New to Group

[Guest guest]

Hi Leah & what was the med the Dr. gave that you feel caused this

problem. I am thinking it was the in the finasteride Hydrochloride family.

This drug is the same thing as Propecia for hair loss am I right. If this is

the drug that lowers DHT the med has shout down his Testis and you guys should

try to get them going again but using Clomid or Hcg. If he goes on TRT

" Testosterone Replacement Therapy " this is for life. You need to find a Dr. that

will work with him or you could ask your GP if he will work with Dr.

Crisler, DO PLLC in Lansing, Michigan 1-517-485-4424. Dr. has helped men

that did this with Steroids. This could be your best bet. I think his fee for

Consultation is $200.

And no his E2 is not to high it is on the edge of being to high. I can tell you

how to get it down and keep it down E-Mail me pmgamer18@....

Phil

Leah <valadez4@...> wrote:Hi,

I am new to the group. I am here for my husband who I hope will take

time to read and learn also. The language here is a whole new world

for us. To make a long story short. My husband was fine in all ways.

Seven months ago he was given a medication used for enlarged

prostate, and or urinary tract problem, only to take for one month.

He went from a man with a normal sex drive, to impotence, lack of

feeling. Now of coarse the depression has set in, frustration, anger

and all that you men speak of here. He has been back and forth to our

GP since, different from the original doctor who prescribed the meds.

He has had several tests run. I have taken the list of tests needed

from the site recently and the my husband will try to get the doctor

to run more specific tests. Looking at the original tests, his

estsradiol level is 35, my understanding from all the posts is this

is way to high. He has many symptoms of Low T, doctor telling him he

is right around 350, he is only 45 years old. The doctor ran a DHEA

sulphate test, coming up with the total over all T. We will ask to

have done a more specific tests. My husband has been taking alot of

natural support supplements, this has helped to some degree. I know

that next appointment our doctor will be trying some T gel, and

running more tests. I will be reading and learning more from your

group, please bare with me is I ask questions that have been asked

often. I don't understand alot of your abbreviations, but I'm getting

it.

Thanks, Leah, and

---------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Re: New to group

Hi Leah,

Was he prescribed finasteride (proscar) and did he take it for only

one month, or a longer time?

Vornan

Hi Vornan,

He was given Flomax. One of the rare side effects is impotence. He didn't

react though like it said he would, that could lead to impotence. He did not get

an erection that lasted long, and was painful. He just slowly no longer woke up

ready to go, or when he tryed it just didn't work the same, and still doesn't.

He did only take his Flomax for one month. The saddest part is the doctor who

prescribed it did not do a digital rectal exam to even check to see if the

prostate was enlarged before prescribing such medication. He gave it to him and

told him it would help his uriantion frequencey, it didn't. When our doctor did

do an exam his prostate was not enlarged, he said it was a bit spongy though,

maybe indicating an infection. My husband then went on Cipro for possible

infection, even though the blood work did not indicate infection. His PSA was

also checked along with the blood work, and it was fine, that was a relief. The

doctor said, that if meds did cause this problem that it should resolve itself,

well here we are going into the seventh month with nothing changing. He has

become easily irratated, this from from a very calm peaceful man. He says he

feels on edge all the time, his mood swings are so unlike him, yet I understand

his frustration at this time. His arthritis is worsening, and he says he feels

like his wrist is going to break. He is a welder most the time at work, this has

all been happening in the last several months. After reading your site, I

understand that alot of this is most likely due to low T.

His appointment is at the end of the month. I hope I can gather enough

information in that time to go prepared to get the help he needs,

Leah

> Hi,

> I am new to the group. I am here for my husband who I hope will

take

> time to read and learn also. The language here is a whole new

world

> for us. To make a long story short. My husband was fine in all

ways.

> Seven months ago he was given a medication used for enlarged

> prostate, and or urinary tract problem, only to take for one

month.

> He went from a man with a normal sex drive, to impotence, lack of

> feeling. Now of coarse the depression has set in, frustration,

anger

> and all that you men speak of here. He has been back and forth to

our

> GP since, different from the original doctor who prescribed the

meds.

> He has had several tests run. I have taken the list of tests

needed

> from the site recently and the my husband will try to get the

doctor

> to run more specific tests. Looking at the original tests, his

> estsradiol level is 35, my understanding from all the posts is

this

> is way to high. He has many symptoms of Low T, doctor telling him

he

> is right around 350, he is only 45 years old. The doctor ran a

DHEA

> sulphate test, coming up with the total over all T. We will ask to

> have done a more specific tests. My husband has been taking alot

of

> natural support supplements, this has helped to some degree. I

know

> that next appointment our doctor will be trying some T gel, and

> running more tests. I will be reading and learning more from your

> group, please bare with me is I ask questions that have been asked

> often. I don't understand alot of your abbreviations, but I'm

getting

> it.

> Thanks, Leah, and

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

> He is a welder most the time at work, this has all been happening in

> the last several months.

You may already know this, but I just heard it on Harvey the

other day:

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en & ned=us & q=manganese+fumes

I'm not sure what the potential for hypogonadism is, I haven't read

the articles in depth.

[Guest guest]

Hello,

Flomax (Tamsulosin hydrochloride) is another medication that is often

prescribed for certain prostate conditions. From HealthSquare.com:

QUOTE: Flomax is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged

prostate--a condition technically known as benign prostatic

hyperplasia or BPH. The walnut-sized prostate gland surrounds the

urethra (the duct that drains the bladder). If the gland becomes

enlarged, it can squeeze the urethra, interfering with the flow of

urine. This can cause difficulty in starting urination, a weak flow of

urine, and the need to urinate urgently or more frequently. Flomax

doesn't shrink the prostate. Instead, it relaxes the muscle around it,

freeing the flow of urine and decreasing urinary symptoms... Side

effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,

inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine

if it is safe for you to continue taking Flomax. More common side

effects may include: Abnormal ejaculation, back pain, chest pain,

cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, infection, nausea, runny nose,

sinus problems, sleepiness, sore throat, weakness - Less common side

effects may include: Decreased sex drive, dental problems, insomnia,

vision problems - Rare side effects may include: Constipation,

fainting, low blood pressure upon standing, painful persistent

erection, palpitations, vertigo, vomiting...

