Mister Fixit

10 hours ago, Elkski said:

Three- weekly. Needs clarification.  To me it means 3x a week.    3x- weekly seems to be the easiest way to interpret this.  Not 1x/3 weeks

I realise that there are many on here whose native language is not English.  Perhaps I should have put it a different way, but in English, which I have been speaking for 72 years, 3-weekly mean ONCE every three weeks.  It's a very common shorthand way of saying 'every three weeks'.  

Apologies if I wasn't clearer.

12 hours ago, Rimmer said:

Some off topic posts that hijacked the topic have been removed, also replies

Thank you, and also for removing the first unnecessary quoted comment as well as the others, which thankfully I did not see.

12 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Your blood test seems to be lacking.

What is your total testosterone?

What is your free testosterone?

 

I have to say 250 mg 3 times  a weeks seems very excessive.  Never heard of that even for roid weight lifters.

Normally once a week or every 2 weeks.

You should check your Hemoglobin/Hematocrit it may be elevated due to the excessive injections.

 

If nothing is working you may want to consider penile injections.

I have an older friend here who does this works great for him.

I asked about testing for both free and total testosterone and was told that they only test for total testosterone.  A bit pointless really, but when I go to the andropause clinic next month I will ask them to check for free testosterone and see if I can find out why they don't.  If necessary I will find somewhere else to do it.

As to the rest of your post, you have misread mine - I have testosterone injections three-weekly, which mean ONE jab every three weeks.  250 mls of test. enanthate IM.  

If you refer back to my previous post (link provided somewhere in this thread cos I can't be bothered to re-scan them) you will see the results of the blood tests I had done on 5th March and if anything, my haemoglobin and haematocrit are somewhat low.

Haemoglobin was 13.4 with a range of 14-18 g/dl and haematocrit was 38 with a range of 42-54%.

I imagine that means I am slightly anaemic, but the doc wasn't overly worried due to my otherwise very good health.

2 hours ago, rcuthbert said:

Mr Fixit, I would strongly suggest that you monitor your estrogen levels. Remember the "Aromatase Enzyme"? It turns excess testosterone into estrogen - and too much will kill libido, as well as making a guy emotionally unstable.

Do you know what measurement units that they are using?

https://www.menshormonalhealth.com/normal-testosterone-levels.html

Not sure.  They certainly didn't test for that if you check the results I posted.  I had better try to sort that out next month at the andropause clinic.

Having said that, I don't think I have too much excess testosterone!  

1 hour ago, jackdd said:

He said "three-weekly" which means one injection every three weeks.

 

 

In general nobody recommends to do one 250mg injection every three weeks, besides of the information leaflet which comes with the testosterone and doctors who have no clue.

You should split this up and inject more frequently, then your testosterone level is more stable. Currently in the days after the injection your testosterone level is through the roof, and after two weeks you are in a testosterone deficiency.

Which is what I had been thinking for some time - increase the frequency of the injection yet maintain at the same dose.

I can do that without being given permission from anyone, because I can buy the shots OTC for 540 baht for 3 amps, and get the shots at a local clinic for 80 baht a pop.

It had been my idea to start 2-weekly shots from last week when I resumed them after testing,  so do you think that's fair enough, at least in the short term?    Then monitor more regularly, especially PSA?

1 hour ago, rcuthbert said:

Mr Fixit, 250ml 3x per week are body builder doses. After 4-5 days, half of the testosterone enanthate will still be in your system. 250 ml once a week for three weeks - followed by blood tests - may be a safer alternative. If your estrogen is shown to be too high - then inquire about Nolvadex or Arimidex.

If your tests are okay, then do another 3 weeks.

Cheers.

Whoops, no, I meant ONE injection every three weeks!  

I've been on that since 2005, no change, and if you remember, I was questioning if the dosage should change or become more frequent.

I don't feel the endocrinology department has covered everything as well as it could and they have shunted me off to the andropause clinic because they aren't too sure what to do next.  

I hope I'm wrong and someone sorts something out next month

@WaveHunter  @onebir @rcuthbert

You were all very knowledgeable on my original thread.  I just wonder if you have any comments on the hormone test results I posted?

