Potassium concerns

[TgKimber (imported)]

I started spiro two weeks ago, things are great so far, night erections are just about gone and I can control my erections instead of them controlling me. As for mood, still feeling that one out, we will see. I have done my homework, I have been looking up info on this for years. I decided on spiro due to the price and the minor feminization. Now, I am worried about the potassium load, I stopped eating high potassium foods but I cant give up my coffee (or some other things) tried, cant do it. So do ya'll (I know there are some really savy people here) think andro would be a better fit? What about switching mid dose? Also, I know it takes a long time, but can you lower your dose post atrophy? I have thought about lowering from 200 to 150, but I really dont want to deal with a T rush if I drop it too low.

Life would be soooo much easier if I could elect for surgical castration, damn medical field.

Thanks.

[clysmaniac (imported)]

I was on spiro for almost 2 1/2 years but only 100mg/day. I had no issues with high potassium but did cut down on bananas. I had plenty of coffee in the AM but tried to limit it at dinner so I didn't have to get up so often to pee. I stopped the spiro a week ago and enjoy being able to drink more in the evening and still sleep for 5-6 hours without having to pee.

[TgKimber (imported)]

If you dont mind me asking, why did you stop the spiro? Also, was that the only med you were on?

[bobbie (imported)]

People do switch between the two drugs often. There should be no problems in doing so. With androcur potassium is not a normal problem to worry about. It is always best to have your blood monitored if possible when taking any drug. Not so easy if you are taking androcur and live in the states. May have to do as I did and just have the blood test be taken as part of my physical.

Wish you luck

[clysmaniac (imported)]

I was also getting a monthly injection of Depo Provera to go along with the spiro. I also did quite a few grain alcohol injections into my testes. I had a testosterone test of 95 three months ago and one now at 44. My urologist has decided to remove them and we are in the process of arranging the details- appointment, blood tests, pre-op physical, etc. So there is no need for continued drugs.

[TgKimber (imported)]

Ahh.. Congrats. What exactly did the alcohol do? I have heard of it, never heard if it works or not.

[clysmaniac (imported)]

The alcohol (vodka and later grain alcohol) killed the Leydig cells- not instantly but over repeated injections. I had a biopsy done 3 months ago and the diagnosis then was that my testes were infarcted. My doctor wanted to wait 3 months to see if there was any improvement in my T level- no, it went down so he has opted to castrate me and put me on testosterone replacement. I was happy at first with very low T but over time have lost some strength and temperature regulation. I want to have some T again but not a lot- more experimenting but it is easy with the gels to regulate the amount.

[paulault (imported)]

I am a M2F TS and have been taking Spiro and Estrogen for 9 months diy, I ramped up to 100mg in the morning and 100mg in the evening for a few months then dropped it down to my current dose of 50mg in the morning and 50mg in the evening, so at least for me a lower dose works now. I no longer have the morning or spontaneous thingys anymore and things have shrunk by at least 50%. In the beginning i lost energy as the T dropped but after 5 months or so my energy has returned to almost normal. Also in the beginning i would be up to pee 3 - 4 times a night, i took it just before bed, but over time that has lessened and now i make it thru the night. As far as potassium goes i don't drink coffee or eat bananas and pretty much watch out for other foods that have allot of it. I never had cramps but then again i drink tons of water and have a craving for dill pickles to replenish the salt i lose. I have been seeing a gender therapist and next week have an appointment with an Endo to start doing this the right way and get the blood levels checked.

Paula.

[evening_dusk (imported)]

Hey people, can i just ask about spironolactone, has anyone still been able to impregnate their wives after stopping the medication? If so, about how long did you take the medication and how long did you stop?

I understand that with all anti-androgens there is a possibility of total impotence, but am just trying to understand.. Getting horny too many times a day is too disturbing to my life!

[TgKimber (imported)]

Well, as of tomorrow (02-19-09) I will be four weeks in on the 200mg spiro. I think I am starting to feel the "eunuch calm" that some of the guys talk about. Things just dont seem to bother me as much as they did. I still get mad about things, but I dont stay mad. I have had a few times when I felt "bummed out" for lack of a better term, but they pass fairly quick as long as I keep my mind busy. I have not had any real hot flashes, just a general warm to cold feeling. I do feel less energetic, it takes alot more effort to do anything and when I do I get tired fairly quick. I have had a little muscle discomfort, not cramps, just a slight ache like a minor workout. I have not had morning wood for a few days now nor have I felt a need to masturbate, I can get an erection after some work but it isnt as hard and it takes even more work to keep it up. I wish I would have taken measurements, but oh well, I know everything is shrinking. I think I am going to drop down to 150mg a day next week.

Sorry I have not posted in a while. It is a pain in the ass getting on line, I live out in the sticks. I will post my mileage when I can.