Post TX and Testosterone Level (Please Read)

[R Glass]

A while back I had asked a question and Mike S. suggested I get my testosterone level checked. Over the past few months I have been constantly nose diving and felt that I would soon crash and burn.
After doing a brief research on Interferon and Testosterone, I went to the Doctor. After explaining to him what I have been going through he immediately suggested ADs.
I told him about my research and he agreed that I need my Testosterone Level checked. He also said, “he can’t understand why they have no follow up for us post tx. They treat you then lead you to the door and expect us to know how to treat their damage.” THIS FLOORED ME and he gained more of my respect.
My results came in today. He said normal for my age is between 400-500, mine is 165. Please keep in mind I DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM PRIOR TO TX. After doing a little more research I found that long term this can be deadly.
They are doing another test on my pituitary gland and if all checks out they will start treatment next week.

“However, common symptoms also include depression, mental fogginess/fuzziness, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, loss of muscle, increased weight gain, decreased facial hair and a general feeling of not caring about anything.  When you are low on testosterone, you often just don't care about anything - you just "exist".  Pleasure and desire can be greatly decreased greatly affecting your career and your relationships.”

I encourage everyone post tx to read this link.
http://www.peaktestosterone.com/Symptoms.htm

[mikesimon]

I hope you get back to feeling normal soon. Please, keep us updated - if you're so inclined.
Good luck,
Mike

[Willy50]

I'm also happy to bump this thread.

I would also recommend that you use the board search engine.
Search the topic

abbas, HCV

You will find several threads.

Unfortunately, when this guy posted the query on the subject he was also rather heavy handed in his posting (in his defense, he was foreign, very young and very upset with his long term remaining side effects).  Many people felt that he was a spammer, a Lloyd Wright advocate, a fake personality or a crank poster of some sort.  Unfortunately, (or not, depending upon ones viewpoint) many of the threads were deleted, but a few remain.

Sorry to hear that you are still feeling low but I hope that you can get a handle on it.

best,
Willy

[Trish77]

Wow.  This would certainly seem to give some sort of reasoning to the really tough time you've been having rather than thinking it's all in your head.  I think you SHOULD bump this and I agree.  There are probably others having this issue and are completely unaware of it.  

I also agree with your doc's assessment.  The follow up after treatment is abysmal.  Even in my treatment centre where I feel I have a pretty stellar on the ball treatment team for the most part, it was the PCR appointments and that was about it - 4, 12 and 24 weeks and a bonus at 36 weeks because that's when I would have been 6 months EOT if the trial had continued to it's planned end.  I do plan to contact my doc about the ongoing joint and muscle aches however.

Please keep us posted how this goes.  You mention that they will start treatment next week if it's warranted.  Does this mean they can do something for you??  That would be terrific and I hope that gives YOU hope.  

Trish

[R Glass]

I apologize for bumping my on post but I believe this could be effecting a lot more people than just me.

[eureka254]

Sorry to hear you're still going through a difficult time.  Thank you for sharing your experience and research -- hopefully this point will mark a turn of improvement for you.  As the "lookout" for my husband during this almost criminal treatment, I very much appreciate the invaluable info.  Do keep us posted how things go -- best of luck. ~eureka