2 years of low T - looking for solution

[Neon]

I'm going in for my "almost" two year checkup with my oncologist on 6/1/06. Since my left testical was removed 8/4/04, my testosterone levels have been around 180. I'm feeling lousy all the time, tired, I herniated a disk in my back, I can't concentrated, libido is "eh".
The doctor has been really iffy about the testosterone replacement, since he keeps swearing my right testical will magically wake up and start producing more, but I'm feeling worse every month.
I'm going to get insistant with him this time. What should my level be at? I'm about to turn 38. I'm not looking to juggle volkswagons, but I would like to feel better, and did I mention the weight gain I can't seem to slow? I went from 205 to 230 pretty quick, its that pudgy gut weight. Yuck.
Anway, just looking for advice on what my level should be at for a guy my age.
Thanks,
Jeff

[Fish]

Hi Neon:

At 180 with the symptoms you describe, my PERSONAL (not medical) opinion is that you should have testosterone therapy. Try make an appointment with an endocrinologist, this doctor, I think, would be more likely to recognize your need for supplemental hormone treatment. I think 2 years is more than enough time for you other testicle to "wake up" Personally, I don't have much patience with doctors who are not helpful.

You deserve to feel better than you do and if your current doctor can't or won't help -- it's time to find another.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Fish

[MRM]

I'm no expert, but know my own situation. 180 is quite low. Overall, normal testoterone for a man is anywhere from 200-900, I think. The older you are, the lower you'd expect that number to be.

Testosterone production starts to slowly decline around age 30, I think. But at 38 should still be closer to the high end. On only 5g of Testim, my testosterone was low, I think the 200-300 range. I'm 31. The doctor doubled my dose and now its over 700.

My sex drive still isn't what it was before this all happened, but I feel physcially fine and have no night sweats or mood swings.

I'd suggest seeing an endocrinologist.

[amorgan74]

I would definitely insist on starting treatment and if this doctor doesn't want to manage it then find a urologist or endocrinologist that will. Not only do you not feel good, leaving this to be can cause problems with your overall health later down the road. I am probably the least likely to advise a whole lot on this subject but I will tell you from experience the difference I have seen in my husband is like night and day. His attitude and strength changed quite a bit, his entire demeanor is much better since starting Androgel. Good luck, April

[Neon]

Good news, and bad news. I saw my oncologist today, and he did prescribe 5mg Angdrogel which I will start taking tomorrow.
The bad news is my Alpha-Feta is up, its at 6.9 now, which is over the 6.1 which is consifered the top end of the "normal" range for AFP. The HCG was still <2, so its a little confusing. I'm going to post this in another place in the forum, but I will keep you posted with how it goes
So what should I expect the first few weeks? I'm just looking forward to feeling "peppier".
Thanks all!

[huckchef]

It will take a couple of days to get a baseline started. But you should start seeing some improvements soon. from your results of the testosterone test it sounds as though you may need more than 5 but at least try it. I do 7.5 and my levels were at 170 but that was do primarily to the pituitary gland production since i am a double ampute. as far as your AFP did they think another test should be done in case of error in the first. just a thought! I hope it turns out good for you. my thoughts and prayers are with you!
brian

[Neon]

Huckchef - wow, I can't imagine losing both the boys. I guess my remaining teste will continue to produce a little testosterone. It was always smaller than my other one, although last year it gave me a huge scare with I got a large cyst on it. It hurt, and made a big lump. I was SURE it was cancer returning, but all is back to normal (ok, define normal....lol)
I didn't realise what I was missing until yesterday when I slapped on my first dose of Androgel.
I felt "awake" for the first time in 2 years, and aside from the feeling like I've had a tad too much coffee, I feel like I could jump over buildings. My wife didn't complain that night either....hope that wasn't TMI for you, but hey, that IS an important part of life.
Anway, its been great reading that I'm not going through this alone!

[huckchef]

neon, its not all that bad. i could of been alot worst off.
i would just keep an eye on the other "boy" and make sure you do regular exams.
i know they say one will make up for the loss of the other but i don't agree.
I call my androgel..."the all natural penis pump"!!!! (sorry, i hope i didn't offend anyone )
Just stay vigilant about your HRT and i think you will see a big improvement in your daily life! best of luck, brian!