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[plix (imported)]

My first day on the patch, and no big changes. I am thinking there may be a slight push in libido, but that could be placebo, and erectile function is somewhat better (could be fueled by the placebo libido) but still lacking.

I can narrow the reasons I believe it has not worked well so far down to the following:

1. Residual Estrogen

I took a shot of E 9 days ago. It should be on the decline at this point, but there could still be enough to cause problems.

2. Patch Issues

I placed the patch on my lower back, which according to the shaded diagram may have been too low. It did not work well in that position during sleep, and by morning it was wrinkled and had begun to peel at parts of the edges. It also slipped downward some.

I am thinking reason 1 may play more of a role than I realize, so I will give it more time before deciding it is not working.

I also am not sure how fast and suddenly the changes are supposed to occur. Should one expect to regain full libido and function overnight or does it build over time?

I will try again tonight and this time place the patch on my thigh with medical tape to help hold it in place.

[Robby (imported)]

My first day on the patch, and no big changes. I am thinking there may be a slight push in libido, but that could be placebo, and erectile function is somewhat better (could be fueled by the placebo libido) but still lacking.

I can narrow the reasons I believe it has not worked well so far down to the following:

1. Residual Estrogen

I took a shot of E 9 days ago. It should be on the decline at this point, but there could still be enough to cause problems.

2. Patch Issues

I placed the patch on my lower back, which according to the shaded diagram may have been too low. It did not work well in that position during sleep, and by morning it was wrinkled and had begun to peel at parts of the edges. It also slipped downward some.

I am thinking reason 1 may play more of a role than I realize, so I will give it more time before deciding it is not working.

I also am not sure how fast and suddenly the changes are supposed to occur. Should one expect to regain full libido and function overnight or does it build over time?

I will try again tonight and this time place the patch on my thigh with medical tape to help hold it in place.

You need to be a bit more patient. It usually takes 3 days or there abouts to feel and see the affects of the patch. Take it easy, relax, rest the mind and good things will happen to you.

Take care and say hi to K_SD for me.

[kristoff]

Generally takes several days to load the T. On gel, usually takes me 10-14 days to fully load. Patches are worse - very slow, ineffective. Not a good method. Recommend either gel or shots as most effective. Gel is expensive but very stable and consistent. On shots, a weekly shot of 1cc is usually most effective on the significantly less expensive end. Quick shot in thigh works well. Otherwise, try none of the above, E or T, and go from there. I dont do either now - for several months, and doing OK

[FianceeUvBigGuy (imported)]

Yoli here, all brighttailed and bushyeyed!

(Had to drive Ash[leigh] to the airport EARLY!)

Plixie,

A tip I picked up from Barry ('cept I was gonna apply a seasick patch.)

Wash the spot where you intend to place the patch with soap and water, rinsing thoroughly. Do not use "moisturizing" soaps, such as Caress(TM), since they leave a residue of oils. Ivory(TM) would be a good choice, followed by thorough drying with a clean towel (no fabric softener, same problem as with moisturizing soaps) and a quick swab with rubbing alcohol. Allow that to dry too.

The patch will adhere better to clean and dry skin.

Luv to all...ya'll.

Yolanda T. Crazy

Sleepless in San Antonio

[plix (imported)]

Day 2 on the patch. Erectile function, while still nothing like pre-surgery ability, is stronger than it has been in a long time. But I know how powerful placebo can be, so I am not getting my hopes up.

Last night the patch stayed in place much better. I will continue using the tape as it is helping a great deal.

The E patches seemed to be effective in my case. I got my first breast development on Estraderm 25. Are the T patches not as effective as the E?

[Uncle Flo (imported)]

The only information that I have is from the endocrinologist my doctor consulted. He thinks that the patches are mostly ineffective in delivering testosterone and, taking the greater cost into consideration, are the least desirable form of application other than ingestion. His statement may not apply to you the same way it does to me, he also said that the more fat on a person the less effective is any dermal application of testosterone. --FLO--

[plix (imported)]

Day 3.

