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Author Topic: Fatigue and Testosterone  (Read 20294 times)

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Offline jordan

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Fatigue and Testosterone
« on: July 20, 2006, 08:27:37 pm »

I went to visit my PCP (primary care physician) today and asked him to test for my testosterone level.  Ever since starting my HAART regimen I feel exhausted and fatigued.

I'm still going to work everyday and do most of things I used to do, but I don't have the energy or motivation that I used to have.

I was reading on POZ.com on fatigue and they recommend checking testosterone.

My question is....does anyone else currently have low testosterone and what is prescribed to you and does it help you?

I get enough rest and eat impeccably.
« Last Edit: May 08, 2019, 08:08:35 am by iana5252 »
If you think your lonely now, wait until tonight.

Offline Dachshund

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2006, 08:50:15 pm »
Jordan,

What meds are you currently taking?

Offline jordan

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2006, 08:58:46 pm »


I'm currently on Sustiva and Truvada.

Also, when I went in for my labs a few weeks ago, the infectious disease doctor ran a plethora of other tests including:


  • Cholesterol
  • Hepatits A,B, & C



However, no testosterone test was given (why did they omit such a test)

I inadvertantly forgot to mention my fatigue when I was there and have vowed since then to write down any question(s) have and bring it with me. 

If you think your lonely now, wait until tonight.

Offline Dachshund

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2006, 09:59:30 pm »
I'm betting your testoterone is AOK. Get it checked out, but my money is on the Sustiva. I switched to Kaletra after three years on Sustiva and I feel like a new man. Talk to your doctor and make sure he listens...my doc didn't take me serious because of good numbers. I finally put my foot down and we made the change.

Good Luck,
Hal

Offline Robert

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2006, 10:51:23 pm »
What about antidepressants?  Are you on any of those?  Those can also affect your testosterone.

robert
..........

Offline Teresa

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2006, 10:53:05 pm »
Hubby has low testosterone and the dr prescribed AndroGel. He seems to be feeling alot better since hes been on it. I on the other hand havent noticed any difference ;)

Teresa
Hubby HIV+ 5/5/06
CD4:320
  %: 26.7
 VL: <20
Atripla (started it 8/24/06)

Offline jordan

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2006, 05:39:58 am »


Hal:
So you're on Kaletra and Truvada?  I suppose I could try switching if my levels come back 'normal' - knowing that switching worked would be good cause for my to have a talk with my doctor.

Robert:
I'm currenly not on any antidepressents....but I have committed to my friends to schedule an appointment with a pyschologist  - the nurse is supposed to making the initial appointment and calling me with the date.  I feel sane, but who knows they may try to prescribe something for me at that time - I'll keep everyone posted =)

Teresa:
glad to hear your husband is responding well to AndroGel  - what is it?  Is he also on Sustiva and Truvada?

Peace

Jordan
« Last Edit: July 21, 2006, 05:42:33 am by jordan »
If you think your lonely now, wait until tonight.

Offline alisenjafi

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2006, 07:06:06 am »
Hi , I too am on the S & T regiment. Have you talked with a nutritionist as well?
 I take DHEA and just started taking bee pollen having looked into it and surprised in a week how I feel. But that is me,

There is a lot more that needs to be known than what meds you are on , which only your doc might be able to help with, then again as I am finding out I am starting to really know more about this bug than the docs. Have they checked anemia?

Having a sinus infection in January, my t cells went to their lowest to 446,  since starting meds they have been in the 700 range, but vl was undetectable. My last check in April they went up to 831 and  undectecable vl- the highest since being diagnosed.

You need to get the blood work results and have someone go through everything with- information is empowerment. Also keep your copy of your results so you can have a running record how you are doing. If you change docs, it gives them a better perspective of how you are doing.
Good luck
Johnny
« Last Edit: July 21, 2006, 07:10:43 am by alisenjafi »
"You shut your mouth
how can you say
I go about things the wrong way
I am human and I need to be loved
just like everybody else does"
The Smiths

Offline ARMANDO

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2006, 07:15:49 am »
THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS WHY YOU COULD FEEL FATIGUED,ALL OF WHICH USUALLY HAVE TO DO WITH THE CURRENT MEDS,WHETHER THEY BE HIV MEDS OR ANTIDEPRESIANTS.YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR TESTOSTERONE LEVELS CHECK AND IF THEY ARE LOW YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT GETTING ON INJECTIONS TO INCREASE YOUR LEVELS.A STERIOD IS USUALLY THE COURSE WITH NO REAL BAD SIDE EFFECTS.

