Low testosterone count 2 years after PC sugury

Aww Pete,

Oh my gosh....not to say GREAT but, I can see what some of your T problems are and how they got that way!!!! Eureka, by goerge and all that stuff! You failed to mention your thyroid....yep, thyroid. Boy can we talk about that! I know what's causing your low T in part. In fact, you said it yourself...you can't get the right combination of meds! You and me are gonna talk :>) I'm doing the happy dance right now.

I'll bet you have trouble keeping wieght off, feel exhausted, have dry skin, brittle hair, very poor sleep but could sleep 20 hours a day. I'm guessing you have some night sweats, headaches, crave salt, have puffiness, around the face feet and hands especially, a little memory problem and almost a delayed thinking thing going on. You've already said depression. Am I close on most of this? There are so many hypothyroid signs and syptoms, including hypogonadism! Your posts are starting to paint a picture now.

Now, for levels...TSH, FT3 and 4...what are they? Has your cortisol, SBGH, DHEA, E2 been tested? I got a buck that says you have more than one problem here which is why you aren't getting control with the thyroid meds you're on currently. Which one of the equally useless T4 drugs is the Doc shoving on you? Let me guess, levothyroxin, synthroid? Both useless for "some" patients! Note I say some patients....

I started to post this stuff to you last night wondering what history you have that would drop a 50ish man's level down to 150. Has your pituitary been checked? Since you've made a wrecking ball out of your body, I'm sure you didn't over look head injuries. All this sounds overwhelming but believe me...it just sounds that way. Most of it is blood work. No big deal.

I gotta go for now but some food for thought..you need a really good Endo.
Check out a site called allthingsmale.com in the mean time. He's a D.O. in Lansing MI that deals specifically with male hormones. I think you may find his articles interesting but don't for a moment think he's a great choice as a Doc. Personally...he's a ego stroking pig headed man who spends too much time stroking his own...but he's an intelligent man when it comes to male hormones. Anyway...we're going to get you moving in a good direction. Who knows, you may be able to do a little excersise in the end. Both thyroid and low T causes such muscle and joint discomfort.

Having your prostate cancer cured (knock on wood) is worth dancing about. We gotta get you back on the dance floor!

Swim

Hi Pete!
Out of caring (and curiosity) . . . what was your most recent follow up PSA?? Way to go on the signature information as well.

;o) Linda & Bob

Thanks guys,

My last PSA test was right before I joined this wonderful forum when I found out about my low testosterone. It was 0.15, the same as it's been for over 3 years! Thank God!!

Pete

Hi Swim!

I think this may be the first time I mentioned the firefighter part. Of course I came along late enough to not realize Paul was as well.

We are aware of the higher rates of blood related disorders and cancers. Polycythemia is relatively "common" so that wasn't mentioned; however, having Myelofibrosis along with it may be caused from an outside source. The biopsy there showed a malformed chromosone . . but whether an outside force caused it or he was simply born that way isn't known.

My research suggests exposure to benzene may lead to myelofibrosis and of course back years ago this was present in asbestos and many other chemicals. Still is in varsol today I believe and Bob has had a varsol parts washer in his garage for years. But the doctor says so little is known about the actual myelofibrosis itself.

We are in Canada (Alberta) and the same related illnesses you mention are recognized among firefighters. As a matter of fact, those getting these while still on active duty are being covered by Workers Compensation because of the recognition.

Take care and thanks for asking.
;o) Linda

Please don't appologize,
Any time anything that pops up in any of these theads that can help anyone here is a bonus! It's horrable that our firefighters (heros in my book) are coming down with these ilnesses due to exposure to the crap produced by fires, while saving us and our homes. They should be taken care of.
My opinion!
Pete

How wonderful for you Pete!  I was sitting here this morning reading the forum with my cereal and a smile on my face when I read your hopeful post.  Please keep us posted on how this leg of your journey goes.  Blessings to you!
;o)  Linda

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
;o)