The described symptoms definitely appear to relate to a diagnosis of

hypogonadism. A total Testosterone level of 350 is not abnormally low,

but is definitely in the low normal range. If an individual's previous

norm was, say, 700, then 350 - especially if it dropped to that level

in a short time period - would seem quite low to that individual. (In

my case, my initial reading was around 180 and Testosterone

Replacement Therapy started in July just got it up to 350 last

December... and I am still fighting with my Endocrinologist in

regards to getting it " nudged up some more " ).

Sounds like the original doctor (who prescribed the Flowmax) was

diagnosing " by guess " . Just like with someone then guessing that

maybe it's prostatitis (even though the test results came back

negative for bacteria, right?).... Had same thing, with a GP, an ER

doctor and 2 different Uros all doing the same thing and having to go

thru four separate regimens of antibiotics - all of which did nothing

and all of which had no bacterial counts in the samples taken and

tested).

Yes, need to find a doctor (PCP, Endo, Urologist or whatever) who is

willing to treat the patient (i.e., the symptoms) and not just the

test numbers.

LRS

P.S. Anyone know of a doctor in NE Ohio who deals with Dr. Crisler???

>

> Re: New to group

>

>

> Hi Leah,

>

> Was he prescribed finasteride (proscar) and did he take it for only

> one month, or a longer time?

>

> Vornan

> Hi Vornan,

> He was given Flomax. One of the rare side effects is impotence. He

didn't react though like it said he would, that could lead to

impotence. He did not get an erection that lasted long, and was

painful. He just slowly no longer woke up ready to go, or when he

tryed it just didn't work the same, and still doesn't. He did only

take his Flomax for one month. The saddest part is the doctor who

prescribed it did not do a digital rectal exam to even check to see if

the prostate was enlarged before prescribing such medication. He gave

it to him and told him it would help his uriantion frequencey, it

didn't. When our doctor did do an exam his prostate was not enlarged,

he said it was a bit spongy though, maybe indicating an infection. My

husband then went on Cipro for possible infection, even though the

blood work did not indicate infection. His PSA was also checked along

with the blood work, and it was fine, that was a relief. The doctor

said, that if meds did cause this problem that it should resolve

itself, well here we are going into the seventh month with nothing

changing. He has become easily irratated, this from from a very calm

peaceful man. He says he feels on edge all the time, his mood swings

are so unlike him, yet I understand his frustration at this time. His

arthritis is worsening, and he says he feels like his wrist is going

to break. He is a welder most the time at work, this has all been

happening in the last several months. After reading your site, I

understand that alot of this is most likely due to low T. His

appointment is at the end of the month. I hope I can gather enough

information in that time to go prepared to get the help he needs,

Leah

[Guest guest]

Re: New to group

>

>

> Hi Leah,

>

> Was he prescribed finasteride (proscar) and did he take it for only

> one month, or a longer time?

>

> Vornan

> Hi Vornan,

> He was given Flomax. One of the rare side effects is impotence. He

didn't react though like it said he would, that could lead to

impotence. He did not get an erection that lasted long, and was

painful. He just slowly no longer woke up ready to go, or when he

tryed it just didn't work the same, and still doesn't. He did only

take his Flomax for one month. The saddest part is the doctor who

prescribed it did not do a digital rectal exam to even check to see if

the prostate was enlarged before prescribing such medication. He gave

it to him and told him it would help his uriantion frequencey, it

didn't. When our doctor did do an exam his prostate was not enlarged,

he said it was a bit spongy though, maybe indicating an infection. My

husband then went on Cipro for possible infection, even though the

blood work did not indicate infection. His PSA was also checked along

with the blood work, and it was fine, that was a relief. The doctor

said, that if meds did cause this problem that it should resolve

itself, well here we are going into the seventh month with nothing

changing. He has become easily irratated, this from from a very calm

peaceful man. He says he feels on edge all the time, his mood swings

are so unlike him, yet I understand his frustration at this time. His

arthritis is worsening, and he says he feels like his wrist is going

to break. He is a welder most the time at work, this has all been

happening in the last several months. After reading your site, I

understand that alot of this is most likely due to low T. His

appointment is at the end of the month. I hope I can gather enough

information in that time to go prepared to get the help he needs,

Leah

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Did you ask Dr. if he knows one if not you can go to this link and go to

find a Dr. and start calling and ask if they will work with your Dr. act like he

is your Dr. and you say just moved there or it may be worth it to drive to Mi.

and see him. I think you could do the drive round trip in one day.

http://www.tuneupyourt.com/

At the find a Dr. up in your state.

Phil

lrs1951 <stat1951@...> wrote: Hello,

Flomax (Tamsulosin hydrochloride) is another medication that is often

prescribed for certain prostate conditions. From HealthSquare.com:

QUOTE: Flomax is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged

prostate--a condition technically known as benign prostatic

hyperplasia or BPH. The walnut-sized prostate gland surrounds the

urethra (the duct that drains the bladder). If the gland becomes

enlarged, it can squeeze the urethra, interfering with the flow of

urine. This can cause difficulty in starting urination, a weak flow of

urine, and the need to urinate urgently or more frequently. Flomax

doesn't shrink the prostate. Instead, it relaxes the muscle around it,

freeing the flow of urine and decreasing urinary symptoms... Side

effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,

inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine

if it is safe for you to continue taking Flomax. More common side

effects may include: Abnormal ejaculation, back pain, chest pain,

cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, infection, nausea, runny nose,

sinus problems, sleepiness, sore throat, weakness - Less common side

effects may include: Decreased sex drive, dental problems, insomnia,

vision problems - Rare side effects may include: Constipation,

fainting, low blood pressure upon standing, painful persistent

erection, palpitations, vertigo, vomiting...

