I took my 2nd testosterone jab (Nebido) at 5.5 weeks since my first jab,
The feeling after meeting my doctor was not that great and it got me thinking about whether I want to either stop doing TRT or do the Bangkok method of purchasing off the shelf at the pharmacy (New Medicine at 68 Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand).
When I met my doctor, I updated him on the experiences I felt through the 5.5 weeks, libido and energy peaked in weeks 2-3 and slowly subsided until then. I then asked him several questions that I prepared beforehand:
- I shared my concerns about micro-embolism due to the large dose of 4ml in one go. He said that he always aspirates and ensures to inject slowly to avoid this. At the same time, I felt that my question offended him, as though I was questioning his competency of injecting as a doctor.
- I highlighted that I had asthmatic symptoms of breathing difficulties in the week 2-3 and he assured me that it was nothing to do with TRT. I then also mentioned that I had a hematoma on the injection site after the first day of my jab and got a calf cramp on that leg. He said that it happens and is nothing to worry about, DVT does occur but it's rare.
- I then shared with him about the low symptoms I experienced again on week 5 and asked if he is okay to be flexible with the cycle duration as compared to the standard one. The standard he was willing to give was 8 weeks but in case I might need it earlier due to symptom recurrence would he be willing? On this part, he was adamant that the shortest he would go is 2 months (8 weeks) regardless of symptoms. He then told me that if I wanted a different cycle, feel free to go see another doctor or specialist. I felt that he was slightly dismissive at this moment, and he was doubting me for using TRT as a means of bodybuilding muscle growth. He said that amongst all his patients, I am the only one who is in my 30s, all other men he sees are in their 40s and 50s and want to supercharge their health and fitness. This part made me doubt myself whether I should be doing TRT or not. Because I did feel the lack of libido and weak erections before I started it but Cialis did help improve those symptoms. In terms of energy, I did feel an improvement when on TRT but it wasn't life-changing or anything, I still had to push myself mentally to get things done.
- My final question to him was whether he would write a prescription for me just in case he is not around when I need my jab and I can get it duly at any medical provider. This question sort of offended him because he said he did not understand the question, and that his clinic is open 7 days a week and even if he wasn't around there would be someone to stand by. I'm not sure what made him defensive but my concern was just that I would be tied down to coming back to him every 2 months.
Overall, now that I am on my second jab, I have started to think about the long-term financial impact that TRT will have on my life. $400 every 2 months + blood tests + consultation. Would it be financially feasible for me to do this long-term? What if I use the alternative Bangkok pharmacy method. I fly there every 3-6 months to purchase new supplies.