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Lupron and side effects, what can i do?

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Posted 3/18/2012 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hello yall, Question: what can i do to reduce the effects of Lupron, ?
i am always tired, i have hot flashes, i dont sleep well because of the hot flashes
and i have to get up and pee every two hours,
i am six months out from surgery i had my prostate removed
and i am going in next week for my second lupron shot,
at this point i am thinking i'll take one more shot then i don't want no more
i dont like feeling weird and tired. and gaining weight, no motivation
what can i do to improve this are there any supplements or vitamins
or pills or drinks, andy magic mojo? help me...

thanks
Posted 3/18/2012 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Jack,

You might consider an anti-depressant. It should help cut down on the hot flashes and maybe help your mood. My rad onc always offered to give me an anti-depressant script but I decided to forge ahead without it.

I know it is oft repeated here, but, once again, I strongly encourage a good exercise program while on HT. I think it makes a big difference in managing the HT side effects.

Have you had a discussion with a radiation oncologist on salvage radiation, including the the lymph nodes? I would at least discuss it.

Posted 3/18/2012 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Jack

I just had my 2nd shot last week but other than gaining 3-4 lbs. I've had no side affects. I think Southern Comfort is right. the moment my GP found out I had cancer she prescribed an antidepressent,(Citalopram HBR 20 MG) We don't know for sure but we think it might be the cause of no SA. My wife though is disappointed. She really wanted me to experience hot flashes!

Take care and good luck to you.

Jim and Marie

Posted 3/18/2012 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Jaxum,

Looks like we started Lupron together in December 2011. I will repeat what other have said and verify it with my experience. I have found that exercise is essential for me. If you are able, I highly recommend it. I recently had to skip a few days of exercise due to the weather and started to notice immediately the tiredness that I blame on HT. Healthy diet helps as well, I use the Mediterranean diet, which is easy for me to follow. My hot flashes have been fairly minor, so I attribute this to the diet and exercise.

If HT is causing you sleep loss, you need to talk with your doctor and get relief. I believe the antidepressants like Effexor are used not for their antidepressant qualities, but some curious side benefit for reducing hot flashes. I think there are other options other than antidepressants.

Good luck - Winter
Posted 3/19/2012 2:31 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Jack:

Jack here (aka Skate). I have been off of HT for almost a year. Received my second and last injection of Zoladex in February 2011. Exercise is vital, especially upper body strength building and watch your diet. If you continue with the same diet throughout, even if it is healthy in your opinion, it is not enough. Change your eating pattern with small portions of balanced nutrition five times a day. Get rid of the sugar and wheat products if you can. Chicken / fruits / vegetables. I felt that I ate well prior to HT but gained, at one point, almost 20 pounds and all around my waist. It creeps up slowly. Once you stop HT the effects, for me,  continued as they were with me until my T levels could return to normal. Some here have them return within 6 months of stopping. My T levels are just now at the lower end of the normal scale.  Next blood test in April so we'll see my progress. The weight, in spite of all of the exercise, is just now making a move in the right direction.  I took something mild for sleep and lived with the mild hot flashes I had. I was lucky that way.  I was still very tired but I pushed myself.  You have to do the same. Force yourself to get to the gym.  I am certainly in no rush to go back on the Zoladex so will delay as long as sensible. Tri Mix certainly helped to lift my spirits, but I just started this in January.  Wished I would have started sooner.

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