Offline ademas

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #9 on: July 21, 2006, 07:45:48 am »
Jordan,

Tell your doctor to check your testosterone level.  (oops---I see you already did this!)

I brought it up several times with my doctor at Kaiser a few years ago, and I don't know why he was so resistant to just giving me the damn test.  He always put forth a good argument that my fatigue was likely associated with my meds and arthritis, and I bought it for about a year.  I fiinally had to demand the test (I was nice about it, but he could tell I was getting pissed...),

Sure enough, my testosterone level came back in the double digits.  (Normal is between 250 and 800 nanograms of testosterone per deciliter of blood, which is quite a range, and like CD4's, your number can jump around quite a bit on any given day.  Regardless--as I understand it--you are best off to be firmly in the middle range or higher.)

I look forward to my 200 mg. injections of Depo-Testosterone every 3 weeks.  I only wish the effects would last longer!   ;D
« Last Edit: July 21, 2006, 08:07:03 am by ademas »

Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #10 on: July 21, 2006, 07:54:42 am »
Jordon, could the fatigue have anything to do with the treatment for KS?

 I am concerned that leaving out that essential information will get you incomplete advice on this forum. Having a longterm HIV infection can bring about all sorts of metabolic changes. testosterone being one of them, of course.



"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline Teresa

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #11 on: July 21, 2006, 08:13:14 am »
The Androgel he takes is in a pump dispenser and he rubs it on his shoulders or stomach. He says its kinda sticky till it dries.

His testosterone was .51 and the reference range on his report is .95 - 4.30

We had to ask the dr to check his levels as she never mentioned it. I wouldnt had thought to ask about it if not for reading about it here.

Hes on Sustiva, Truvada, and Dapsone and he hasnt had any of the symptoms that alot of people have taking Sustiva. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

Teresa
Hubby HIV+ 5/5/06
CD4:320
  %: 26.7
 VL: <20
Atripla (started it 8/24/06)

Offline Suntropic98

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #12 on: July 21, 2006, 09:49:41 am »
Bro, I'm on the same drug regimen and I have the same problem....only I'm dead fucking tired all the time unless I smoke pot (after that I can go anywhere). I just got in a huge fight with my doctor last week and I told her that she needed to take her newly released medical degree and shove it up her ass or go back to India where people will take her piss poor advice as the end all be all. I learn more about HIV/AIDS and the meds from here than that bitch knows in her accumulative years in the medical field......and the nurses can see her incompetance daily. Don't let your doctor push you around and tell you to let her play doctor and not you. You know you're body better than anyone, doctors are just supposed to tell you how to fix it.

I'd suggest checking our anavar, testim and androgel to help combate the fatigue. HGH, Decca, Sustanon are even better ways IMO. If you need a list of friendly docs in this field that know how to deal with this problem specifically......hit me up on the PM.


-Sunny

Offline joemutt

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #13 on: July 21, 2006, 10:17:26 am »
I had low testosterone (though not on your regimen, mine is combivir-viramune)
and my dr prescribed hormones (andriol 40 mg 1ce daily)
I'm more alert (though selfdiagnosis and introspection are tricky) and active, so
I will continue. Before you start hormones, the dr should test if you have prostate problems, as taking hormones can have a big effect on any latent situation "down there".

Offline DCGuy511

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #14 on: July 21, 2006, 11:15:16 am »
When my testosterone was checked, it was a series of blood draws over 3-4 hours.  Maybe that is why they don't do it as part of the regular panel.  Mine was totally normal.  I was on Combivir and Kaletra. The doc suspected the AZT in the Combivir, but thought that my recent diagnosis and increased depression were the cause. He may have been correct.
Steve
Infected/Diagnosed Fall 2003
"No Man Is An Island" - J Donne

Offline lydgate

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #15 on: July 21, 2006, 01:51:13 pm »
Ademas, are you sure you want to have the shots every three weeks? There will be a significant peak-trough effect of testosterone levels in your body, and that ain't a good thing. Two weeks, would be better, weekly would be ideal (at a lower dose of course, 75 or a 100). If doctor visits are a problem, ask your doc if he's willing to let you self-administer.

