TRT finally

Finally, I found a local urologist who would resume TRT after EBRT. Even after the doctor wrote the prescription it took three weeks to get my insurance to authorize it, but I have now used the gel form for the past four days. I had previously been on the pellets, but then PCa came along and TRT was stopped over a year ago. My T-level dropped to 50! My RO agreed that I could resume TRT after my March follow-up and since then it has been a struggle to find an urologist willing to restart treatment. I found one at, of course, the Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute! Since stopping TRT I have gained 10 pounds and two inches around my waist and I feel run-down and borderline depressed all of the time. My wife says that I am emotionally flat. I am hoping to get back to my normal self, soon! There is hope for us guys who are afflicted incredibly low T even after PCa treatment. I'm not sure I even know what normal is anymore.

Way to go, Bob! I agreed before that with your stats, it should make sense for you to be able to resume TRT. I never thought you would need to do all that legwork to find a uro to work with. I guess I am a bit spoiled, living in the Big City. Lots of docs here who are willing to think in the 21st century, regardless of what they saw in med school.

Things are changing for PCa patients who need TRT. The more of us who are able to successfully deal with it, the more will learn about it and look for local medical support.

True, it is not appropriate for all PCa patients, but for those of us for whom it is, it is a great thing.

Glad you got your T, I just moved to Baltimore a month ago, you gave me name of urologist and pharmacy for trimix, thank you. I’m going to endo in Towson in 2 weeks, hope to continue on TRT to avoid further bone loss and combat depression...

Bob,

For me there were two things I had to overcome when I decided it was time to supplement. The first was convincing my MO to write the scrip and the second was finding a source I could afford without going broke.

My insurance is reluctant to pay for it and, even if I could convince them, the co-pays would have been high. I shopped around and finally found a local compounding pharmacy that would make me a slightly-stronger than usual T cream for a reasonable price. I use my pre-tax flexible spending account to pay cash for it and my annual cost is less than the best discounted price I found for one month's worth of the commercially-packaged drugs (brand name or generics.)

Yes the whole pricing thing for testosterone gel seems odd to me. When I started using it 8 years ago there was only trade name Androgel and it took a congressional act to get it approved. Now there are at least 5 generic versions of it and strangely my insurance company has made it a tier 3 drug, copays sky high whereas it should be cheaper not more expensive . My company has a mail order pharmacy which is extremely cheaper than retail pharmacy so I do that. I guess if I change jobs some day I’ll have to go back to testosterone shots to be able to afford this stuff.

Paxton, Is there anyway to contact you via email or other? I was recently diagnosed with PC. Two of twelve Biopsy's came back positive. One was a low grade 1 and the other other is a low grade 2. PSA was 5.7.
I have been on TRT for three years. I lost my son seven years ago and have been on anti-depression meds to combat that part of my life. Supposedly, some antidepressants can contribute to low T. I am scarred to death of being off my TRT injections. I am super active, 65 yr old, still ride dirt bikes, exercise three times a week, on my feet constantly, getting close to 10,000 steps daily. So I go a lot. Other then losing my son, I like my life. If i don't take TRT, I feel tired, super low energy, depressed, cant sleep, lots of issues. My new urologist, says i will have to stop my TRT. It's like pouring gas on the fire he says!! What do I do? I leaning towards just having my Prostate removed and going on with the consequences. BUT, living without TRT replacement, scares me. I'm not ready to be a couch potato. I would like to contact you regarding your experiences with the Doctor in Boston, DR M.

From all my research, I find that is all OLD SCHOOL research. I have watched many videos and read lots of research that taking TRT replacement with low grade PC is acceptable. I just need to find a Doctor to work with. Fortunately, I am able to travel and cover some of expenses on my own. I do have insurance, but I'm really concerned about my quality of life after having my prostate removed.

I really appreciate any and all help any one can lend towards me, or advice. Thank you in advance

Fountain - As I mentioned in another thread, I've been away. I'm just now getting unpacked, etc., but if the email address you have in your profile is valid, I will email you from my "unlisted" email account. I will put something in the subject line so that you know it is from me.

Bob in Elkridge -may I ask the name of the doctor you found at Hopkins. My husband is considering Testosterone supplementation. Thank you.