The described symptoms definitely appear to relate to a diagnosis of

hypogonadism. A total Testosterone level of 350 is not abnormally low,

but is definitely in the low normal range. If an individual's previous

norm was, say, 700, then 350 - especially if it dropped to that level

in a short time period - would seem quite low to that individual. (In

my case, my initial reading was around 180 and Testosterone

Replacement Therapy started in July just got it up to 350 last

December... and I am still fighting with my Endocrinologist in

regards to getting it " nudged up some more " ).

Sounds like the original doctor (who prescribed the Flowmax) was

diagnosing " by guess " . Just like with someone then guessing that

maybe it's prostatitis (even though the test results came back

negative for bacteria, right?).... Had same thing, with a GP, an ER

doctor and 2 different Uros all doing the same thing and having to go

thru four separate regimens of antibiotics - all of which did nothing

and all of which had no bacterial counts in the samples taken and

tested).

Yes, need to find a doctor (PCP, Endo, Urologist or whatever) who is

willing to treat the patient (i.e., the symptoms) and not just the

test numbers.

LRS

P.S. Anyone know of a doctor in NE Ohio who deals with Dr. Crisler???

>

> Re: New to group

>

>

> Hi Leah,

>

> Was he prescribed finasteride (proscar) and did he take it for only

> one month, or a longer time?

>

> Vornan

> Hi Vornan,

> He was given Flomax. One of the rare side effects is impotence. He

didn't react though like it said he would, that could lead to

impotence. He did not get an erection that lasted long, and was

painful. He just slowly no longer woke up ready to go, or when he

tryed it just didn't work the same, and still doesn't. He did only

take his Flomax for one month. The saddest part is the doctor who

prescribed it did not do a digital rectal exam to even check to see if

the prostate was enlarged before prescribing such medication. He gave

it to him and told him it would help his uriantion frequencey, it

didn't. When our doctor did do an exam his prostate was not enlarged,

he said it was a bit spongy though, maybe indicating an infection. My

husband then went on Cipro for possible infection, even though the

blood work did not indicate infection. His PSA was also checked along

with the blood work, and it was fine, that was a relief. The doctor

said, that if meds did cause this problem that it should resolve

itself, well here we are going into the seventh month with nothing

changing. He has become easily irratated, this from from a very calm

peaceful man. He says he feels on edge all the time, his mood swings

are so unlike him, yet I understand his frustration at this time. His

arthritis is worsening, and he says he feels like his wrist is going

to break. He is a welder most the time at work, this has all been

happening in the last several months. After reading your site, I

understand that alot of this is most likely due to low T. His

appointment is at the end of the month. I hope I can gather enough

information in that time to go prepared to get the help he needs,

Leah

---------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Leah you can look at this link from the AACE Guildelines and print a copy for

your Dr. and see if you can't get him to test and treat your husband. In the 21

yrs. that I have had Low T I have been to a lot of Dr.'s and wasted a lot of

money. So I asked my Dr. if he could look into testing and treating me and the

next time I seen him he knew all he needed to start. Together we have come a

long way and today he treats a lot of men for low T.

It is dam hard to find a good Dr.

http://www.aace.com/clin/guidelines/hypogonadism.pdf

The more you and your husband learn about this the better he will be off when it

comes to getting treatment.

Phil

Valadez <valadez4@...> wrote:

Re: New to group

>

>

> Hi Leah,

>

> Was he prescribed finasteride (proscar) and did he take it for only

> one month, or a longer time?

>

> Vornan

> Hi Vornan,

> He was given Flomax. One of the rare side effects is impotence. He

didn't react though like it said he would, that could lead to

impotence. He did not get an erection that lasted long, and was

painful. He just slowly no longer woke up ready to go, or when he

tryed it just didn't work the same, and still doesn't. He did only

take his Flomax for one month. The saddest part is the doctor who

prescribed it did not do a digital rectal exam to even check to see if

the prostate was enlarged before prescribing such medication. He gave

it to him and told him it would help his uriantion frequencey, it

didn't. When our doctor did do an exam his prostate was not enlarged,

he said it was a bit spongy though, maybe indicating an infection. My

husband then went on Cipro for possible infection, even though the

blood work did not indicate infection. His PSA was also checked along

with the blood work, and it was fine, that was a relief. The doctor

said, that if meds did cause this problem that it should resolve

itself, well here we are going into the seventh month with nothing

changing. He has become easily irratated, this from from a very calm

peaceful man. He says he feels on edge all the time, his mood swings

are so unlike him, yet I understand his frustration at this time. His

arthritis is worsening, and he says he feels like his wrist is going

to break. He is a welder most the time at work, this has all been

happening in the last several months. After reading your site, I

understand that alot of this is most likely due to low T. His

appointment is at the end of the month. I hope I can gather enough

information in that time to go prepared to get the help he needs,

Leah

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/21/2005 8:01:45 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

ut198@... writes:

and have been referred to an orthopedist (spelling?)The radiologist

labeled what he saw as spondilytes ?

....its called spondylitis, and your rheumy should know about it!