Jay
Her finely-touched spirit had still its fine issues, though they were not widely visible. Her full nature, like that river of which Cyrus broke the strength, spent itself in channels which had no great name on the earth. But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.

George Eliot, Middlemarch, final paragraph

Offline jordan

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #16 on: July 21, 2006, 09:41:56 pm »

Everyone....
thanks for all the advice.  I'm learning to speak up and ask and also to write down everything and bring it with me so I don't forget. 

It's always helpful to hear from other's who have been through the minefield (the best way through a minefield is by following someone who has already been through it and has both arms and legs  :) )

Jordon, could the fatigue have anything to do with the treatment for KS?


jkinatl2... I never was treated for KS....what happened is that I had a swollen lymph node in my neck.  The ENT specialist biopsied the lymph node and determined it was KS. 

He then referred me to the infectious disease doctor who tested me for HIV and once determined I was positive started me on Sustiva and Truvada.  I never received treatment for KS (unless Sustiva and Truvada treat KS?)

If you think your lonely now, wait until tonight.

Offline Rightbrain

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #17 on: July 21, 2006, 10:38:15 pm »
Jordan,  I am taking the same medicine you are taking and having the same issues.  When it started I had recently had a testosterone level check that was on the lower end of normal, but didn't think it should be an issue.  I was starting to feel like a zombie at times and was missing a lot of work.  My numbers were too good for it to have been an OI and I had no other symptoms.  I had my testosterone checked again and it was indeed low.  AndroGel made a difference the first day I took it.  I'm still not back to my old self and suspect that I need a higher dose, but I'm not near like I was. 

brother joe
If there's a cure I hope I can have all the leftover Sustiva.

Offline RobT

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #18 on: July 23, 2006, 05:50:20 pm »
Jordan-
When I received my diagnosis and started my HIV appts., my doctor discussed that my fatigue can b attributed to my less than normal testosterone levels. She claimed that my levels shud b in the high range considering my youth. My numbers came in and they were less than we both expected. She referred me to either a gel or hormone replacement patches. I agred to have a gel as it wud b more convenient for me, but the pharmactist there, who filled my script claimed that according to my financial situation, a patch wud b more than sufficient. The patch that was perscribed to me is ANDRODERM.
I started adding the patch l8 at night, on a daily basis and when I felt better or less-fatigued, I switched to a weekly basis, and now I am doing it on a biweekly basis.


RobT

9/27/2005-1st test results
Viral Load >1,000,000
CD4 204
CD4%age 18
CD4/CD8 ratio .23
11/24/2005- Sustiva/Truvada
04/18/2006
Viral Load 140
CD4 402
CD4%age .21
CD4/CD8 ratio .39

06/27/2006
Viral Load 42
CD4 409
CD4%age .21
Next appt.-08/01/2006 (results/Hep A/B vaccination)
Current meds: Atripla
VL: undetectable
CD4: 630

Offline jordan

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #19 on: July 23, 2006, 06:08:10 pm »


Rob and Joe, thanks for the comments....I get my test results back tomorrow.  The doctor is supposed to call me.

He said depending on the results I would then be referred to a urologist (is that right?)

so if they come back low it sounds like I can get 1) gel, 2) patch, or 3) shots?

Peace,

Jordan


If you think your lonely now, wait until tonight.

Offline lydgate

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #20 on: July 23, 2006, 06:50:04 pm »
I'd recommend 1) or 2) over 3). Let us know your results. Jay
Her finely-touched spirit had still its fine issues, though they were not widely visible. Her full nature, like that river of which Cyrus broke the strength, spent itself in channels which had no great name on the earth. But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.

George Eliot, Middlemarch, final paragraph

Offline jordan

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #21 on: July 24, 2006, 06:18:53 pm »


Well, doctor called with my results:  641

which is in the 'normal' range.  Ergo, no testosterone needed to cure my fatigue.

So now I need something else to cure me....and I asked the nurse what do I do now and she said to discuss with my therapist (I made my first appointment last Friday when I had my blood drawn for the testosterone test).

