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TRT experience

Weekly weigh in this morning had me at 236.5 and 30.5%. That is another decrease in bodyfat.

Feeling a little better the past few days. Maybe having the 500ccs of blood drawn was a good thing.

Probably should have taken some measurments before I started. Shirt sleeves are feeling tight around the biceps and my pants are not as snug.

Ahhhh... making progress.
 
Dr. John said:
It depends upon whether you want the cutting edge of Interventional Endocrinology or not.
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Not to sure about switching medical care providers while I am in the middle of this. Then again, are they really providing medical care.

Switching would probably require new bloodwork, physical, and that means more $$$
 
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Left messages and sent an email yesterday to my contact at the clinic . Havent heard anything back yet.

Three people today asked me if I got any sleep last night. Something about me not looking to good. Was shorted an hours sleep last night, but still ended up with around seven hours. Darn... I feel good! :-)
 
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Warning... this is just me venting! :-)

Spoke to the clinic. I am amazed at how screwed up this is getting.

Not sure what I am more frustrated at:

- clinic not very helpful
- me choosing the online clinic route
- that I keep talking to the clinic

Guess I still need to keep talking with them until I figure out what steps I am going to take.

At least I still have a sense of humor with this.
 
Dr. John said:
So the problem is you are polycythemic, and cannot get a therapeutic phlebotomy?
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The blood center offers therapeutic phlebotomy, but they have a special form that needs to be filled out. Nothing much on the form, but one thing they are requesting is a change from 250cc to 500cc. They are saying 250cc every four months is not normal. From what they have told me, a few messages have been left at the clinic doctors office, but no returned calls.
 
Clinic called and provided me with a name/number that the blood center can call to straighten things out.

Still having problems shedding the excess bodyfat, so I asked them about HGH therapy. Since my IGF test came back high, they are not sure if it is in the cards for me.

Also spoke with another clinic to check on prices. They faxed me over a current list this morning. Need to review more.

A little acne started the past few days. Not sure if this is at all related to the TRT. However, I never really had problems in the past. Will need to wait a few days to see if it goes away.

Took the advice from someone and switched from free weights to machines today. Was able to increase the weight, and this will hopefully help some size gains. Not looking for too much, just want to look good :-)
 
RickM said:
Clinic called and provided me with a name/number that the blood center can call to straighten things out.

Still having problems shedding the excess bodyfat, so I asked them about HGH therapy. Since my IGF test came back high, they are not sure if it is in the cards for me.

Also spoke with another clinic to check on prices. They faxed me over a current list this morning. Need to review more.

A little acne started the past few days. Not sure if this is at all related to the TRT. However, I never really had problems in the past. Will need to wait a few days to see if it goes away.

Took the advice from someone and switched from free weights to machines today. Was able to increase the weight, and this will hopefully help some size gains. Not looking for too much, just want to look good :-)
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advice from someone switch from free wts to machines? just like medical advice seek out a fitness training professional. !!
 
sidnee said:
advice from someone switch from free wts to machines? just like medical advice seek out a fitness training professional. !!
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Sure. Care to explain a little more what your thoughts are?
 
I'm open to hear your reasoning against using machines.

The discussion I had related to my past ligament/tendon problems and what I could do to get around those problems.
 
sidnee - you are so funny...youve been in the gym a long time...and you dont like machines??

you really are an old timer.....do you use machines at all?

I really would like to hear your thoughts as to why a man shouldnt use machines if he is having problems with ligaments and tendons....

oh well..what do I know..I still work out in levis.
 
Sidnee - Wanted to clarify - I understand free weights are needed to develop strong stabilizer muscles. I have had no ligament or tendon injuries for years. I use machines for heavy sets and free weights for light sets and pump.


I know this is just an opinion...and I may stand alone.

I will stop here...since its off topic.
 
Last yr. when I was feeling so dam good I got back to the gym. It's at the Old Persons Council building and you can't be a member unless your over 62. I have now worked out in yrs. was over weight and out of shape. They have 22 machines in there gym cost to use them was a $1.00 a day. I found I did dam good on them and lost 65 lbs. Before doing this I was house bound in a lot of pain in my joints and muscles due to being on Androgel and Testim for some reasion on the gels my joints and muscles were breaking down. Found Dr. John TRT treatment went on shots and HCG and in a short time my pain was gone. I got up to 3 sets of 12, 10 and 8 reps on each machine. And was going 3 days a week. I feel if your starting and old like me machines are safer.
Phil
 
Girlfriend says she is noticing a few changes. She made comments about my midsection and my libedo today. I am feeling good, and hope this continues.