It's what happens when the PA starts to affect the spine. There is a

separate but affiliated disease called ankylosing spondylitis, where the joints

in

the spine can fuse. Sounds like you do need a second opinion. Spinal

involvement with PA sometimes makes the treatment plan different.

If you want to learn more, the NORD (national organization of rare

disorders) has a pamphlet on spondylitis that's pretty good...

[Guest guest]

welcome, Sabra!

You have really been through it in the last few years. You are

obviously a fighter which is good for this disease.

Centocor provides patient assistance for recmicade to qualifying

patients and from the sounds of it you would surely qualify. Here is

a website which has a phone number and other information about how to

apply for the assistance. I liked remicade too.

keep fighting to find a way to get a biologic back into your

treatment schedule.

http://www.centocoraccessone.com/

best of luck and glad you found us,

marti

> I am 42, and have suffered from PA for the past 7 years or so. It

> showed up right after I had surgery for carpal tunnel. It literally

> hit me in the middle of the night, and was months being diagnosed

> until one of the dr's thought to do a SED rate... whatever that is.

I

> am/was an avid cross-stitcher, and with the first round, I didn't

have

> enough dexterity to hold a needle. I didn't stitch for 2 years while

> they tried various medications (found out I was allergic to

plaquenil)

> to get it under control. I finally had to quit work as a pet store

> manager when the pain in my foot got so bad that I couldn't do my

job.

> Fast-forward to Remicade. It was the only thing that really worked,

> and it worked WONDERS! I had my first infusion on Friday, and on

> Saturday I had wrinkles in my knuckles again! I was pain free for 5

> years... till my husband and I divorced, and I no longer had his

> insurance to pay for the infusions. All this happened around the

same

> time that I had a knee replacement, my grandmother died, my " good "

> knee was injured and I couldn't work, I lost my farm, my animals, my

> kids, and my well-being. I'm now in a small house in the city with

the

> one remaining dog (my 28 year old horse died in her sleep recently,

> I'd had her longer than my kids), no car, no money, tons of bills,

and

> I HURT! I'm trying to get on Medicaid and disability, but we all

know

> the wheels of government turn slowly. All of the toes in my right

foot

> are involved, and I no longer have a shoe that fits. I stole my

son's

> sandals. I also have the center toe in my left foot, and two fingers

> in my right hand again, making stitching dificult, but so far,

> possible. Days and nights are spent looking for a comfortable

position

> and wondering when something else is going to hurt. I'm in

counseling,

> but every day seems like it's just one torture chamber after

another.

> I WANT to go back to work (with animals), I WANT to have a good

> relationship with people (where I don't spend all my time

> complaining), and I WANT this to GO AWAY! Thanks for letting me

dump.

>

> Sabra

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/30/05 1:15:20 PM GMT Daylight Time,

flecksable_flyer@... writes:

I am 42, and have suffered from PA for the past 7 years or so. It

showed up right after I had surgery for carpal tunnel.

Hi Sabra,

Welcome to the group. I'm sorry that you have had such a terrible time of

it, during the past few years especially. With all that stuff happening at the

same time, you had to be odds on for a flare and having the medication that

was really helping you taken away must have been a nightmare for you.

I hope you can get the Medicaid and your disability through as quickly as

possible.

You have joined a group, most of whom can understand what you are going

through at least on the PA side of things.

Keep posting if you can and let us know how things are going for you.

Take care,

[Guest guest]

Krista,

That is a good question you asked. Why have you had 2 joint fusions...Did you

begin to have severe pain? swelling? immobility? I am curious because I notice

my hands are worse and so are my feet. I have been on enbrel for several months

now and it seems to have fizzled out. If i use my hands alot the pain gets

impossible to cope with at times...It is not just in my finger joints though it

is also in my hands as a whole.

Vickey

Krista Wolf <kristawolf@...> wrote:

Hello all,

I'm new to the group and new to PA. I'm Krista and was just diagnosed a week

ago. I'm 35 years old and have already had 2 joint fusions. One in my left

little finger and the most recent (9 weeks) is my left thumb. For some reason I

don't have much of the Psoriasis part. Just dry skin patches on my knees and

elbows. I saw a dermatologist and they couldn't diagnose Proriasis. Most of my

symptoms are joint pain related. But, due to the pathology of my joint tissue

and other joint symptoms, my Rheumatologist beleives it's what I have.

So, I started on Plaquenil. So far, I'm having a few GI side effects that I

hope will go away soon!

Other than that, I'm just hear to learn about PA and see what I can do to

prevent other joint fusions. Funny how most of the stuff I read about PA says

surgery is not common. So, why have I had 2??

Krista

[Guest guest]

Vickey,

Yes, I had severe joint pain in my fingers. I tried everything else before I

opted for surgery. When my surgeon went in, the said I had severe joint damage.

75% of my joint cartilage was gone and the rest looked bad. He said nothing but

fusion would have fixed the pain.

Krista

Re: [ ] New to Group

Krista,

That is a good question you asked. Why have you had 2 joint fusions...Did you

begin to have severe pain? swelling? immobility? I am curious because I notice

my hands are worse and so are my feet. I have been on enbrel for several months

now and it seems to have fizzled out. If i use my hands alot the pain gets

impossible to cope with at times...It is not just in my finger joints though it

is also in my hands as a whole.

Vickey

[Guest guest]

Trisha,

When were you diagnosed? I found the enbrel worked on the very first

injection but I know that doesnt' happen for everyone. I have had

weight lost with being on it due to increased activity level. I have

had I was diagnosed at the age of 21 however I had psorasis since

about the age of 11 or 12 and the pain of arthritis since about 16

so we don't really know how long I have had it but know it's been a

while. I am now 27. Good luck with the Enbrel I hope it works for

you.