So next step for me is to discuss my issue during my initial setting this Wednesday.  I hope she will give me something (anything) to help.

At first I was perturbed because the nurse called and left a message on my work voicemail with my results and said "you results came back 641."  She said nothing more than 5 words.

I was like, what the hell, she never said "that's normal, the range is x -y (which I new the range from this post, thanks guys,) or "since you're not low on testosterone, let's try this."

Why does it seem no one wants to help me in that office?

« Last Edit: July 24, 2006, 06:22:21 pm by jordan »
If you think your lonely now, wait until tonight.

Offline ACinKC

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #22 on: July 24, 2006, 06:26:51 pm »
Hey Jordan,

My money is on the Sustiva.  It has been throwing my ass a BEATING in the worst way!  I am tired ALL day long and NEVER feel rested.

Are you falling asleep easily but waking alot during the nights or having those WONDERFULLY VIBRANT "electric dreams" that go hand in hand with Sustiva?

I have been asking alot about this VERY situation lately and have got some GREAT advice on this site.  I am now trying to make up my mind as to whether to switch to Kaletra or another PI.


Good luck man, this is NO WAY to go through a day!

Andrew
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline jordan

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #23 on: July 24, 2006, 06:41:53 pm »
My money is on the Sustiva.  It has been throwing my ass a BEATING in the worst way!  I am tired ALL day long and NEVER feel rested.



Hi Andrew,
Yes, it must be the Sustiva....but instead of switching so early in my HAART treatment, I would think that someone, somewhere could prescribe something to counteract  the feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.

Also, I thought Sustiva was a NNRTI, would I have to switch to another NNRTI vs. a PI?

I really don't have problems falling asleep and staying asleep (cos I'm so tired  :) )

If you think your lonely now, wait until tonight.

Offline lydgate

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #24 on: July 24, 2006, 06:53:47 pm »
Jordan,

Check out this thread (you've probably seen it already):

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=1006.0

Viramune is also an NNRTI, so you could discuss switching to that as a possibility.

Jay
Her finely-touched spirit had still its fine issues, though they were not widely visible. Her full nature, like that river of which Cyrus broke the strength, spent itself in channels which had no great name on the earth. But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.

George Eliot, Middlemarch, final paragraph

Offline jordan

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #25 on: July 24, 2006, 07:24:49 pm »
Viramune is also an NNRTI, so you could discuss switching to that as a possibility.

Jay



Hi Jay,
thanks for the information.  If the efficacy of Viramune is the same as Sustiva then maybe I should ask him.  I am grateful to have any medicine to help me with my disease, but if I don't have to have as many side-effects, then switching would probably be the best thing for me.

Maybe I should try the Lexapro also?

I will post Wednesday after going to the therapist for the first time in my life :)

Peace,
Jordan

If you think your lonely now, wait until tonight.

Offline Robert

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #26 on: July 24, 2006, 07:52:02 pm »
Hey Jordan.

Check out Newt's Response to Andrew's (ACinKC) thread about this same thing.  I'm a slow learner so I still get my nukes and PI's all mixed up but I think Newt is telling Andrew to try the new combo of Reyataz (and Norvir) and Truvada.  That's what I'm on and it's doable.  But I'm not sure it's the answer to your problems.  I also get tired and listless.  And I have no sex drive.  ARG!  I see my Dr next month and I'm going to ask her about the testim and androgel.  She offered me shots once and I didn't like them.

I was asking earlier about antidepressants but I guess that's not an issue yet.    Like you, I had never had issues with depression until I started HAART.  They seem to go hand-in=hand.  What's important is to work yourself out of the depression every morning.  It's not easy, but it's just something you have to do.  At least you're working.  That's good.  I'm not working so when I get up (and my ass is dragging, let me tell you) I have breakfast then row for an hour.  It's something I force myself to do.

I'm with Kaiser and they finally have upgraded their labs.  After I give my blood and it's been analyzed my Dr sends me an email with the results.  The results are automatically interpreted (telling me what the norm is and if I'm above or below) and if there is something the Dr needs to add, she will. I mention this only because maybe your Dr has something like this he can use. 

good luck.
robert





 

robert
« Last Edit: July 24, 2006, 07:53:53 pm by Robert »
..........

