods? I love how they don't break the bank and I literally get the results Emailed to me the very next day, often before noon. There is a thread here on AM about them (how I found out) and I have the latest 15% discount code from their FB page. Luckily one of their supports labs is not far from my house, here in N. Fl. You are down south a bit, right?

EDIT: I get my 4 weeks blood work done next Thursday. I am really anxious to know what my T levels are up to on this TRT.

Nice I'm in south south Florida lol right around ft lauderdale . I went a different route but might give them a go next cycle!

And good luck bro hope everything is right where you want it

 

[Sparkss]

Nice I'm in south south Florida lol right around ft lauderdale . I went a different route but might give them a go next cycle!

And good luck bro hope everything is right where you want it

It's beautiful down there, right around Deersfield and Pompanoo Beach areas . We like to visit there at least once a year, if/when we can swing it

I am feeling pretty good (overall), so these T levels are OK for me, but it will be good to know what the levels actually are. My doc may even be willing to add another pellet next time round if they are lower than he is shooting for . I will have that conversation after next week