Temporarily off testosterone

[Fish]

I had blood tests for my urologist who is handling my testosterone repalcement and my liver enzymes (AST & ALT) are somewhat elevated. There seem to be a number of people with this issue lately. But, the urologist won't refill my testosterone and refered me to an endocrinologist. Unfortunately, I can't get an appointment until September. I am hoping that the liver enzymes were elevated due to my use of acetaminophen/codeine, which I take for severe sciatic nerve pain from a herniated disk. My other doctor switched me to plain codeine, to eliminate any problems from the acetaminophen. So, I guess I just have to ride out the next few weeks without testosterone and hope its not too bad

[amorgan74]

How elevated is elevated??? Wesley's onco said his would more than likely always be in the above normal range when he was on his HRT but does the doctor understand what going a few weeks off of this will make you feel like. Do you think pehaps he would make a deal and say cut the dose in half? That just seems like a pot shot there to completely take you off unless those enzymes are through the roof. Hang in the fish, I know it's seems like if it isn't one thing then it's another. April

[Fish]

The one was about 2x the upper limit of normal the other about 3.5x the upper limit. So by my research, that's not horrible. Also, the liver did not feel tender or enlarged when palpated. But the doc absolutely would not budge on the hormone -- even though he agreed the daily acetaminophen could be the cause. I know he just wants to cover his butt. I'm already having hot flashes

The bad thing is that I have to travel to a conference in Calgary -- leaving Tuesday for 12 days. So, my poor wife will have to deal with me.

You're right, it's always something.

[amorgan74]

I'll be thinking of both of you, I was the one who finally insisted on my husband's HRT after not being able to put up with the way he felt and acted. I very nearly had to drag him into the office to get this checked so I know as a wife we are the first to notice that change. I hope this gets worked out for you soon. April

[MRM]

Taking you off the testosterone completely sounds like the wrong move to me. I'm on 2 tubes of Testim daily and my last LFT noted total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin levels were slightly elevated (a few points). The other tests were normal.

The doctor wasn't concerned since all other tests were OK and did not change my dosage.

Are all your numbers elevated?

[Fish]

Only elevation was with AST and ALT, Bilirubin etc were completely normal. I'm convinced most doctors don't understand the problems that lack of testosterone can cause.

[Ras Joe]

Sorry to hear about the hot flashes. I haven't had my first test since being put on HRT (I think I need more T), but I have been getting several hot flashes everyday and they are really bothersome!! One thing after another for some people, huh?

[Fish]

It definitely sounds like you might need a higher dose. When my HRT was going well, I had hot flashes, maybe once or twice a week. Daily is really annoying.

Well, I'm leaving for Calgary today, I hope to be able to check in occasionally from the road.

Take care everyone.

[dadmo]

Hey Fish:
One of my possible vacations next year is to bike between Banff and Jasper. Let me know how you like the area.

[Fish]

Will do. This is my first trip to that area. I hear it's beautiful.

[Mom]

We were in Banff and Lake Louise a year ago. Went as far as the Columbia Ice Fields because the weather in Jasper was crummy. If you want a real treat, stay at the Fairmont on Lake Louise. We were on the 6th floor and left the blinds open. When the sun came up the glaciers were reflected on the Lake. Quite beautiful and unforgetable. Bring polar fleece and mosquito repellant. It sounds inconcruous but the temperature really fluctuates during the day. Sorry about the TRT. Have a great time and be kind to your wife. Not much you can get cranky about when you are there. Dianne

[stitch]

yeah, give us some reports from the road...

if you get the chance. My dad's been almost everywhere in North America and says the most beautiful place is Calgary and the surrounding area. I'm hoping to go there in the winter in 1-2 years for a vacation. Sorry about this new problem in your TRT, but try to enjoy this trip & have some fun. It sounds like you deserve it.

[Ras Joe]

Not much you can get cranky about when you are there. Dianne

But if you do get cranky don't be too hard on yourself! I have been doing some research and you are without something that your body and brain are very used to having. I just had a doctor explain to me today that your body can feel like it is going through actual drug withdrawl when it stops having a hormone--after all if testosterone isn't a drug (made me do some really dumb stuff) what is?? I'll be praying that all goes well for you and your wife.

[Fish]

Quick update from the road

Well we're in Great Falls MT, heading for Calgary today. I've had some issues with internet access.

I'm feeling better than I expected at this point, perhaps because T levels are zip and not fluctuating. Not been too grumpy, I'd say periods of melancholy are the predominate symptom. So my wife can deal better with that.

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes.

If you're wondering why we're not in Calgary yet.... I don't fly. So we took the train to Salt Lake City and are driving from there, spent yesterday in Yellowstone. What a great place!

AS soon as I can resize some pics, I'll upload a couple into the ballroom.

I hope everyone is doing well.

[Fish]

Back Home

Well, we've been back a couple of days, overall a great trip.

Dadmo - I think you'd love the Banff area, we saw a lot of cyclers there, so you'd have plenty of company. Although a bit touristy, the town of Banff was neat and had an old west style saloon - Wild Bill Peyto's (an actual person), which served wild boar burgers. I'm still working on some pictures. The park was great, we got a far as Lake Loiuse, which is beautiful. If we had more time, we would have tried to stay at the chateau on the lake. Mom mentioned that she stayed there and loved it.

I'm still dealing with having no testosterone, Overall, the hot flashes subsided rather quickly. But I'm more tired and very sensitive emotionally. It's very very wierd, I can be listening to the radio while driving and certain music will bring tears to my eyes. I'd say at this point I couldn't risk going to a sad movie without totally losing it.

I'm scheduled for an appointment with the endocrinologist in the 3rd week of Sept. It's unbelievable how booked they are in the Wash/Balt area.

Hoping to get this resolved soon. I've tried to eliminate everything that could elevate liver enzymes and even cut back to just a few glasses of wine a week with dinner