Offline Jeffreyj

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #27 on: July 25, 2006, 12:44:07 am »
just thought ide let u know i had by bi-weekly shot (200mg's) today. I'm totally energized already. This stuff really works for me!
all the best!
Jeff
Positive since 1985

Offline lydgate

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #28 on: July 25, 2006, 02:18:49 am »
Jeffrey, I know I might sound like a broken record about this, but is it economically feasible for you to switch to the patch or gel? At any rate, I'd like to hear about your experiences with the 14-day 200 mg cycle. Testosterone issues really interest and bother me.

Jay
Her finely-touched spirit had still its fine issues, though they were not widely visible. Her full nature, like that river of which Cyrus broke the strength, spent itself in channels which had no great name on the earth. But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.

George Eliot, Middlemarch, final paragraph

Offline Jeffreyj

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #29 on: July 25, 2006, 04:21:56 am »
The gel and the patch are for me $8/mo cheaper. However, the shot is, I'm my humble opinion, is highly more effective. Plus, I'm able to get a free shot when I'm in a study(which I am in now) Cause the office gets confused. I know  i know, I'm going to hell. But Since I have spent over $30,000 on meds since 2001 I have very little sympathy. But really, the shot just gives me a lift and I feel like a million bucks after each shot. Without fail. I guess it is just a matter of what works best for everyone. Another factor here is that Ive been poz for 22 years. That may have an effect. Jay I will pm you if you want to know more or you can pm me...i don't want to hi-jack Jordan's thread here.
I hope everyone is well today
Lots of Love,
Jeff
Positive since 1985

Offline sfca415

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #30 on: July 25, 2006, 01:25:51 pm »
Hi Jordan,

I know you're now looking at other things since your testosterone levels appear normal. But it's good to keep this in mind for future reference.  My provider says that HIV meds as well as the disease itself can lower testosterone levels over time.  He's said that low testosterone can mean (as you know) less energy, lower sex drive, depression, muscle mass loss, and lower my immune system's ability to fight the virus.

You can get this checked periodically when you have your labs done.  Just have your provider check the appropriate box in addition to the standard ones they usually check (v-load, CD4, lipid panel, liver function, etc)

I used AndoGel (it came in a box of 30 gel packets) which is topically applied to the upper arms, shoulders and abdomen areas, if I remember correctly.  You're not supposed to take a shower for several hours afterward, so best to do it in the morning after you've showered.  It's a painless way to do it. 

I also tried the patch but it sucked in my opinion ... a sticky residue (imagine a bandaid that won't come off) always on my skin, and a square outline of the patch for days afterward. 

Now, I've learned to self-inject once every two weeks.  I ended up switching because the AndoGel was too expensive, and ADAP will pay for the injections but not AndroGel.  The shots work fine and my levels are back up to normal now.

Best wishes getting the energy issues straightened out.  It's tricky ... getting our virus under control is one issue.  But there are all of the quality of life issues that can be just as important to our long-term health.  Keep working on it. 

Rob
« Last Edit: July 25, 2006, 01:29:33 pm by sfca415 »
cd4+ 617 30% undetec - Jul06
cd4+ 221 17% 32K - Dec01
cd4+ 640 41% 5K - Feb96
current meds: Reyataz+Norvir, Viread, Epzicom, Valtrex, Wellbutrin
+ 1992, first meds 2002: Viramune (nvp), Zerit (d4t), Epivir (3tc) -- (m184v mutation & resistant to non-nukes, so no Atripla)

Offline jordan

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #31 on: July 25, 2006, 07:13:18 pm »


Rob:

thanks for the heads-up - I will definitely keep getting tested periodically.

Also, does anyone know if I can demand testosterone even though my levels or normal?

If you think your lonely now, wait until tonight.

Offline pozniceguy

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #32 on: July 25, 2006, 07:23:11 pm »
Jordan ,, I don't know if anyone can demand  a med..but the important thing is to have enough of a relationship ( professional ) with your Dr that he/she listens to all your concerns....If that happens then your desires for a particular med will be heard with a willing ear.....a Dr can prescribe almost anything if they are convinced it will benefit the patient....convice them that you want to try it.....remember the"normal " range  for testosterone is pretty wide  you want to be on the upper side of it whenever possible.

good luck;  hang in there  it is your body  and your life

Nick
remember the good times...honor the past but don't live there
Le stelle la notte sono grandie luminose, nel cuore profondo del Texas

Offline sfpvguy41

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #33 on: July 31, 2006, 03:27:48 am »
Hi:

I've had the same problems with fatigue, and have been taking testosterone supplements (Androgel) but i'm on a different regimen. 

