Wazzup, T-Men and T-Vixens…this is just a lil’ shout out to all of ya to keep ya in the loop, not a cry for help and nothing to do with SBSG, just want ya to keep me in mind. This Friday at 7am I’ll be having a liver biopsy…some scary stuff really. I doubt any of you have had this procedure, but if any of you have or know someone who has, you know that it’s pretty risky business and I’d appreciate any feedback. Basically, for those unfamiliar, the goal is to get a sample of liver tissue using a syringe type needle. The patient must be awake and conscious because one breath at the wrong time and the dayum thing just dices and splices up the insides.
How did Timbo get himself into this sitch? (I'll try to keep it brief) Back in February, I decided that I needed to have my T levels checked and also Cortisol. I had been reading a lot of T-mag and had also been studying Physiology/Anatomy for school and just knew something was wrong in the kitchen. Sure enough, Timbo's T was about as low as a Grandma's--dead or alive...so I luckily got into an endocrinologist rather quickly. Unfortunately, this one was a prick and I didn't like him or his idealogies or methods of treatment from the get-go. He ordered some additional bloodwork to determine the root of the problem. He also ordered an MRI of my pituitary. After those results came back, the blood tests showed elevated liver enzymes. So this doc wouldn't prescribe any T until we got the liver sitch figured out--because of the liver's role in metabolizing hormones.
Next up…more bloodwork, a CT Scan, an ultrasound and a consultation with a liver specialist…by this time, it’s already into May. I’m pretty fed up with the whole deal and just want to get some things figured out, get some answers and get some dayum T! Remember, I’m only 20 years old. At this point, it seems that the biopsy is my only choice…if I want to find out what’s up with the liver and if I want to get some hormone therapy. All the other tests have shown absolutely nothing really. It’s all pretty frustrating and has had a pretty decent effect on me mentally over the months. We’ll see where this takes me and I’ll keep you all posted.
Good news is that I have an appointment with a different endocrinologist in the beginning of July. I’ll have all the test results up to that point and I’m pretty well-versed in the whole scheme of things, so hopefully we’ll get on the ball right there. But first things first this Friday…so if you all don’t mind keeping me in your minds and hearts…and of course hit it extra hard for me on Friday–gonna have to take the day off from the gym, dammit! I’ll keep you guys posted.
Timbo, you know I’m behind you, bro. I’m about 97% recovered from my ass surgery stint and I know how frustrating running back and forth from doctor’s offices and hospitals only to be met with sterility and probing can be. I’m not gonna tell you that it’ll be fun and the procedure probably won’t be one big happy meal, but once its over you cna just reflect on it as one of life’s little nuances. I’m just getting back into my routine now, and every pump 'n grunt will be dedicated to you, bro until I hear that you can handle the iron again. I’m going to the Staley seminar this Sunday, and I’ll do a long ass “Behind The Vines” (because the last one was such an F’n hit) about what went on there. And finally, just before they gas you out or nubm you up to the point where you wouldn’t feel a bj performed by a penthouse pet whose father was a vaccuum, know that I’m keeping you strong in my mind and soul.
"MB Eric verses:
Timbo is in
For them to dissect
but soon he'll be out
with havoc to wreck."
Timbo my man! You know I got your back bro. So keep us in the loop. Hey, you’ve had four weeks to train hard and eat, eat, eat! So use this as a few days to a week off for recovery. Then go back and hit it hard again. And when the docs find out what’s wrong, fill us in! I get freaked out thinking about this biopsy, you are the man for handling it bro! Good luck Timbo!
Best of luck on your biopsy Timbo. I hope nothing serious is wrong. Just a few bits of information to share as well. It is normal for weight training to cause an increase in some of the liver enzymes. You didn’t say how elevated they were though but if everything turns out ok on your biopsy you might want to mention this to your doc and do some research on it. As for the low testosterone levels if everything turns out ok with the doc it could be explained by high emotional stress levels, really low body-fat and overtraining. Let us know how everything turns out
I was going through a minor version of your
situation in that last year I also had elevated
liver enzymes, alcohol and niacin were quickly eliminated which left Hep C, hemochromtosis, and Wilson’s disease.
I was clear of HepC and hemo but my ceruloplasmin (copper carrying protein) was low
which is associated with copper depostion in
various organs including liver and brain so I
went to see a gastroenterologist and my numbers
were exceptionally low but within normal,220,
200 or lower being WD.I think 400 was average.
The elevated enzymes were ephemeral probably
weightlifting.Good luck with the biopsy!
Ill be keeping this in my prayers till your t levels are up there with Ronnie Coleman’s when hes on ;). I feel pretty comfortable with the process you outlined so far but I know you are one smart cookie and a double check by another doc is probably a wise move. I admit that I have been apprehensive about the tests in the past but at the same time Im sort of excited by the prospect of getting your t levels sorted out one way or another and giving you joy with easier progress in the game you love and give so much to. Then its gonna be timbo day everyday you hit the gym.