Keli

> Hey eveyone,

>

> I am new to the group and I have a few questions. I have been

taking

> MTX 20mg for the past 4 mos. without any improvment and I have

since

> stopped. Now, as soon as my drug co. approves it, I will start

> Enbrel. I am looking forward to feeling better! How soon does it

> start to work for most people? Does it make you gain weight or

loose

> weight due to increased activitiy?

>

> I have been reading your comments on Avandia and P and PsA- Is

there a

> link between insulin resistance and those conditions- very

interesting.

>

> Has anyone had PsA from a young age? I am 23 and I would just like

to

> know how quickly the disease progresses for most people and what

type

> of lifestyle adjustments people have had to make.

>

> Thanks,

> Trisha from NC

[Guest guest]

First shot is the worst. About 2-4 hours after shot

you may get flu symptoms. Over time their are many

sides. Most involving dehydration. Drink LOTS of

water. I can't stress that enough. I think the rule is

1 ounce per 2lbs every day. Or if you weigh 150 lbs.,

you need 75 ounces a day.My worst sides were severe

headaches and fatigue.

This is a great group. I'm sorry you have this

disease but welcome to the group. We will be with you

throughout and anytime you need advice or just some

place to go where people understand, this is the

place.

--- Debbie <debezza1@...> wrote:

> hi all..was diagnosised w/ hep c 4+ years

> ago..genotype A.. I am going

> to be starting tx mon 10/24 1 shot and 6 pill..I

> have a low viral

> count of 400,000+.. must have had it for 13 +

> years..what have people

> expierenced on medication..effects..sorry the

> medication are 1200mg of

> ribavin 200mg (each pill) and 1 shot a week of

> redipen..thanks for any

> feedback..ps I started taking celexa 10mg about a

> month ago to counter

> act depression..Debbie

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________

Start your day with - Make it your home page!

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/14/05 1:33:23 AM GMT Daylight Time,

kristawolf@... writes:

I'm new to the group and new to PA. I'm Krista and was just diagnosed a

week ago. I'm 35 years old and have already had 2 joint fusions.

Hi Krista,

Welcome to the group. Only five weeks late in welcoming you. I'm getting

better. lol I'm glad you found us but sorry that you are in the position that

you had to. I have not had any surgery but my little finger on the right hand

and the finger next to the pinkie on the left hand are both shot.

I hope you have settled in ok in the five weeks or so since you sent this

mail. You should, they are an easy crowd to get on with. lol

Take care,

[Guest guest]

thanksSharon Zeis <szeis_1@...> wrote:

First shot is the worst. About 2-4 hours after shotyou may get flu symptoms. Over time their are manysides. Most involving dehydration. Drink LOTS ofwater. I can't stress that enough. I think the rule is1 ounce per 2lbs every day. Or if you weigh 150 lbs.,you need 75 ounces a day.My worst sides were severeheadaches and fatigue. This is a great group. I'm sorry you have thisdisease but welcome to the group. We will be with youthroughout and anytime you need advice or just someplace to go where people understand, this is theplace.--- Debbie <debezza1@...> wrote:> hi all..was diagnosised w/ hep c 4+ years> ago..genotype A.. I am going > to be starting tx mon 10/24 1 shot and 6 pill..I> have a low viral > count of 400,000+.. must have had it for 13 +>

years..what have people > expierenced on medication..effects..sorry the> medication are 1200mg of > ribavin 200mg (each pill) and 1 shot a week of> redipen..thanks for any > feedback..ps I started taking celexa 10mg about a> month ago to counter > act depression..Debbie> > > > > __________________________________ Start your day with - Make it your home page! http://www./r/hs

FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Check out polymva.com. It works on late stage cancers. Chech on

funding at:http://www.beating-cancer-gently.com/cancer-treatment.html.

in 21st May's newsletter last year I think.

Detox in a bath with celtic salt or Miracle ll soap (from E-bay)3x's

in a row to start and then 1 or2's/week.

Use Miracle ll as a compress.

Get a Silver Pulser lite for sotainstruments.com and use it 1

hr./2x's/day and drink Col. silver 2oz's/2x's/day.

See if anyone has a Vibe machine near you. Call the company for this

at vibemachine.com. Sessions are less than 4 minutes and are really

effective.

Vegetable juicing-carrot, beet and celery plus ginger root-

8-12oz's/3x's/day.

Essiac or jason winters tea from the Health food store.

Body is too acidic-detox and use veg. juices and akaline soups.

Lots of prayer and laying on of hands.

And lots of fresh water-see:http://www.watercure2.org/

Check out mercola.com and

http://www.beating-cancer-gently.com/cancer-treatment.html

Have her send me an E-mail request and I can send her my paper on

making a computer into a frequency generator.

Namaste,

In , Dorothy <dmcd18@...> wrote:

>

>

> Hi

> My name is Dorothy and I am here because my 43 year old

grand'daughter has breast cancer. We are all shocked as she is a

health food eating vegetarian, who has never drank or smoked. Anyway,

she has had chemo in the past and no longer wants it. She is stage IV,

and has lung mets. Can anyone suggest what else she can do?

> thank you

> worried grand'ma

>

[Guest guest]

>

> I am new to this group. I wanted to know if anyone has found TRT

> helped them to lose weight.

--------------------------------------

Welcome to the group! Has the clomid raised your testosterone

level to the middle acceptable range on your latest blood work? If

not, forget the clomid and talk to your doctor about injections.

To answer your question, raising your testosterone level to " normal "

should definately improve your overall sense of well being and sex

drive. Because you will feel better and stronger, you may well be

more inclined to work out more. I tried the same Body for Life

program and I gained a quick 10 pounds eating six times a day. It

did not work for me. I eat a decent meal twice a day and cut out all

fats and sugar, no Starbucks stuff, no deserts, no sodas, ect.