Anyway I thought I would share two things that make all the difference for me:  good vitamin supplementation and the gym.  I use Super Nutrition vitamins (Men's Blend) http://www.supernutritionusa.com/ which i like since they have everything you could imagine in them, so you only need to buy one thing, but you have to take 4-8 pills/day.  It stands to reason that since HIV affects the gut and affects our ability to absorb nutrients, that this can often cause fatigue.  These are also good since they are food-based and can be absorbed by the body (best to take with meals)....

I think testosterone helps too, but for me I really notice a difference when I take my vitamins...

As for the gym, you just have to drag yourself there.  Take some good music, and do something for at least 45 mins. Then go back the next day.  If you can get there 3 or so days in a row, you'll start to feel more energy and it will pay itself back.  At LEAST get out for a good walk.

Good luck!
Robert
Labs: (undetectable since 2005)
12/13: 634 cdr, 37.3%, 758 cd8, total chol 183, triglycerides 131
8/13: changed to Edurant from Reyataz
12/12: 828 cd4, 34.5%, 1078 cd8, total chol 192, tri 196
12/11: 787 cd4, 37%, 979 cd8.
9/11: 758 cd4, 38%, 944 cd8, und.
8/11 dropped norvir, incr reyataz to 400 mg
6/11: 621 CD4 CD4% 41, CD8 680! Undetectable. Creatinine and eGFR are ok now.
Switched from Truvada to Epzicom in late April 2011
AGT/AST and creatinine back to normal mid-April.
Cut Norvir from regimen.
Switched back to Reyataz/Norvir late Feb 2011
2/11: CD4 664 34%, CD8 963, diagnosed with osteoporosis, high AGT/AST and creatinine.
12/10: CD4: 676 CD4%: 34 CD8: 1012
Switched from Reyataz/norvir to Isentress 10/10
8/10: CD4: 731 CD4%: 40 CD8: 866
Diagnosed Sept. 2002 started meds May 2005.

Offline zorroo

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #34 on: August 03, 2006, 08:34:36 pm »
  I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE FATIGUE ISSUE AND I ALSO AM ON TESTORONE GEL,MY FATIGUE WAS FROM HIV,THE DRUGS WHICH IS TRIZIVIR,AND SEVERE DEPRESSION TO THE POINT OF QUITTING MY MEDS AND WANTING TO DIE. i AM 44 AND WAS DIAGNOSED IN 1988,SO I HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT OF HEALTH CHALLENGES,BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY. i JUST STARTED SEEING A NEW DOCTOR WHO HAPPENS TO BE MY PARTNERS DOCTOER. WHEN MY PARTNER WHO I HAVE KNOWN SINCE 1989 AND NOT HIV POSITIVE HAD HIS DOCTOERS APPOINTMENT I GAVE HIM PERMISSION TO TELL THE DOCOTOR ALL THAT WAS GOING ON WITH ME. FATIGUE,MRSA WHICH HAD LEFT BIG SWOOLEN ORES ALL OVER MY FACE AND NECK.DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL ATTEMPTS AND THOUGHTS.MY LAST DOCOTOR DIDN'T DO MUCH FOR ME,BUT THIS NEW DOCTOTOR WAS HAPPY TO TAKE ME ON AND HE IS A VERY GENTLE,SWEET,GAY MAN,AND THE BEST THING HE DID WAS SUGGESTT A PSHYCIATRIST. AFTER SEEING A PSHYCHIATRIST,I WAS DIAGNOSED BIPOLAR AND MANIC DEPRESIVE,AND ADD,I AM ON LAMICTAL WHICH HAS DONE WONDERS FOR ME AND HELPED MY FATIGUE,BECAUSE I FEEL BETTER MENTALLY,AND HE PUT ME ON ADDERALL XR,WHICH IS A STIMULAN AND MY DOCTOR PUT ME ON ANDRO GEL AND I AM PRESCRIBED TRAMADOL BECAUSE IHAVE BACK PAIN FROM A CAR ACCIDENT I WAS IN AND ONE OF MY JOBS IS HOUSECLEANING. BETWEEN FEELING BETTER MENTALLY AND NOT BEING DEPRESSED AND SO ANXIOUS,AND BEING ON ADDERALL,ANDROGEL AND TRAMADOL.I AM NOT FATIGUED ANYMORE,IT REALLY HAS BOOSTED MY ENERGY AND I FEEL I CAN LIVE A FULL LIFE AGAIN. ALSO MY SKIN HAS CLEARED UP AND I FEEL BETTER ABOUT MYSELF. I FEEL VERY BLESSED TO HAVE FOUND A NEW DOCTOER AND A GREAT PSHYCHIATRIST. IT HAS REALLY CHANGED MY LIFE SO BETWEEN ALL MY TREATMENTS AND TAKING CARE OF MYSELF I AM A NEW PERSON I AM NOT FATIGUED ANYMORE. I THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE HOW I DEALT WITH MY FATIGUE AND HIV. I AM BACK ON MY MEDS AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST.


