MY ONE YEAR UPDATE:
My first post on TForums was 11/8/17. It has been one year since I started documenting my road to (hopeful) recovery and improvement.
Since that first post …
I have gained 21 pounds, not intentionally, but not flab either. I had a short term feeling of being “bloated” but that went away immediately.
I sleep well now in total contrast! I didn’t realize just how good I am sleeping until I was traveling again and STILL sleeping good. That is something I hope will never change. Now if I could only sleep ALL NIGHT without waking up!
I still cry during emotional tv. Damnit.
I don’t fart for 20-30 seconds every morning anymore. My wife is happy. I assume that is from the Probiotic.
I chose BioTE testosterone pellet insertion. Contrary to other poster’s opinions, it was NOT a mistake. It takes a while to determine the dose and longevity of the insertion, and I had one month of feeling like shit on pellets because of a substantial drop before my boost. Monthly blood work allowed me and the doctor to determine how much T I needed and how often. You do not need to crash every cycle like some people write - provided you have a doctor that understands and will work with you. YES, you CAN optimize dosage, don’t be fooled.
Contrary to other posts, pellets ARE the best solution for me. No needles, injections, getting all of this crap through customs in multiple countries. And I hate injections and I know I would not do it forever. AND … I have had less side effects.
Testosterone DID NOT and DOES NOT reduce SHBG in MY circumstance. I needed something else to reduce SHBG because no amount of T was going to do it, regardless of whether it was a pellet in my ass or a needle stuck in me.
I hit 2.64% on the Free T count. Something I was told wasn’t possible on pellets.
I had high cortisone and cortisol. Both have now been reduced.
I feel better about life; the world is in color, vibrant and brighter than it was during my first post one year ago. I am not so tired as before. It has only been six weeks that I have felt this way.
I feel so much more balanced than before.
My hematocrit climbed over 50 a few times and I had “blood let” last week to appease my doctor.
And now ERECTIONS … I still need chemical help (ie: viagra) to go from a banana in its peeling to a cucumber. However, I do see more of that banana in its peeling that I have in years.
Erections still aren’t where I want, but progress has been made and I’m not sure how much better I am going to get.
I still take a ridiculous amount of supplements, and will continue to do so. My wife won’t watch me swallow them because it makes her sick to think of the number of capsules I am swallowing.
Every three months, my ass is sore for a week. And if you rub my ass, you can feel bumps were T pellets are located. (That was a statement, not an offer.) LOL
Costs:
BioTe pellet insertions are averaging $230-$250 per month based on the three months I am getting out of the pellets.
Danazol is approximately $86 per month.
Supplements/vitamins are probably about $200 per month including shakes, but I don’t actually add their cost.
I am NOT a bodybuilder or a trainer or a serious weight-lifter of any kind. I am an average guy pre-disposed to suffer with insane levels of SHBG.
I do not plan to quit posting, and if there are any updates, I will be sure to include them in this journal of my journey.
Thanks to those of you who have kept up and offered opinions along the way.