I don't think they tested too much, but perhaps when I go to the Andropause Clinic next month, they will do more.

In the meantime, I have resumed the 3-weekly shots of 250 mls of testosterone enanthate and will continue until someone either changes them or tells me to stop - but they'd better have a damn good reason and be prepared to back it up.

1 hour ago, Odysseus123 said:

Xanax is a brand name of the generic benzo ALPRAZOLAM

 

Whereas the generic Benzodiazepne CLONAZEPAM is marketed as Rivotril and Paxam in Australia along with other brand names in Canada and the US.

 

Please do not confuse the two as they have markedly different potency and half lives-and,as always,consult your doctor.

You are right, my apologies.  I confused the names.  I was thinking of what an American friend used to take.  Unfortunately, it's too late to edit my post upthread.  

Clonazepam is indeed Rivotril and that's what I used to buy when it was available from pharmacies.   

I can only blame an aging brain!  ????

4 minutes ago, clivebaxter said:

How much is it? mrs has tried everything , xanax, atarax, melatonin, nothing seem to work well

Peanuts at my local pharmacy in Nonthaburi.  25 or 30 baht a strip of 10?  

But Atarax is just a brand name for hydroxyzine, so go for the generic version as it's cheaper.

I used to take a 25 mg tablet of hydroxyzine, but I'd also have a couple of small whiskies with a lot of ice and soda to help it along.  

I'd suggest your wife speaks to a decent pharmacist and ask what dosage they recommend for someone with her sleep problems.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxyzine

Xanax is just the brand name for clonazepam, and if that doesn't work I am not sure what will.  I take 1 mg of that currently, but when I could buy it OTC, I bought 2 mg tablets and one of those was excellent to get me off.

She'd need to see a doctor at a hospital to get that though.

A while back, I posted this thread and had some good suggestions, most of which was to get a new panel of male hormones.

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1209506-sidegra-kamagra-viagra-and-cialis/

I duly did so last week and whilst not conclusive, I thought readers might like to see the results.   Via my knee specialist there, I booked an appointment at the endocrinology department of Phramongkutklao hospital for 6th May.  

I was seen quite quickly (by either an intern or medical student) and lots of notes were taken from already printed documents I provided.  

I went at 6 am the next morning for blood tests and then same the same young guy after he gave me the results.

Basically, he said that due to my age, (72) he was referring me to the Andropause Clinic and I am booked for the 15th June.  I had hoped he could have advised me whether my current three-weekly 250 ml testosterone enanthate injections were still sufficient or whether the meds should be either increased or changed.

I attach copies of my blood test results, (and the modest bill) and if anyone can explain any of them, I would be grateful.  I have some idea, but the lad seemed to want to push the problem onto the other clinic.

I know my testosterone is low, because I had deliberately not had an injection for 4 weeks beforehand , but help with understanding the other figures and their significance would be good.  Also, what if any, other tests should or could be done.  

On 1/10/2011 at 7:46 AM, Scully said:

I am not sure about clonazepam but about 50% will sell you either xanax or diazepam, not good drugs for long term use.

Have you tried hydroxine? 100mg and one beer and I am out for the count.

HydroxYZine.  It's an antihistamine and makes you drowsy, so having a beer with it will enhance the soporific effect.  100 mgs is way too much.  25 mgs is far safer.

I used to use it when the little pharmacies around lower Sukhumvit stopped selling clonazepam  when the authorities cracked down on them selling clonazepam (Xanax) because bar girls were grinding it up and slipping into punter's drinks then robbing them in a hotel room when they were spark out.  

A hydroxyzine (Atarax) 25 mg tablet works well with a glass or two of something, but beware of too high a dose and too much alcohol.

Now, I go to Sritanya hospital and get real clonazepam very cheaply.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxyzine

37 minutes ago, Poet said:

These things usually work themselves out.

Yeah, just after you die with prostate cancer.    ????

23 minutes ago, LosLobo said:

Have you tried tamarind? It maybe be a cheap substitute for prune juice and sorbitol.

 

It's available from any local thai supermarket, maybe even fresh when in season.