I awoke this morning with an erection. First morning one in a long time.

I was able to maintain a very stiff erection in an intimate context for quite some time. Close to pre surgery stiffness.

Libido is still lacking, and I have not seen a significant surge in energy. But I didn't notice a significant decline in energy after the surgery, so perhaps I am not sensitive to that effect.

The patch came off today even with the tape.

Regardless of how well the patches end up working, I think I will switch to another method. The patches have issues with staying on and are much bigger and bulkier than I expected. I was thinking they were more like the Estraderm patches, which are much easier to deal with.

[mrt (imported)]

Personally, I can feel a wide fluctuation in testosterone when taking it (cypionate) every week even. And I have heard about some ignorant doctors who tried giving cypionate injections every four weeks. The only testosterone I have used that can be given that far apart is Sostenon and thats not legally available in the states as it has never been FDA approved yet. In the UK they have Testosterone Undecanoate which is VERY long acting, as in shots taken every month provide a consistent level, probably equal to cypionate done every week, in terms of consistency. Also, in the UK, they have testosterone pellets that are implanted under the skin which can be given as seldom as once per year and there is even some (Though I hear never been used) that last even two years. I wish America would catch up with some of these other countries sometimes.

Yes, my Doctor suggested Androgel (Which I use - its great!) or monthly injections. I researched this and gave her some of what I saw. She said "thank you" and changed how she does the injections! The 6 month shots used in Europe are not perfect. I have some friends who have tried them and begged to be put on anything else. I think its a good idea but it needs to have some bugs squashed. I'm trying to remember what it was like to not slather on Androgel every morning. I like it because the effects are very even. I don't have roller coaster hormone rides.

[mrt (imported)]

My first day on the patch, and no big changes. I am thinking there may be a slight push in libido, but that could be placebo, and erectile function is somewhat better (could be fueled by the placebo libido) but still lacking.

I can narrow the reasons I believe it has not worked well so far down to the following:

1. Residual Estrogen

I took a shot of E 9 days ago. It should be on the decline at this point, but there could still be enough to cause problems.

2. Patch Issues

I placed the patch on my lower back, which according to the shaded diagram may have been too low. It did not work well in that position during sleep, and by morning it was wrinkled and had begun to peel at parts of the edges. It also slipped downward some.

I am thinking reason 1 may play more of a role than I realize, so I will give it more time before deciding it is not working.

I also am not sure how fast and suddenly the changes are supposed to occur. Should one expect to regain full libido and function overnight or does it build over time?

I will try again tonight and this time place the patch on my thigh with medical tape to help hold it in place.

For me (And this may not be the norm) Energy and mood improved in 3 or 4 days. For me it was WOW! I had stopped expecting anything and I was so charged up. I also lost my Anxiety problem which has never returned. Sex drive took many weeks to months to come back but when it did it was another WOW! Mental fog took long - maybe about the same length as drive. I wish you the best! If it works for you like it does for me? I feel 1000x better then when my hormones were all tanking.

[mrt (imported)]

mrt. How much of Androgel are you using and do you know your present T-level? H.

I was on 10 gm daily but my Doctor cut me back one pump so its an odd number. I get tested every 6 months and the numbers are good. I was in the 700s the last time I was tested but this was not long after I applied it. Maybe 4 hours. My previous numbers were abnormaly low but the testing was being done over 24 hours after the application (almost 30) due to my insane early work hours and the time the lab was opened.

BTW the Doctors felt this time "shouldn't" make a difference. It clearly does. Whoever is selling the idea that Androgel doesn't peak in fairly short order (24 hours) has not seen any of my labs. That said I think its the greatest stuff. My life went from suck-o-ramma to WOW!!

If you go on HRT you have to have PSAs and the DRE (Dreaded Rectal Exam) on a regular basis. So find a Doctor you can joke around with. Its embaressing but nessesary.