Bottom line, if you want to lose weight you eat protein and vegies,

no fruits (sugar). We are animals, and animals eat only when they

are hungry.

I could be all wrong, not the first time, but cutting back on food

(calories) made me lose 30 pounds, and I feel a whole lot better.

best wishes

Norton

[Guest guest]

Hi Arya and Welcome.

You can go to the links and files section here at the home page and find all

kinds of links to info. I will give you 2 that are my best. Doing Clomid is

not a good long term T med you can have sides like Eye problems some get

flouters. If his happens stop the med. The best thing you need to do before

going on T meds. like testosterone is to be sure all the test were done to find

out why you are low. The test you need are at www.allthingsmale.com Read TRT: A

Recipe for Success and His HCG Update. A lot of things can cause low T over

training, liver, Adrenal problems, Thyroid and Stress.

One needs to have all the tests first going on T meds makes it dam hard later

to find out what is causing this.

http://www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/hypogonadism.pdf

http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcls-txt/t-prtcl-130.html

From what you say on how you feel you need after all testing. If you go on

TRT to get your levels up into the upper 1/3 of your labs range for a young man

for both Total and Free T and to have your Estradiol checked and keep it down

between 10 to 30. Listen to your body if you feel fatigued don't work out.

When I first got sick my fatigue was so bad I could not make it to work. So in

the 22 yrs on trt I never felt 100% until I read Dr. 's site allthingsmale.

I printed this out and gave it to my Dr. and told him I need to try this. At

the time I was on Gels and house bound for about 3 yrs. I had joint and muscle

pain so bad I could hardly walk. My back would kill me when I got up to walk.

After posting about his here Norton got back to me saying the gels did the same

thing to him so he went back on shots but every week. So when I got my Dr. to

try Dr. 's treatment I started on 100 mgs a week of Deop T shots in 3 weeks

my pain was so much better I was out

walking. In 3 months I started adding HCG and felt so good I went to the gym

and started working out on 16 machines. And went to Weight Watches to lose

weight. In 8 months I was down over 65 lbs. The muscle came back on me and I

am 62 I felt like I was 20 again. The same of it is this last winter I got sick

with Bronchitis and could not kick it was dam sick for over 3 months today I

have trouble breathing but getting better. I am out walking again and hope to

get back to the gym. So first you need to get your levels up start feeling good

again and this try to lose weight and work out. Over doing with low T levels is

enough stress let alone you adding to it.

Phil

aryaone2002 <aryaone2002@...> wrote:

I am new to this group. I wanted to know if anyone has found TRT

helped them to lose weight. This is the problem: I am only about 5'5 "

and I weigh about 185lbs. About 3 years ago, I started lifting

weights daily to help myself lose weight and get in better shape. I

lifted weights 3 times a week and did cardiovascular work three times

a week. Basically, I followed the program in the book Body for Life.

However, I did not feel that my gains were sufficient --- even though

I was eating 6 x a day, eating small meals, and eating vegetables, I

did not lose much weight.

About 6 weeks ago, I saw a physician at Northwestern University

Hospital's urology clinic who told me that I had low testorone and

that I would benefit from TRT. I have begun taking Clomid, and I am

still having the dosage adjusted. I told the doctor that, among

other things, I hoped that the medication would help me to 1) regain

my sex drive; 2) lose weight; 3) just subjectively feel better. I am

only 37-years old, but many days, I feel like an old man.

The doctor told me that these were realistic goals, but that I should

be patient until the correct dosage of Clomid was found.

I wondered if anyone else in this group had input about my goals.

Also, is there a good primer on this subject --- whether a book or

article on the web --- so that I can familiarize myself with what

hypogonadism and TRT are?

Thanks,

Arya

[Guest guest]

Hey Arya - welcome to the group. I think the answer to all your questions is

YES. If you are low on T it produces all of the symptoms you have listed.

Increasing the T will reverse them but some take time and some take some fine

tuning. You didn't mention how long you have felt this way but if you sustained

damage from the low T like bone loss or cardiac issues, it may take a while for

them to come back. For me it came back in this order ( energy, mood, weight

loss, fat to muscle conversion, strength, libido). We are all different so you

will just have to experiment with the different options till you find what works

best for you. Clomid is usually used as a test to see if you can still produce

enough T. Long term treatment usually envolves a skin application (gel or creme)

or injections. I prefer the injections. I do 60-80 mg every 7 days and take

arimidex 0.25 mg every 14 days to control estradiol. If you spike your T too

high, your body counter acts this by using an

enzyme aromatase to convert the T to estrodiol (E2) which if high will cause

you similar issues as low T. Its a real balancing act and takes time to tweak it

but it is well worth it.

Arkansas

aryaone2002 <aryaone2002@...> wrote:

I am new to this group. I wanted to know if anyone has found TRT

helped them to lose weight. This is the problem: I am only about 5'5 "

and I weigh about 185lbs. About 3 years ago, I started lifting

weights daily to help myself lose weight and get in better shape. I

lifted weights 3 times a week and did cardiovascular work three times

a week. Basically, I followed the program in the book Body for Life.

However, I did not feel that my gains were sufficient --- even though

I was eating 6 x a day, eating small meals, and eating vegetables, I

did not lose much weight.

About 6 weeks ago, I saw a physician at Northwestern University

Hospital's urology clinic who told me that I had low testorone and

that I would benefit from TRT. I have begun taking Clomid, and I am

still having the dosage adjusted. I told the doctor that, among

other things, I hoped that the medication would help me to 1) regain

my sex drive; 2) lose weight; 3) just subjectively feel better. I am

only 37-years old, but many days, I feel like an old man.