 

Tamarind Water: Benefits and Uses - YouTube

 

As with any dietary product I would check for interactions with prescription medicines and other medical conditions.

Tamarind is excellent.  My wife makes nam prik makham for me (Tamarind chilli paste) and as I love my food spicy anyway, I have a good big dollop with most breakfasts.

An hour late, I am on the throne!  

On 4/22/2021 at 3:10 PM, aldriglikvid said:

You guys are stacking up some great ideas. Can't thank you enough. Now, I need to incorporate this in my daily life. 

 

As of now I'll exclude pure/straight laxative medications and only use that in case of emergency. Not being much of a kitchen-guy, I'll try to get "Bamboo" and "Sator" in my daily food plan. I wouldn't mind eating them straight/raw in the morning if that's possible...? 

 

Should've listened more to my moms when I had the opportunity. Am I right. 

 

????

It sounds to me as though you need to drink a lot more water - at least 3 litres a day, depending on your activity level and how much you sweat.  If you are dehydrated, your body will take water from anywhere, and that includes any stools being formed.  That means they will harden and compact and you will become constipated.  I am on a strict keto diet so need to be very careful about drinking enough liquids, preferably plain water.

For the first time ever in my life, I had a very bad compacted stool early last month because I had been too busy to drink enough water for about 5 days and I can tell you, I thought I was going to have to go to hospital to have it manually extracted.  ????

It got stuck about 5 pm, and I mean STUCK and after 30 agonising minutes of trying, I had to call my wife and ask her to get home quick-quick.   And sorry for the TMI, but when a little piece showed its head, I just had to remove it myself!  Yes, I know, way to much TMI, but needs must in situations like this!    

Luckily she had the foresight to buy a box of ten of these - saline enemas.  I didn't even know they existed.  Apparently they can be bought singly and also come in a larger size.  All pharmacies have them.

Anyway, having assumed the position (lying on my side with knees up to the chin), Madam did the necessary for me.  That's love!   ????

Ten minutes later, WHOOSH!  I don't think I have ever felt such relief!

It might pay you to not only buy some Radompon as I posted uphread, but a few of these little poo-bombs if things get really bad.

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14831/fleet-enema-rectal/details

2 hours ago, Oxx said:

 

Except it's not.  It's the name for the active component of Lipitor.  Generic brands of atovastatin available in Thailand include Atorsan and Chlovas.

I have used Clovas and it's not too expensive.  

Then I found a cheaper generic called Lipostat which was less than 5 or 600 baht for 30 tablets (I forget the exact price).  It's distributed by Siam Pharmaceutical.  I got it at a local pharmacy in Nonthaburi.  

Depending on your dosage, it's cheaper to buy the 40 mg and also buy a 20 baht pill cutter and cut them down the groove in the middle.

I found the full 40 mg tablet made me feel quite ill.

14 hours ago, allencraig said:

Your impression is correct. ???? I've been to Ramathibodi Premium and it seems they've combined admin processes of a government hospital with the pricing of a premium. But they've been very nice and helpful so I consider them a good "non-Bumrungrad" choice, so thanks for the confirmation on that.

There is a (closed) thread on urologists on here started by Cheryl, but it's 5 years old now so may not be too helpful.

Might be worth a quick browse though.  

Good luck with your investigations.  I'm interested in the outcome.

On 5/10/2021 at 1:48 PM, Susco said:

 

Why you need a quote for an urinalysis, just calling them would confirm the price.

Of course 150 Baht does not include any additional tests, like there are urine culture or other requirements.

I had an urinalysis at Phramongkutklao (the army) hospital last week.  60 baht. 

Don't pay more than 150 at an outside clinic, 200 baht tops.

I had my first sciatica attack about 6 months ago.  My father used to get it too, not uncommon for it to run in families.

I saw my knee specialist at Phramongkutklao hospital a few weeks afterwards and he suggested that I get some Lyrica (pregabalin) if I should get another attack in the future.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregabalin

Thankfully, I haven't had one since, but I did buy some local brand from my local pharmacy should things kick off again.