Offline ndrew

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  • ....-.-.-.-.-.....
Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #35 on: August 04, 2006, 01:44:26 am »
I am not on meds yet, but my doctor tested my testosterone because I complained of feeling fatigued.  The results were quite low, so he prescribed AndroGel.  I still think I get fatigued, but now I refuse to let it slow me down.  It could be psychological, but I have more balls about life... I feel there have been benefits both physically and emotionally.  My sex drive is great as well, or at least I, well,  have a great time with myself...

Offline Mattinsrq

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #36 on: August 08, 2006, 06:34:40 am »
I am newly diagnosed (June 17th).  My doctor is taking a proactive approach to treatment.  His thinking is to get me as healthy as possible early on. 

That being said, one of the many items I'm on is Testosterone Cream 20%.  My T test was in the low range so the doctor felt it was a good idea.  I've been on it three weeks and am feeling a bit less fatigued and a general sense of well being.

One of the side effects of testosterone therapy is it reduces body fat and promotes lean muscle growth.  In three weeks I've noticed a difference in my appearance, which is giving me a bit more confidence.

Matt

Offline jordan

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #37 on: August 08, 2006, 06:41:47 am »


It's nice when the side effects actually work in your favor  :)

My level was 640 which fell in the normal range. 
If you think your lonely now, wait until tonight.

Offline alisenjafi

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  • They say HIV comes from monkeys!
Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #38 on: August 09, 2006, 07:56:09 am »
Hi Jordan , look into dhea , also check out bee pollen.
Cheers
Johnny
"You shut your mouth
how can you say
I go about things the wrong way
I am human and I need to be loved
just like everybody else does"
The Smiths

Offline scottL

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #39 on: August 09, 2006, 09:14:39 pm »
I have been on testosterone for the past year, and in some respects it has changed my life.   I was feeling depressed and sluggish with little or no energy.  And this from a person who had fallen in love with the gym the previous 8 years of my life.   I found myself going to the gym less and less.

My initial blood draw when I was first diagnosed as being positive (8 months prior to starting testosterone therapy) showed a very low testosterone level (normal levels were between 7 and 21, and I was at about 6).   So I finally told my doctor I wanted to start testosterone treatments.  I haven't looked back ever since.   One of lab draws showed my testosterone level was at 21 !  My lowest levels dropped to about 9.   I would strongly suggest hitting the weight room to take advantage of the increased testosterone levels.   I also think that increased testosterone levels could help in warding off Lipo.   I don't understand why all doctors don't monitor this.   
« Last Edit: August 09, 2006, 09:16:51 pm by scottL »

Offline Eldon

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Re: Fatigue and Testosterone
« Reply #40 on: August 09, 2006, 09:39:04 pm »
Hello Jordan, it is Eldon. Lately, I have been feeling tired and sluggish with no energy. Maybye it is the anxiety that is mixed in with it. When I see my ID Doctor tomorrow on Thursday I will definitely ask about the testosterone level.

I have read many other responses and it seems as though it all is related to one another. I will keep you posted.

 


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