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September 30, 2007
September 07 Blood Work
Update: I forgot to add the important part of my recent blood work: My most recent Prolactin reading was 7.8 (where 2.1-17.7 ... it was as high as 65). My Prolactin is up a bit since the last blood draw. In the past 5 months I've gained 5 pounds though I'm wearing the same clothes I was wearing five months ago (and a year ago when I hit 224). Without going into all the details, I'm not concerned about the weight.
I asked my doc about an MRI as it's been several years since the last one. If I had a prolactin-secreting tumor an MRI may not be necessary. As he's not sure my tumor is Prolactin secreting (though certainly the cause of my problem) I may have another MRI next year to see how they're doing.
As many of you know I have a couple of pituitary tumors that used to cause problems with my Prolactin. The Prolactin, in turn, caused problems with my Testosterone and at one point drove it to a level as low as what your typical 12-year old girl might have. Which is to say, it was very, very low. Low enough that a lot of things quit working and the part of me that monitored those things didn't notice or care.
At one point I was taking three Tic-Tac sized pills (Dostinex, a.k.a. Cabergoline) twice a week for a total of six pills a week. Without insurance this would have run about $1000 per month.
As time has passed my Prolactin has dropped to the point that I'm now taking one pill twice a week. The last reduction in my meds came about 5 months ago.
This past Thursday's blood draw shows that in the past 5 months my Prolactin has gone up just a hair. It's still well within range, however, and may be dropped to 1/2 pill soon.
As for my Testosterone, I've got about 25 times the amount I had at my lowest point. So much, in fact, that even as I'm sitting and doing nothing at all it oozes out of my fingertips. 'I've actually had to put Saran Wrap over my notebook keyboard to keep the computer dry and the motherboard from shorting out.
This has paid off in another way as my interest in browsing for Internet porn has increased by about 25 times these past few years.
Posts that people with pituitary tumors, low libido or low testosterone might find interesting:
A very long post that goes over my experience with my pituitary tumors. There are some links other sites and additional info. If you suspect you have a Testosterone problem you might want to read this. I really need to rework it.
Posted by delmer at September 30, 2007 9:04 PM
Comments
Wow, you have been through alot! I am glad that you found a solution that seems to be working for you!
Thanks for sharing!
BTW, both your links point to the same page.
Posted by: Diana at September 30, 2007 10:52 PM
Thanks for creating the table- much easier to read.
I must be getting loopey- can't find the September '07 results.
Posted by: Bill at October 1, 2007 1:51 AM
Testosterone oozing out of your fingertips???
Does the bicycling help with your body manufacturing more testosterone?
Posted by: The Phoenix at October 1, 2007 4:25 PM
Diana: Thanks for the catch.
Bill: No ... I just forgot to update it. It's up now.
Phoenix: I think exercise may do something to help produce more testosterone. I don't recall.
Posted by: delmer at October 1, 2007 4:51 PM