You might want to discuss this with your medical advisor.

3 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

 

There are at least half a dozen differen t Thai brands of etoricoxib . Also several local brands of celecoxib.

 

I have taken Zobrex brand celecoxib (locally made) with good results.

Yes, I know about the Thai brands but wasn't impressed, especially with the GPO version.

Thanks for the name but it's celecoxib and I was prescribed etoricoxib. I know that they are both are COX-2 inhibitors, but I wouldn't want to change the meds without consulting my doc at Phramongkutklao first. 
I only saw him 2 weeks ago so it's a bit late.  My next appointment is August so I will wait until then and ask him if he thinks I should change the meds, but he's never suggested anything else over the last 10 years.

However, I'll go looking for celecoxib tomorrow just in case.  What sort of price is it?

He did suggest Lyrica (pregabalin) if I get a recurrence of the sciatica I had 6 months ago, and I have bought some in case it flares up again, but I don't think I should be taking that instead of the etoricoxib.

2 hours ago, Crossy said:

The biggest con will be that it's illegal without a Thai FDA licence (which you won't get). So avoid sending by courier, small quantities sent by regular post seem to get through.

 

There's another thread somewhere about Indian online pharmacies.

Thanks for the info.  Interesting to know.

I don't suppose you have a link to that thread about Indian pharmacies, do you?  I did a forum search but got hits on all sorts of irrelevant rubbish!  ????

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

As above, it is illegal. In practice, customs will usually allow very small quantities through if sent by regular post provided it is not a controlled drug.

 

However atomoxetine is a controlled drug in Thailand,  so not only is it likely to get confiscated but you could get in real trouble.

 

Imports of medication have not been stopped but like everything else that comes by air,  shipments are slower and fewer. There are local Thai made brands of etoricoxib (Arcoxia) so nto reason to buy an Indian brand.

Yes, I am aware of the atomoxetine status, but I just want a small supply as a trial for a couple of months.  I was just wondering if it would be feasible getting them from India because 4,350 a month for a trial that may not work seems a waste of money to me as it takes at least 4 weeks for the stuff to start working.  

My pharmacist says that there is no Sandoz etoricoxib available at the moment, to his knowledge, and he only had the branded Arcoxia, so I may well just have to buy a Thai version from somewhere and hope it's as effective. 

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

As above, it is illegal. In practice, customs will usually allow very small quantities through if sent by regular post provided it is not a controlled drug.

 

However atomoxetine is a controlled drug in Thailand,  so not only is it likely to get confiscated but you could get in real trouble.

 

Imports of medication have not been stopped but like everything else that comes by air,  shipments are slower and fewer. There are local Thai made brands of etoricoxib (Arcoxia) so nto reason to buy an Indian brand.

The problem is that the local Thai brands of etoricoxib aren't very good and are still quite expensive.  The GPO version is rubbish, hardly does a thing for me.

My excellent local pharmacist knows my medical history almost as well as me and he suggested these from Sandoz in India some years ago.  They work fine and only cost 590 baht for 30 tablets.  I only take them 3 times a week so they last quite a while.

On the other hand, the genuine article Arcoxia from MSD which he says are the only ones available at the moment cost 220 baht for FIVE tablets!  

So 19.6 baht per tablet for Sandoz or 44 baht per tablet for the branded one.  I know that tomorrow I shall be visiting as many  pharmacies as possible.

Down the road from me.  Somewhere to avoid for a few weeks.  

9 minutes ago, Leaver said:

 

That's exactly what everyone should do.  

If you mean boycott the product due to the price hike, yes, and I shall.

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Alcoholics want to give up drinking and can't.

I'm a drunk, and I like being a drunk.

Whatever floats your boat.   But I managed to give up drinking 3 or 4 pints of beer a night for over 25 years in only two weeks 4 years ago - today, May 8th 2017 as it happens.  

OK, I subbed it with Bells at first, but never more than 2 a night.  I have an apothecaries glass and measure 45 mls into it, put that in a 250 ml glass, add ice to the top and then top it up with soda.

Hardly being an alcoholic.  I've always been a light sleeper and it helps me get off to sleep.