Finger update: It has healed nicely and has been doing a great job with the many daily tasks it is required to do. The nose picking still needs a little work but I think that is due to operator error more than the mechanical issue of the healing process.
My steroid treatment is now complete. There was no fun in that at all I must tell you, it made me sicker feeling than before but that was to be expected. My follow up visit with my Neurologist was very interesting. It seems that the steroid had no major benefit this time and that we will not most likely do the follow up Prednisone protocol should I ever need the infusion steroid in the future. Thank goodness because that stuff made me feel like death was looming over me.
Feeling like crap aside the other bit of news we discus was about my blood work. He informs me that my test results show that my Testosterone level is exceptionally low called "hypogonadism". The recommended range is between 240-850 (ng/dl) in an adult male my age. My level is at 105 (ng/dl). Not sure why this is at this stage so he suggests I see a Urologist to find out why it has dropped so low. So you guessed it, another doctor to see....super!! :-<
The appointment is scheduled for the following day.
Urology is a very interesting thing I soon find out. More than just the inner workings of the body's ability to cleans the body toxins but also the role it has in hormone production. My visit starts out very well with Dr. Kessel as he teaches me about the physiological correlation between the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal glands, and testis. He informs me of how they must all communicate in order for the male to produce testosterone. With little or no stimulation to the testicles the hypothalamus does not create a demand for testosterone thus decreasing the overall level in the male body. This in turn wreaks havoc on other organs that require the hormone for their healthy function. The low hormone level changes the serotonin levels in the brain and affects memory which creates a chemical imbalance in the brain. Also, the low levels of testosterone make the pituitary slow down creating low energy level, muscle weakness, muscle loss, digestive issues, and increased cortisol that deposits in the mid section of the mans body.
My biology 101 class was going well until he says "Drop your shorts its exam time". What seemed like a very thorough inspection of my Junk and the words Yup' looks OK to me I had a sigh of relief. Then it was lean over the table for more fun. With the SNAP !!! of a latex glove and flashes of Broke Back mountain, I could only drift into my happy place for inner solace.
The good times over Dr. Kessel recommends I start testosterone therapy. Several methods are available so I choose the shot as they bring the levels up quickly and they can be maintained with the topical gel Androgel . http://www.androgel.com/aboutandrogel.html
I will be required to have several shots every 3 - 4 days (yes that's what I said more shots) administered at the doctors office to get the levels up to par before I can maintain the levels with the topical gel. The levels should rise very quickly so hopefully my feeling of malaise should lift.
Time for the first injection at the doctors office. I wait in the exam room as the doctor calls in the nurse to administer the testosterone. She asks if I would drop my pants, so I oblige. She seemed shocked and tells me that they did not need to be around my ankles only a cheek was necessary. With all the dignity I could muster I pulled them back up and exposed my right cheek in preparation for my first MAN BOOST injection. I stammered something about the doctor saying testicular stimulation???? Hmmm. Nope just a shot in the ass. So I figured no big deal I'm a pro at shots by now and took it like a man with low testosterone and whined about the pain.
All the fun aside there does seem to be a correlation between MS and testosterone levels in men. This is a great article about a study being done at UCLA and sponsored by the national MS society.
I would like to thank two friends and let them know how much their friendship means to me. Curtis has been driving me to my doctors for my appointments and has come to my aid with help around the house and fixing one of our rentals that needed repair. He really has shown his best side to help when I need it.
My other is Bill Justice, He spent all weekend with me just because he is my best friend and wanted to hang out for some guy time. We were in each others weddings and I think of him as a brother. We had a great time and used the BBN therapy to help my testosterone level. Beer-Barbecue-Nascar
Thanks guys for everything!!!!!