I am wondering in my head how much TRT I will be needing on an ongoing basis to keep this. It can get expensive
 
58 retired martial artist, personal trainer (before the term was used), certified Nautilus trainer etc....stopped working out for a dozen or so years. Getting back into the iron routine was easier with the machines especially since I don't have a w/o partner. I think it depends on your experience & what's available. Now that i've been back in training for awhile I'm mixing free 7 machines depending on the muscle group and the amount of weight I'm using.

back on track with the blood draw issue..my wife has poly and gets her blood draw every 2 - 3 weeks and at no charge using the Bonfils labs.
 
Week seven starts today with number seven into my thigh

Diet was off last night. Her kid is away for two nights, so we went out to eat and I had three drinks.

Still having some problems with the clinic, but spoke with them last week about HGH treatment. Due to my fairly high levels pre-TRT, they asked if I wanted to go forward with any HGH therapy. I decided to hold back to see how the TRT affected my fat loss. Well... my fat loss is not what I was hoping, so I am looking at HGH therapy for a few months. I have read and was told that I would probably want to stay on for a long time, but with my current levels I am just looking for a boost. Hope this makes sense
 
Dr. John said:
I would certainly encourage you to go somewhere that appropriate doctor/patient relationship can be established. Interventional Endocrinology is very serious business. Check the physician locator at A4M.

I'm not sure where their numbers are, but a week ago a new patient of mine, formerly under the "care" of the same clinic, told me my services will save him several thousand dollars per year. AND he is now getting cutting edge medicine. That makes a plane ticket free.
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I was looking at ticket prices last week. Not bad at all. Only a few hundred for the round trip.

This may happen.
 
Dr. John said:
Thinking of making the pilgrimage to The Man Cave then, eh?

We'd be glad to have you.
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Yes, I have bene thinking about it for awhile.

Sent in an email in August, but you were on vacation. Kim responded and I havent mentioned anything to my PCP yet.
 
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Came down with what I think may be an intestinal bug over the weekend, and it was still effecting me this morning. Went to the gym around 5:30 and then into work. Spend about 20 minutes there and decided it was time to head home.

I mentioned a few days ago that I was thinking about adding GH to the therapy to assist with some fat loss. I contacted the clinic I have been working with and they agreed to place me on it. Somatropin was received over the weekend. Only want to go for 1iu daily with five days on and two off.

One of these days I will probably post what happened on my first mixing the Soma with the water, and then the first shot.
 
It has been a few days since the "free weights vs. machines" posts, so I wanted to provide an update

Switching over to the machines seems to have increased my workout. I was able to do more in the same amount of time, but with heavier weight.

There arent many machines there for me to use, but I am making the most of what is available. Then I mix in some free weights as needed.
 
Dr. John said:
Thinking of making the pilgrimage to The Man Cave then, eh?

We'd be glad to have you.
Click to expand...

Hoping to get up there in November.

I have a few questions that I need to ask before I purchase any tickets. Do you want me to email them or a private message through this site?

Thanks for your help.
 
RickM said:
It has been a few days since the "free weights vs. machines" posts, so I wanted to provide an update

Switching over to the machines seems to have increased my workout. I was able to do more in the same amount of time, but with heavier weight.

There arent many machines there for me to use, but I am making the most of what is available. Then I mix in some free weights as needed.
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Yeah I find that the weight goes up - probably due to the balance issue with free weights. The workout goes faster due to less setup time between sets and muscle grouping.
 
glg said:
Yeah I find that the weight goes up - probably due to the balance issue with free weights. The workout goes faster due to less setup time between sets and muscle grouping.
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Yup, not much balancing to worry about with the machines.

One thing that is catching me off guard today is that it really doesnt feel like I lifted this morning. I was sick, but I still got in what I thought was a good chest workout. However, I just dont feel it!
 
Dr. John said:
Call my office and talk to Kim at 517.485.4424. She'll be happy to assist you.
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I replied to her email this morning with a question regarding PCP's.
 
Ok,guys, the whole free-wt, machine thing is simple. as the good Dr. pointed out "mix it up" is what I teach and prescribe too. I believe in machines for isolation and some rehab, but free- weights are KING..... even with tendon/ligament problems their is always a exercise/angle etc. w/ free wts.
With all the machines on the market today, alot of people have become "lazy" with machine use, what about the hard exercises? how about a set a chins instead of some Hammer pulldown machine? of course the whole balance/stabilizer thing with free wts. is very important.
 
Dr. John said:
Call my office and talk to Kim at 517.485.4424. She'll be happy to assist you.
Click to expand...

Looks like things are working out and I will be up there in November.

