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Testosterone shot?

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Posted 4/14/2013 6:30 PM (GMT -8)
What personal experiences have you had with testosterone shot? What should we expect?

Michael had his 6 month, undetectable again! Woo hoo. He goes back in may to get t level and talk shots
Posted 4/14/2013 7:17 PM (GMT -8)
They work as desired, T levels rise in a number of days and hold for a couple weeks. I went in every 2-3 weeks, if I recall correctly, while I was on them. I ended up going to testopel, which only needs a single treatment every 6 months, because I was tired of being so familiar with the office. That holds levels steadier (obviously for a longer amount of time). It took awhile to adjust the dosage properly, so they might not get it quite right initially.

Is there any other info about them you were looking for?
Posted 4/14/2013 7:40 PM (GMT -8)
Ive been on androgel for 8 months, had 2 T shots during that time due to insurance denying payment for androgel during that time. I dont know what age your husband is but for me, TRT got rid of my brain fog (I started to remember people's name again), my depression lifted and I didn't hate getting out of the bed every morning, and I went from early osteoporosis bone scan to normal bone scan being on T. As to libido, it helps a little but honestly not that much. Which is ok, my wife has major depression and is really not into sex anymore. Bottom line, I do feel better on T than without it and will continue to use it unless my 0 psa starts to rise.
Posted 4/15/2013 8:56 AM (GMT -8)
No question other than the one you answered. Michael does not apply the gel as directed or expected to see any positive impact, so he thought if he got a shot it would take the control away from him and he would have no choice. The Dr talked to him about the fact that he gets his his shot and then has a bit of a rush for the first couple of days and then as the month goes on it wears off so by the end of the month he would be back to the low level he started with. This seems a bit counter-productive to me but is there any negatives to it?
Posted 4/15/2013 9:57 AM (GMT -8)
I almost went to shots... As I recall, I'd go every 2 to 3 weeks (probably weaker dose) and that when we got the does down, I'd be able to give myself the shots.

Too bad you can't get hubby to-> Shower - Shave - Apply Gel every morning. It shouldn't be that hard to do.
Posted 4/15/2013 2:48 PM (GMT -8)
He is currently working nights. He was showering at 7 PM, applying the gel and then going to work. His issue is that when he goes to shower the gel is sticky and yuck, and he is afraid that even 24 hours later if I put my head on his chest, I will end up having transfer of Testosterone. He doesnt want that. At least that is his reasoning and how he explained it to his DR.
Posted 4/15/2013 6:48 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Susan,

Paul gives himself a lower dose injection once a week. I did them for him the first couple of times but he learned pretty quickly how to manage them himself. Quick and painless. No muss, no fuss. The only requirement is that he see's the Doc routinely for bloodwork. 

Swim

Posted 4/16/2013 4:16 AM (GMT -8)
Question to MSPT98

How do you apply your androgel?   I have been on androgel under the arm gel for two weeks and I feel nothing yet.  NO increase in libido or no change in energy level.  I am thinking that maybe this under arm stuff is not getting into my system.  How long does it take before you saw changes?

Posted 4/16/2013 6:43 AM (GMT -8)
NY-Sooner - unless something has change recently, I'm rather certain you are NOT to apply it to your underarms.... From their web site:

"AndroGel 1.62% is to be applied to the area of the shoulders and upper arms that will be covered by a short-sleeve T-shirt. Do not apply AndroGel 1.62% to any other parts of your body, such as your stomach area (abdomen), penis, or scrotum."
Posted 4/16/2013 1:06 PM (GMT -8)
When I see the advertisements for Androgel and other testosterone, they explicitly say NOT to use the product if you have a history of PCa.   Am I missing something here?

Rick

Posted 4/16/2013 1:22 PM (GMT -8)
RickyD,

It means that the manufacturers are unwilling to go to the expense to see under what circumstances it can safely be used. For years it was the assumption that giving T to men who might have prostate cancer was like "putting gasoline on the fire". Recent research has suggested, somewhat surprisingly, that this isn't always the case, and that men who were successfully treated and had undetectable PSA levels for several years could use it safely. But there are still lots of doctors who hold to that negative belief and they would pose a litigation hazard to the drug manufacturer. So, they list prostate cancer as a contraindication so that any use by prostate cancer survivors will be off-label use (for which they cannot, generally, be sued.)
Posted 4/16/2013 1:30 PM (GMT -8)
Androgen is to be applied to your upper arms and back, not armpit. It took about 1 month to get rid of my brain fog and lessen my depression. I can't say my libidio is a whole lot better but I definitely have more energy.

All T products say not to use with a history of prostate ca because it used to be thought it caused prostate ca to come back. The new thinking is that in somebody with Gleason 6 post surgery with at least a couple years of 0 psas it's safe to use. Hope they're right!
Posted 4/16/2013 4:03 PM (GMT -8)
That would be a tough decision to use a testosterone supplement with a history of PCa given these conflicting positions. Thanks for clarifying.
Rick
Posted 4/16/2013 6:28 PM (GMT -8)
Axiron - the only underarm low T treatment.  Been on it for 3.5 weeks. I will have my T level checked in a few days.  I feel much better, more energy and more strength.
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