Timbo, my little brother…good luck!! You do realize however, that once these issues are fixed…I am gonna be RUTHLESS on you to put on some size…so I wouldn’t be in a rush to get fixed up…cause I am waiting at the other end of that tunnel…and I have a big bat in my hand!! Seriously tho…good luck!
Dayum! Thanks for all the positive feedback so far, guys:-) You don’t realize how much it means to me…seriously, the pats on the ass and the kind words keep me ridin’ my high horse…so thanks!
E-Man…what can I say, bro? Thanks for the reassurance…and of course, thanks for keepin’ things in perspective with you beautiful outlook on life:-) I tell ya, bro, you could write about your experiences taking a dump, and I’d be rollin’ and lovin’ it. Lookin’ forward to the report from the vines…and that’s exactly what I want==>the grunts and groans goin’ down on friday for your boy Timbo.
Nate Dogg...you're like a big brutha, my man. I know ya got my back and thanks for reinforcing that fact. You know I'll keep you and the others in the loop.
Kelly…Mista “Fountain of Endless BB Knowledge” rest assured that my activity level and activities have been revealed to the “medical experts” but operating in the small market that I am, I think the opinions and knowledge base is very biased. I may have been best off in a university setting to being with…as for the low T, I have a very good idea that it is my own fault–long story, but unintelligent training, less than inadequate nutrition for prolonged periods of time…not to mention that bodyfat has probably been around 5 or 6 for 2+ years with no change.
Dre...my dogg, I got nuthin' but love for ya, bro. Thanks for the words and advice. You bet that I'm looking forward to being in the normal to high-normal ranges...I thought I got pretty freaky as it was...but Timbo day, everyday sounds like a hella productive P-L-A-N!
dp, Dozer, Mike Kervers, BT and Mike M…thanks for the best wishes…I’ll keep you all posted. Seriously you don’t know how great and reassuring all of this is:-)
Whopper…you can order that up as a double western whopper with extra mayo and extra cheese too, big guy! I didn’t forget ya, your post wasn’t up after that last one…it means a hella lot coming from you too, big guy! Thanks, and feel free to unleash the beast on your lil’ bro (anytime actually), but I’ll be ready, willing and able in no time!
Timbo, I had yellow skin and my liver enzymes were elevated and my doctor proceeded to have me take 6 or 7 blood tests to search for every pathological condition under the sun. Finally, since my doctor found nothing wrong with me, I was sent to a gastroenterologist who made me get a couple more tests. The yellow skin was caused by carotene being concentrated in my very few fat deposits (I was like 5%). Then he said to take two weeks off from all physical activity and see if the liver enzymes were down, meaning it was simply leakage from the muscles (the enzymes come from there too). The other option was a biopsy so I took 2 weeks off and tested fine.
Unfortunately, it does seem like something else is going on with you, with the low T level, but if you have not had the liver enzymes blood tested after a 2 week layoff, I would really recommend this since it may save you from having a big ass needle stuck into your tummy!!! Good luck!
Good luck, LiL’ Bro…you’ll be JUST FINE! I just wanted to say from the heart that if you ever thought you were not a “T-Man”, you’re mistaken. I’ve seen you post things that lifted others up,and/or made The Lion laugh. I’ve also seen you “take it on the chin”,(even from some of the T-Mag Staff!)a time or too. But you’ve ALWAYS (since I’ve been on the site) said “Guess what, you’re right! I’ll do it better the next time” and move on. That’s a “T-Man” in my book; and the main reason why I think in the end you’ll be just fine…
Lion King…my man, you just made your lil’ T-bro’s day…I feel like a million bones! Hope ya just weren’t blowin’ all that out your bootie, tho:-)! And fear not, King o’ the Jungle, I will be aight thru this bad boy and be back with more than ever!
Char-Dawg and Big Bruva...thanks, T-bros! No fear, fellas, no fear...just like the iron game.
Pokemon (is it Peekachu???)...wow! that's some interesting info there, thanks...at this point, though, the procedure's scheduled for friday morning...I've tried getting around it--having bloodwork redone and explored other possibilities--but like I said, these "professionals" are often biased and narrow-minded...so I think my only option is the biopsy...as far as I know, though, I don't think it should keep me away from physical activity for an extended period (maybe a week).
rest assured that my activity level and activities have been revealed to the “medical experts” but operating in the small market that I am, I think the opinions and knowledge base is very biased. I may have been best off in a university setting to being with…as for the low T, I have a very good idea that it is my own fault–long story, but unintelligent training, less than inadequate nutrition for prolonged periods of time…not to mention that bodyfat has probably been around 5 or 6 for 2+ years with no change.