Still need to schedule a day off in work, and try to plan it around a Friday night Wings game :-)
 
Still have some stomach issues today and I am wondering if it is a reaction to the Somatropin. Today will be my third shot. It has been an experience :-)

#1
First off I wasnt expecting the vacuum in the Somatropin vial. Hoping that I didnt ruin the batch when I mixed it.

#2
I have wasted a few iu's and pins attempting to get only 1iu in the syringe.

#3
Have a small 1" bruise from the first shot.

#4
I owe thanks to the mentors on the board for sharing information. You know who you are!
 
The first time I reconstituted it, the vacuum Somatropin caught me off guard too. Now I just slowly put air into the vial before I start with the bacteriostatic water. If you are still having difficulty getting the Somatropin out of the vial due to the vacuum, I would just take a pin and inject air into the vial until the vacuum is reduced.
 
smitty4 said:
The first time I reconstituted it, the vacuum Somatropin caught me off guard too. Now I just slowly put air into the vial before I start with the bacteriostatic water. If you are still having difficulty getting the Somatropin out of the vial due to the vacuum, I would just take a pin and inject air into the vial until the vacuum is reduced.
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I guess ya live and learn on this! Next vial will be different

Wondering how much the air will effect the contents.

Read that having the bacteriostatic go in that fast and cause foam can ruin a batch. Really hoping that is not the case. If so, that is a 27iu bottle lost. I will keep using and hope for the best.
 
really, just add the water by aiming needle at the side of vial , after reconstitution just pull back plunger to add a small amount of air. Draw out the proper IUs.
 
sidnee said:
really, just add the water by aiming needle at the side of vial , after reconstitution just pull back plunger to add a small amount of air. Draw out the proper IUs.
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Typically that would be the case, however, I am familiar with the Somatropin that RickM is talking about. There is such a strong vacuum that when you insert the needle into the vial, it sucks the water into the vial at an amazing rate. The first time I did it, before I even had time to react, it had pulled all the water into the vial litrally blasting the contents. The syringe went down so fast, I didn't have time to even slow it down.
 
smitty4 said:
Typically that would be the case, however, I am familiar with the Somatropin that RickM is talking about. There is such a strong vacuum that when you insert the needle into the vial, it sucks the water into the vial at an amazing rate. The first time I did it, before I even had time to react, it had pulled all the water into the vial litrally blasting the contents. The syringe went down so fast, I didn't have time to even slow it down.
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That is exactly what happened. All of a sudden there was foam. I looked at the syringe and the plunger was already down. Happened so darn fast, I didnt even see it.

Then you try to get 1iu out, you are holding the plunger back so it doesnt go back in, and then I end up with some air in the syringe. Expensive lessons

How did you work with the vacuum after that? Did you place more air in the vial to negate some of the vacuum?
 
Yep, I put air in the vial. I held back on the plunger and inserted it into the vial...otherwise the plunger would snap down like it was being shot out of a gun. It took over 6cc of air before the pressure in the vial got even close to being where I could put the water down the side of the vial at a reasonable pace.
 
smitty4 said:
Yep, I put air in the vial. I held back on the plunger and inserted it into the vial...otherwise the plunger would snap down like it was being shot out of a gun. It took over 6cc of air before the pressure in the vial got even close to being where I could put the water down the side of the vial at a reasonable pace.
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I had the same problem when I was using a particular generic HGH. I compensated by holding back the plunger and easing it as I aimed the liquid down the side. It worked for me.
 
Week eight starts today with Nandro/Test number eight into my thigh.

Just my luck.... syringe was already filled and waiting for me. As I took the cover off the pin I got clumbsy and the pin went flying. Just happened to go right between my legs and stick in to the chair cushion. Wow... talk about close :-)

Switched pins and in it went. Went a little higher on the thigh and it just slid in. I attempt to aspirate, and dont see any blood. However, I am still getting the taste in my mouth.

Did my five of Soma to the stomach area the past week. Now I have two days off. Five shots = two bruises. Not sure what happened, but I have some bruising. Small pinch of skin, needle on angle, go under skin.

Will admit that I am hesitant about the injections. Just not used to doing this and sometimes I get worried.

Two more weeks of the Nandro/Test and I switch over to the gels. Hoping to see a doc by then, so things may change around a bit. Ya never know.
 
Dr. John said:
How are they transitioning you to the gels?
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From what I have been told so far, I stop the injections and move right into the gels. 1cc of each (Testosterone 20%) (Nandrogel 10%) daily

Tickets purchased.
 
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Dr. John said:
What is the dosing regimen they use to do this? You have to step the shot dosing down, while simultaneously ramping the TD dosing up.

But why the transition in the first place?
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Just transitioning over one day. My last injection would be on a Saturday, so it is my understanding that the gels wouild start on the next Saturday.

