Testosterone Revisited

Some of you older posters may remember me but for the newbee's who don't, I'll give y'all the short story. Shortly after my RP almost 4 years ago I became terrably depressed, tired and my libito went down to zero. After seeing my Uro, my regular doc and a couple of shrinks who all suggested anti depressants, I continued to get worse. Nothing helped me untill I  had my yearly physical last fall. I told my doc things were not getting any better in fact things were getting so bad I was starting to get suicidal thoughts. After 3 years of this life just sucked! My doc on a wim said he was going to test my testosterone. Bingo! My test came back at 150, almost castration leval. Then the bad news, he said he could not prescribe testosterone for me because of my history of PC!! He then told me it would be like throwing gasoline on a fire because PC feeds on testosterone! It was time to start doing some research on the internet and thats when I found this forum, over 3 years after my RP! There was this nice lady how called herself Simom who said she knew exactly what I was going through because her husband Paul had similar problems and the rest is history. She educated this poor sap and told me to keep looking for a Uro who would prescribe me testosterone and although there are not many out there, there are a few. After a bunch of phone calls and e-mails, I finally met a open minded Uro at an US-TOO meeting here in S.E. Florida. After posing the question to him, he said if he had a patiant like me with my numbers and history, he would consider testosterone replacement theropy if I realized it was risky. I called and made an appointment the next day! That was seven months ago and I have been a different person ever since. The reason I'm bringing all this up now is I just got back my first PSA & second testosteron results since I started and would just like to tell everyone that my long awaited PSA test came back at 0.03 and my testosterone at 305. This was the first PSA test I have sweated about in a long time and I couldn't be happier! (the gasoline thing, remember?) I think my testosterone could be a little higher because I don't feel as good as when I had it tested back in January when it came back at 500+ and my doc told me to cut back on the Testim gel I was using as he wanted me to stay around 300. I don't have another appointment for 6 months and am thinking about uping my T a little on my own as I know my doc will not approve. Swim, what do you think? Afterall I'm still at zero after almost 4 years and seven months of TRT and I just thing I should be able to feel a little better than I do right now and know how to get there.

Please if anyone would like to comment or you have any questions, feel free to let them fly!

Your friend,

Pete

PS: I would be a real jerk if I didn't thank all the good people who gave me support and stood by me back when I was in such bad shape. Y'all know who you are! Thanks from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!!

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54 years old, Surgury, Radical Prostatectomy 8/20/03, PSA 6.6, Gleason 3 + 3 = 6, Adenocarcinoma extent (moderate) Stage & Margin:T2NOMX, No Metastases, Organ Confined, bone scan: Neg. Testosterone Theropy since 12/06. I am's what I am and that's all that I am!!! 

 

After my dx in November 06, I seriously considered radiation treatment.  It turns out that I would have been stuck with the testosterone problem.  I doubt anyone would prescribe T therapy after radiation.  So even though I am an old fart, surgery was the right choice for me.

 

So if anyone out there is deciding on their treatment option and has a low testosterone problem they need to consider all the options for T therapy after cancer treatment.

I'm doing great since getting back on T shots about 6 weeks ago. My next PSA is on 7/18 and yes, I will sweat it because of the "gasoline" theory. But we have to make choices. Either I become a vegatable on anti-depressant drugs and die miserable or I get to live a happy, near normal life for a while. I'll chose life every time.

Best to ya my good friend and please keep us posted...

Jim

PS Oh yes, Swim saved my life too. She told me exactly what was wrong with me. Gotta love that gal!!!