The doctor told me that these were realistic goals, but that I should

be patient until the correct dosage of Clomid was found.

I wondered if anyone else in this group had input about my goals.

Also, is there a good primer on this subject --- whether a book or

article on the web --- so that I can familiarize myself with what

hypogonadism and TRT are?

Thanks,

Arya

[Guest guest]

Hey welcome to the group. It's a cool group with allot

of experience and knowledge so never feel odd in

emphasizing.

--- philip georgian <pmgamer18@...> wrote:

> Hi Arya and Welcome.

>

> You can go to the links and files section here at

> the home page and find all kinds of links to info.

> I will give you 2 that are my best. Doing Clomid is

> not a good long term T med you can have sides like

> Eye problems some get flouters. If his happens stop

> the med. The best thing you need to do before

> going on T meds. like testosterone is to be sure all

> the test were done to find out why you are low. The

> test you need are at www.allthingsmale.com Read TRT:

> A Recipe for Success and His HCG Update. A lot of

> things can cause low T over training, liver, Adrenal

> problems, Thyroid and Stress.

> One needs to have all the tests first going on T

> meds makes it dam hard later to find out what is

> causing this.

>

>

http://www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/hypogonadism.pdf

>

>

http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcls-txt/t-prtcl-130.html

>

> From what you say on how you feel you need after

> all testing. If you go on TRT to get your levels up

> into the upper 1/3 of your labs range for a young

> man for both Total and Free T and to have your

> Estradiol checked and keep it down between 10 to 30.

> Listen to your body if you feel fatigued don't work

> out. When I first got sick my fatigue was so bad I

> could not make it to work. So in the 22 yrs on trt

> I never felt 100% until I read Dr. 's site

> allthingsmale. I printed this out and gave it to my

> Dr. and told him I need to try this. At the time I

> was on Gels and house bound for about 3 yrs. I had

> joint and muscle pain so bad I could hardly walk.

> My back would kill me when I got up to walk. After

> posting about his here Norton got back to me saying

> the gels did the same thing to him so he went back

> on shots but every week. So when I got my Dr. to

> try Dr. 's treatment I started on 100 mgs a week

> of Deop T shots in 3 weeks my pain was so much

> better I was out

> walking. In 3 months I started adding HCG and felt

> so good I went to the gym and started working out on

> 16 machines. And went to Weight Watches to lose

> weight. In 8 months I was down over 65 lbs. The

> muscle came back on me and I am 62 I felt like I was

> 20 again. The same of it is this last winter I got

> sick with Bronchitis and could not kick it was dam

> sick for over 3 months today I have trouble

> breathing but getting better. I am out walking

> again and hope to get back to the gym. So first you

> need to get your levels up start feeling good again

> and this try to lose weight and work out. Over

> doing with low T levels is enough stress let alone

> you adding to it.

> Phil

>

> aryaone2002 <aryaone2002@...> wrote:

> I am new to this group. I wanted to know if anyone

> has found TRT

> helped them to lose weight. This is the problem: I

> am only about 5'5 "

> and I weigh about 185lbs. About 3 years ago, I

> started lifting

> weights daily to help myself lose weight and get in

> better shape. I

> lifted weights 3 times a week and did cardiovascular

> work three times

> a week. Basically, I followed the program in the

> book Body for Life.

> However, I did not feel that my gains were

> sufficient --- even though

> I was eating 6 x a day, eating small meals, and

> eating vegetables, I

> did not lose much weight.

>

> About 6 weeks ago, I saw a physician at Northwestern

> University

> Hospital's urology clinic who told me that I had low

> testorone and

> that I would benefit from TRT. I have begun taking

> Clomid, and I am

> still having the dosage adjusted. I told the doctor

> that, among

> other things, I hoped that the medication would help

> me to 1) regain

> my sex drive; 2) lose weight; 3) just subjectively

> feel better. I am

> only 37-years old, but many days, I feel like an old

> man.

>

> The doctor told me that these were realistic goals,

> but that I should

> be patient until the correct dosage of Clomid was

> found.

>

> I wondered if anyone else in this group had input

> about my goals.

> Also, is there a good primer on this subject ---

> whether a book or

> article on the web --- so that I can familiarize

> myself with what

> hypogonadism and TRT are?

> Thanks,

> Arya

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Arya,

Good to have you here. You will find a safe home of knowledgeable

men who have the grace and patience for all questions and concerns.

You and I are about the same age (I am 38) and a similar situation.

I responded quite well to Clomid and it certainly put me on a path

to wellness. I found 50 mgs. 3 x week to work best, but we are all

different. I never experienced any sides either.

Jump in the fray any time with questions and needs. We'll be here.

Blessings,

Bill

>

> I am new to this group. I wanted to know if anyone has found TRT

> helped them to lose weight. This is the problem: I am only about

5'5 "

> and I weigh about 185lbs. About 3 years ago, I started lifting

> weights daily to help myself lose weight and get in better shape.

I

> lifted weights 3 times a week and did cardiovascular work three

times

> a week. Basically, I followed the program in the book Body for

Life.

> However, I did not feel that my gains were sufficient --- even

though

> I was eating 6 x a day, eating small meals, and eating vegetables,

I

> did not lose much weight.

>

> About 6 weeks ago, I saw a physician at Northwestern University

> Hospital's urology clinic who told me that I had low testorone and

> that I would benefit from TRT. I have begun taking Clomid, and I

am

> still having the dosage adjusted. I told the doctor that, among

> other things, I hoped that the medication would help me to 1)

regain

> my sex drive; 2) lose weight; 3) just subjectively feel better. I

am

> only 37-years old, but many days, I feel like an old man.

>

> The doctor told me that these were realistic goals, but that I

should

> be patient until the correct dosage of Clomid was found.