This is why I am steering away from the clinic. Then again, I guess it really is in my best interest to ask more questions.
 
Monday morning weigh in was 236 at 31%. Looks like my body is struggling with loosing the weight. However, I know I am gaining some muscle. Part of my problem may be lack of calories, so I increased a little today.

Today starts the second week of HGH therapy. Still at 1iu daily for five days and then 2 days off. Not sure how well this level will assist in decreasing body fat, but I am moving forward.
 
Dr. John said:
GHRT is to be done every day. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to do it intermittently.
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Not sure if this is true, but I read the only reason why the 5 on 2 off dosage was prescribed to save patients money.

On another side of thought..... I have been told by a few that 1iu daily for two months wont assist with bodyfat removal the way I expected, and it would have been better for the current doctor to prescribe 2iu daily. Since I am somewhat under that doctors care, I am sticking with the script. Unfortunately, this may be the last time I am on the GHRT and I was really hoping it would help.
 
GHRT injections are getting easier. I don't mind the subcutaneous as much as the intramuscular. Six shots and only two bruises on my stomach. Not sure what caused the bruises.

Overall feeling has been better the past few weeks. People are taking notices of my change (some physical and some mental).

Picked up some pre-made chicken at Publix for my work fridge. It is cooked with some bourbon sauce, but I stay away from the majority of sauce. Also picked up some small apples and some oranges for snacks.

I know the fat is coming off, just cant notices it that much on the midsection.
 
Blood pressure has been up the past few days. Was 149 / 84 yesterday.

Seems like the fat is going away. I can see more muscle showing on my arms and upper body. Midsection is still holding out.

Attempted to slip into a pair of 36 yesterday. A little tight, but they fit. Okay... 36 may seem large to some, but I cant hide what I ended up at. Was at 34 two years ago. Would be real nice to get back to that.

Looking forward to being healthier.

Scheduled to get under some proper care next week. Counting down the days.
 
Good work, remember my corny saying to my clients "if it was easy, everybody would look good and be fit"
 
Weekly weigh in was 233 at 31%. Was hoping to see 30%, but I will set that as my goal for next week.

Will be seeing a new doctor on Friday, and I am sure that will help my progress.

Eating more chicken, salad, oranges and apples this week. Running low on RTD protein.

Not very fond of the Test shots in the thigh. Wishing there was a better way. Open to suggestions!
 
RickM said:
Not very fond of the Test shots in the thigh. Wishing there was a better way. Open to suggestions!
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Tell us about your procedure for self injection. What part don't you like? That may sound like a dumb question, but is it the needle going in or soreness after or......

I had really dreaded the shots and after only three I am anything but an expert, but they aren't that bad at all.
 
kincaiddave said:
Tell us about your procedure for self injection. What part don't you like? That may sound like a dumb question, but is it the needle going in or soreness after or......

I had really dreaded the shots and after only three I am anything but an expert, but they aren't that bad at all.
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Basics behind the Test injections are:

- wipe top of vial
- fill syringe with test
- remove air bubbles (partial problem area)
- wipe thigh (Using the mid to lower exterior)
- needle in to leg all the way
- push plunger slowly
- remove needle


Removing the air bubbles seems to be a problem for me with the Test and the Soma.

Injections for the Soma are easy. Pinch and inject.

Guess my problems with the Test injections are:

- air bubbles
- depth of needle going
- sorness after some shots
- asperation

I am working through the shots, but I get nervous at times.
 
RickM said:
Basics behind the Test injections are:

- wipe top of vial
- fill syringe with test
- remove air bubbles (partial problem area)
- wipe thigh (Using the mid to lower exterior)
- needle in to leg all the way
- push plunger slowly
- remove needle


Removing the air bubbles seems to be a problem for me with the Test and the Soma.

Injections for the Soma are easy. Pinch and inject.

Guess my problems with the Test injections are:

- air bubbles
- depth of needle going
- sorness after some shots
- asperation

I am working through the shots, but I get nervous at times.
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I would definately put "asperate" between "needle in to leg all the way" and "push plunger slowly".
 
smitty4 said:
I would definately put "asperate" between "needle in to leg all the way" and "push plunger slowly".
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I swear I had it there, but I must have deleted that part when I was editing before posting.

I dont feel like I am in control when I asperate. I have the needle all the way in, hold on to the syringe, and pull back a little on the plunger. No blood = time to inject

Personally, I dont mind the sc injections. Those are easy.
 
Guess it's time to start packing for my mini trip to the doc. Flying out tomorrow night and back to Florida on Friday.

Diet was off the past 24 hours. Glad to be partially back on it tonight.

Increased some weights at the gym today. Was getting up to 12 reps, and had to move up.
 
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