11*13 Dear Pete….   WOW………………………… Too many days have passed and I’m finally back on track!!!! There truly are rainbows…… my friend when we find the sunshine! * I am so happy the clouds are moving away from you!!!!   Swimom truly is our guardian angel …(partial quote from Swimom… >dirty wings and an attitude)   We will take all of her!!!! J   How fortunate we are to have her share her life with us!!   She’s an amazing woman. * Pete this is your very own rainbow and I’m sprinkling it with sunshine * * ////////////////////// //////////////////////////// /////////////// /////////////////////////// * ////////// /////////////////////////// ///// //////////////////////// ///////////////////// ///////////// ///////// ///////////////////// ///////////// ////////// * ////////// *   Thank you so much for your posting on the 27 th .   I did not have a chance to respond until now since leaving on our cruise…..   I knew it was going to be a biggie… so felt comfortable responding to a few before this…..And after seeing the other responses from Swimom, lawink, M.Kat, & Paul… I knew you were in good hands!!!   So ~ I guess you can say….. Sheeeeeeeeeee’s backkkkkkkkkkk   J   and I’m thrilled with all the news that’s taken place while I’ve been away…..   Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us.   This is what it’s all about … Sharing and letting others know what you’ve been through.   The next guy that reads this Thread…. May stop in his tracks and say,.. “This is me!!!!!!! “   So ~ don’t ever criticize yourself for opening up to us.   Okay!!!!! And when you find yourself in one of those …. Quote: moods and not feeling to good about myself today.   Remember….. to Lean On Us…..   I feel strongly that your Thread will truly help guide people in a new direction ~ when they feel they are at the end.    We are blessed to have you on this forum.     Something that keeps jumping to my mind as I read your Thread and your postings to others.    You have so much caring in you ~ it comes through….   Don’t you realize that you’ve just opened a door that hasn’t been opened by expressing your heartfelt feelings with us.   And Swimom nailed it!!!!!!!!!! This deserves a   WOW !!!!!!!   Your appointment today…….. can’t wait to hear all about it.     Take care dear friend…. In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   Partial Quote from Swimom….. dirty wings and an attitude!!! J Taken from a previous posting by Swimom…. On Thread: A Special Hug & Rainbow for Swimom Started by: Bluebird   !@#$%^&*      H U G S  for  Y O U   and that   ”Special person…~    “YOU”   *&^%$#@! (re: previous posting on 11-26 Reel Recovery)

  Whatcha so nervous about? Just tell the guy to warm his hands and make it roses!!!!!

Have a good day Pete

Swim

Pete,

Women already have a lighter view of the "physical examination." God's way of making us pay for Eve's indiscretions...darned food cravings! We always want what we want but have a hard time with how we have to get it don't we?
Ah, the human race. We're such wimps! If only we could be like fish and have a 4 second memory!!!!

Have a g'day,
Swim

Sorry about the stupid fish post yesterday! My mind was racing between working, writing down questions for my new Uro and just plain stressing! Well I saw my new Dr. yesterday pm, and I couldn't beleve the guy actually remembered me from the US TOO meeting where I 1st heard him speak and also the question I asked about low testosterone after R.P. He said, "I had a feeling I would be seeing you!" When he read my path. report from Johns Hopkins and saw my most recent blood test with the 0 PSA & 150 testosterone he said, " If anyone should be cured of PC after 3 1/2 years it should be you!" and after I told him about all my symptoms with tears rolling down my face, he told me "Yes you are a patiant who truly needs T-theropy!" and I cryed more!! I really liked him! I will write more later, I am swamped this AM at work!
Thanls to all!!
Your friend, Pete

Thanks Swim,
I'd never have gotten this far w/ out you! As I stated, I really like the Doc, he spent a lot of time w/ me and answered all my questions. He gave me Testim 1%, a free sample of 10 tubes and a card for a months worth free with $25.00 off for the next 5 months. I don't know how much it is yet w/ my insurance (Blue Shield) but I'll bet it aint cheep?? Have you used this kind? and what is this mixed compound that Paul was talking about? The Doc also gave me some sample of pills to take after dinner to help w/ my hourly trips to the B-room all night. I think I made it through a 3hr stretch last night w/ out going but I'm not sure. More later!!
Your friend, Pete