>

> I wondered if anyone else in this group had input about my goals.

> Also, is there a good primer on this subject --- whether a book or

> article on the web --- so that I can familiarize myself with what

> hypogonadism and TRT are?

> Thanks,

> Arya

>

[Guest guest]

, welcome to the group. You have found a nice place to educate yourself and

be comforted as well. I am glad that you finally seem to have found physicians

that are treating you properly. I would be fearful of injections into my jaw as

well....would a dentist do it or your rheumatologist? I would think a dentist

might be the way to go if you could find one who would do it for you. I was a

dental assistant in my youth so it makes sense for me to think this...of course

if you have an HMO, there could be issues with that unless you could get a

referral. I am a single mom of a special needs kid. I'm 45 and was diagnosed 3.5

years ago after 23 years of joint pain and periodic psoriasis, TMJ, weird

hospitalizations and eye infections. Now I am taking Plaquinel and Enbrel. I

just started the Enbrel 3 weeks ago. I'm walking better now but it's not the

instant relief some folks get. I'll take it though! I wish you all the best in

your life and treatment and look forward to

getting to know you better through posts. You'll find this to be an amazing and

diverse group of people. We are quite international, multi-cultural, and

eclectic in our interests. You will never be bored and you'll learn much about

your condition...even things you did not think you needed to learn. Nobody pays

me to say this stuff....just so you know. -Betz

Betsy Jack itsbetsy@...

[ ] New to group

Hi--I'm new to the group and wanted to introduce myself. I'm 44 and was finally

diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis this past week after problems with multiple

joints that started with my neck at age 14. My psoriasis is very mild and

misdiagnosed as dermatitis until recently. My joints don't swell much and my ESR

has always been normal, so I had a terrible time finding a rheumatologist who

would treat me for inflammation (or treat me at all as anything but a head

case!). In the last few years, damage to my joints has begun to be visible on

x-rays and I recently had a joint in my right foot fused so I can walk pretty

normally again. Much of my spine is affected and is very stiff. I also have

problems with my hands, wrists, elbows, one shoulder, a hip, SI joints, ankles,

and my jaws. Recently, a new doctor joined the rheumatology department at the

teaching hospital near me and she started me on methotrexate last fall. I'm

hoping it will do some good.

I'm looking forward to meeting people here and would be especially interested in

talking with anyone who has PA in their jaws as this is actually the most

debilitating for me and has landed me in the ER several times. I am to see an

oral surgeon next week and am very nervous about it. The rheumatologist

suggested that I needed cortisone shots in my jaws. I had to go this route for

years with my foot, had the orthopedic surgeon hit the bone several times with

the needle, the pain was incredible, and I had to stay on crutches for a few

days after each shot. I can't imagine this in my face and wondered if anyone

here had gone through it.

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to the group. I had a bilateral TMJ reconstruction and bilat

coronoidectomy back in Dec. In Nov. I saw Dr. Spiera in NYC. He is a very well

respected rheumetologist that specializes in PA and teaches at Mt. Sinai. He

told me that one of his first studies to have been published was on the

relationship between TMJ and PA. It is related and can be helped. I wore a

splint for nearly 2 years and had injections which did eleviate some discomfort

for a little while, though the clicking and popping that my family had gotten so

used to remained. 7 months since the surgery and I have to admit, I was very

nervous about having it, but it has turned out to be one of the best decisions

I've ever made. I am about 95% improved. The pain is so much less. I think

you'll find that a good maxilliofacial surgeon will help you immensely.

Good Luck.

-Lars

Gribko <lsgribko@...> wrote:

Hi--I'm new to the group and wanted to introduce myself. I'm 44 and

was finally diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis this past week after problems

with multiple joints that started with my neck at age 14. My psoriasis is very

mild and misdiagnosed as dermatitis until recently. My joints don't swell much

and my ESR has always been normal, so I had a terrible time finding a

rheumatologist who would treat me for inflammation (or treat me at all as

anything but a head case!). In the last few years, damage to my joints has begun

to be visible on x-rays and I recently had a joint in my right foot fused so I

can walk pretty normally again. Much of my spine is affected and is very stiff.

I also have problems with my hands, wrists, elbows, one shoulder, a hip, SI

joints, ankles, and my jaws. Recently, a new doctor joined the rheumatology

department at the teaching hospital near me and she started me on methotrexate

last fall. I'm hoping it will do some good.

I'm looking forward to meeting people here and would be especially interested in

talking with anyone who has PA in their jaws as this is actually the most

debilitating for me and has landed me in the ER several times. I am to see an

oral surgeon next week and am very nervous about it. The rheumatologist

suggested that I needed cortisone shots in my jaws. I had to go this route for

years with my foot, had the orthopedic surgeon hit the bone several times with

the needle, the pain was incredible, and I had to stay on crutches for a few

days after each shot. I can't imagine this in my face and wondered if anyone

here had gone through it.

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

> I'm looking forward to meeting people here and would

> be especially interested in talking with anyone who

> has PA in their jaws as this is actually the most

> debilitating for me and has landed me in the ER

> several times.

Hi ,

I have PA in my jaw. It's been quite bad for the past

year. I've had two cortisone shots in the right side

of my jaw, but none in the past six months. They are a

temporary help. I had two days last week where I could

completely close my jaw and was relatively pain free.

I was so excited! But yesterday it started getting

worse and I'm in a lot of pain, but here at work

cheerfully (?) answering the phones. I've done the

p.t., other than icing every day and living on soft

foods and the occasional steak in a blender, I've been

told that there's nothing else that can be done. My

primary doctor feels that surgery would only make

things worse.

Just wanted to share my experience, hopefully you'll

find some relief

warm blessings,

jane

__________________________________________________