Shall I try my best to get a referral to an endocrinologist or just be patient and wait and see what comes out of Dr Irwigs study?

Therapeutic Efforts Doctors & Therapists
#1

The doctors I have seen about my post finasteride issues just didn’t take this seriously, refusing to believe it could cause this and basically thinking its all in my head. And they refused to refer me to any endocrinologist as they thought would be a waste of time, saying that area of help would have no connection with the drug whatsoever.

They believe it’s psychological, so was referred to a course of cognitive behavioural therapy to help with my anxiety, which is now drawing to an end. This can help to some extent with the social anxiety, but with finesteride issues? Not at all, I knew for a fact that’s a separate issue and the post fin affects just worsened my anxiety and bad moods…

So I am getting slightly anxious about my fin problems, even though there have been some small improvements, but its just not enough, and has been too long (nearly 2 years). Its not like I’m not doing anything, mostly just relying on time, exercise, natural supplements etc… But I’m still thinking maybe just hold in there and see what comes of the study we took part in, that way hopefully doctors, endos will finally take an interest with something documented in front of them… what you guys reckon?

#2

Dr. Irwigs study is not a lab study so no medications or therapies will come directly from just that. A lab study would be the next step. But, that would likely take years.

So, no you cannot wait. I’m not sure where you are, but you need to visit one of the big 4 post Fin doctors found on this site. I’d recommend either Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Mariano. Dont even bother with your local endo, more than likely you will just waste your time and money talking to him.

gl

ps - why have you waited so long?? 2 yrs?

#3

do you have genital numbness? My urologist tested my glans for sensitivity and found out that it definitely lacks sensitivity. The doctors can’t deny that and say it’s psychological because it is a fact.

#4

Thanks Boston, I see your point. But at least something will hopefully come from the study which I could show to the endo. I would jump at the chance to see one of the big 4, however I am based in London so its very far to travel… know of any decent ones in or near London?

I have waited nearly 2 years as I wanted to see if my body would recover naturally on its own, and have also been worried of taken further medication. And I did notice some improvements since quitting, but now I am getting anxious again as too much time has passed and still feel I am far off of 100%. I can have good and bad days, but overall its like my symptoms have come to a halt.

Keep up, my genital numbness was horrible to begin with but has improved very slightly over time. But still, no way near as sensitive as it was before fin which is depressing.

#5

Seems to be the way it goes for all us. Alot of times you think your improving then things return to as bad as before or worse. I think we have all had the numbness.

Im not sure how it works over there but maybe one of the US docs might share a protocol for trying to jump start your endocrine system. This seems to be the 1st thing all the docs here try. Its my impression Dr. Crisler might be the most likely to share this info. Some docs say this works with about half of us, but no one knows for sure the success rate. I tend to believe it might be a bit lower. I believe there are a few Euro docs as well. Check the doctors seciton of this website.

If you have the means and can take a vacation I’d definately suggest coming to NY for Jacobs or Cali for Mariano. Its only money and you can make more. Honestly, what would it be worth to you to be just 50% better?

ps- who the hell could blame you for being “slightly anxious”?

#6

It would be worth a hell of a lot to be 50% better.

Think I will first try to change doctors as my current one is pretty useless, and try get a referral to an Endo here. And if no luck then will try a US doctor, that way would have saved up some cash.

Boston, how do you cope with your side effects every day? are you able to focus on other things, and enjoy life to some extent? I find it difficult to focus sometimes, as I worry too much on things, can’t seem to control it.

#7

I think the 1st stage of this is the horror of what happened to you. Its very devestating and depressing. I guess we all go through that. That “wears off” to some degree over time. Then you know you have to focus on getting yourself the best medical help you can. There are some very smart people studying this now and I believe the prognosis is a bit better for us than it was 5 or 6 years ago. Like everyone else, Im day to day. Its always on your mind but some days are better than others. Keep reminding yourself this is a temporary situation and you will get better. Honestly, I think that is half of the battle with PFS. We are still men, and we are still responsible for ourselves. Lets not let Fin take that from us too.

#8

This condition is very depressing indeed. One of the worst parts for me is when it comes to women- I get very anxious, have no feeling like I used to before fin, and as a result end up avoiding them! And that leads to more anxiety I know. I can however feel for them in an emotional way sort of, just not physically. I just want a decent understanding woman, but will find it hard to open up about this to anyone.

But I agree with you, we just have to keep battling on. Thanks for your good words

#9

I often think how the hell can explain all this shit to a Women.

It would have to be done before we slept together for the first time because I am a shadow of my former self and would likely be shit, I just don’t have that carnal desire that a hot women, if I am lucky, deserves from me!

I am looking into a multi faceted regimen.

I was thinking of taking regular aminos like arganine lysine via goats milk shakes.
Juiceing x1 daily and having a holland & Barrett super one multi vitamin with juice
1/4 arimidex x 1 or 2 weekly

and I am thinking of trying wellbutrin!!??

not sure about this one yet but I don’t want trt hgh or anything like that.

Would consider hcg but want to keep things as simple as possible.

gonna start a thread but any advice would be great from here, sorry to interupt the thread

#10

I always think of that monty, just imagine the first time you do it…“im not that into you and your gonna have to work me a bit to get me up”…nightmare

#11

Its a conundrem!!!

For me its not so much about gettin one on, I mean I have the capacity when I take cialis in particular, but its like

“um im pushing my willy in an out of this womens fanny, it feels nice and squidgy”

NOT

"Come on baby, grind that peice of action up and down hard i’m RRRREEEEAAAADDDDDDYYYYYYAAAA!!!

Know what I mean?

Thats what I call a normal libido!! It doesn’t have to be twice a night or even every night (well?) but when its ON its got to be quality!

#12

How old are you UK guys?

I am in London 19, PM me if you want to chat. This shit is depressing. I have started at University now though and I am having to put it aside and cope.

#13

Im 32

#14

I wonder how many of us UK guys self-medicated fin?
There just isn’t the US culture of ‘derms’ handing it out on the NHS, and it isn’t a well known drug here at all.
tbh if there’d been US style drug ads which mentioned sides I would have twigged earlier…

#15

I’m 25. Yeah I agree, makes it even more difficult here in the UK. but hopefully in time news of this drug will spread and be recognised by many doctors worldwide.

Well I actually purchased the drug on-line on the ‘inhouse pharmacy’ site. Stupid idea really, buying a drug off the internet, but I guess it was still the same horrible drug. I did this it was a hell of a lot cheaper than going to other places, like the belgravia centre. Just so confused why after nearly 2 years, my hair loss has not resumed. well all of this is confusing really.