frustrated in ft Laud.

JCMC64

New Member
I just got back from visiting a local Dr. (Ft Lauderdale) that was recommended by a poster on this site. First the good newshe is totally down with TRT, as well GH therapy. He was knowledgeable on most standard TRT \GH protocols. Nice office, and very personable. He also had a good working knowledge of thyroid issues. He also had an interesting protocol of also throwing in GH to the TRT (obviously cost related).

The bad news. He doesnt get involved in Insurance, so it is totally out of pocket. He also does not test for estradiol, nor even mentioned it once. He did not seem interested to consult with Swale. He said he does dosages of T shots for men over 200 lbs in the 300-400 mg range a week, coupled with hCG. This is not in line with Swales protocol obviously, and seems way too high (he looked kinda bloated himself as he stated it is his protocol he uses). I would think he would, by his demeanor, consider testing and watching for the E2 factor, but just very alarms me he did not have Estradiol as an initial lab or in any follow up labs, nor discussed it much when I mentioned it (How do you handle the side effects of TRT like too high Estrogen?not a problem usually--how to know unless you test for it!!!). Swale is all over the E2 factor. And Swale (I dont think, anyways) would recommend such high dosages of weekly T shots...(Swale?)

Over all I was disappointed in the consult, as I think he liked to hear himself talk, rather than actually listen as I asked him (with respect of coarse) questions, explained my situation. He left the office on a emergency phone call, and did not return (sent in his office person to go over cost of serviceleft me hanging with quite a few more questions that I had to ask assistant to ask him and get back to me on --- just a very frustrating thing to go through when I drove an hour to see him).

What is with doctors that they forget the importance of listening to patients!!!!!!! URRGHH!!! He then wants me to dole out serious cash after a very limited consult??
And this is a specialist in the area of TRT!!! If this had been an Endo I guess I would have been way more impressed given their pathetic record, but an out of the pocket anti aging specialist??! I think hes used to the more luxurious accounts, where money isnt an issue, and the patient doesnt have a clue. He definitely didnt seem ready for a more involved interview.

He would be worth visiting if you done your homework, and have the money to spend. You obviously would need to cut the dosages down, and make it known you want to keep the E factor in view (as well as other labs he didnt seem concerned with that Swale is concerned with). But with what I've minimally learned over the months, if someone is already off (dosaging\ E factor, cost) why bother?

I will have to continue to look for someone that will consult with Swale. in the ft. Lauderdale area. (failed in 2 attempts so far, another 2 awaiting)

If anyone is interested in this TRT dr., PM me. (Ft. Lauderdale area)
 
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keep looking. Go over to the A4M site and look through their directory of docs in Florida. Don't be shy about asking for the doc's approach to HRT/TRT before you book an appointment. Find out what they will or will not do using insurance. Most of us need to use it. It's mostly geezers like myself who can front the bill and let insurance catch up for reimbursement. If you have the chance to restructure your insurance for a high, very high, deductible and a medical reimbursement account so that you can get the meds and allow you to pay into the account with each check, it will help. As myself and my wife are on hgh, this has really helped. Good luck.

Another point. You may find a doc who initiates your treatment differently than Swale. I wouldn't be so concerned, especially if you've been hanging out here and learning. It would be an issue if the doc, when confronted with a known possible outcome, such as high E2, would not have a thought on what to do or why it's important to consider. One of the presenters at an HRT seminar I attended revealed his personal HRT protocol---hcg only. Here again, I thought, well if he continues with routine bloodwork, he'll have to adjust as needed--and maybe that's the important point.
 
Head Doc

Thx for the good input\encouragement

...my Dad is from Phoenix! He is an old Rich geezer too, who has offered to help some financially if it comes down to it.


BTW someday I hope to be an old rich geezer! ...."ya listening up there God?? Hello...anyone home up there?"
 
actually, as a result of "working the crowd" of docs at the A4M seminar I went to, I've found a local doc who takes insurance, was trained by Ron Rothenberg MD, and open to writing scripts and allowing me to search around for the best drug prices. We then talk about the source. While I do lay money out for the hgh, I also get re-imbursed. Keep lookin'. Better yet, fly into town and you and your dad can work with this guy. I recently struck out trying to convince my 90 year old dad to use HRT.
 
Head

Nicely done...

Sounds like your Doc is a miracle ...lottery winner for most of us looking for docs... which is truly a needle in the haystack experience, finding a knowledgable, yet personable TRT guy who works with insurance.

and my dad is totally interested in it, but wants me to be the guinea pig first.

...oink
 
JCMC64 said:
I just got back from visiting a local Dr. (Ft Lauderdale) that was recommended by a poster on this site. First the good newshe is totally down with TRT, as well GH therapy. He was knowledgeable on most standard TRT \GH protocols. Nice office, and very personable. He also had a good working knowledge of thyroid issues. He also had an interesting protocol of also throwing in GH to the TRT (obviously cost related).

The bad news. He doesnt get involved in Insurance, so it is totally out of pocket. He also does not test for estradiol, nor even mentioned it once. He did not seem interested to consult with Swale. He said he does dosages of T shots for men over 200 lbs in the 300-400 mg range a week, coupled with hCG. This is not in line with Swales protocol obviously, and seems way too high (he looked kinda bloated himself as he stated it is his protocol he uses). I would think he would, by his demeanor, consider testing and watching for the E2 factor, but just very alarms me he did not have Estradiol as an initial lab or in any follow up labs, nor discussed it much when I mentioned it (How do you handle the side effects of TRT like too high Estrogen?not a problem usually--how to know unless you test for it!!!). Swale is all over the E2 factor. And Swale (I dont think, anyways) would recommend such high dosages of weekly T shots...(Swale?)

Over all I was disappointed in the consult, as I think he liked to hear himself talk, rather than actually listen as I asked him (with respect of coarse) questions, explained my situation. He left the office on a emergency phone call, and did not return (sent in his office person to go over cost of serviceleft me hanging with quite a few more questions that I had to ask assistant to ask him and get back to me on --- just a very frustrating thing to go through when I drove an hour to see him).

What is with doctors that they forget the importance of listening to patients!!!!!!! URRGHH!!! He then wants me to dole out serious cash after a very limited consult??
And this is a specialist in the area of TRT!!! If this had been an Endo I guess I would have been way more impressed given their pathetic record, but an out of the pocket anti aging specialist??! I think hes used to the more luxurious accounts, where money isnt an issue, and the patient doesnt have a clue. He definitely didnt seem ready for a more involved interview.

He would be worth visiting if you done your homework, and have the money to spend. You obviously would need to cut the dosages down, and make it known you want to keep the E factor in view (as well as other labs he didnt seem concerned with that Swale is concerned with). But with what I've minimally learned over the months, if someone is already off (dosaging\ E factor, cost) why bother?

I will have to continue to look for someone that will consult with Swale. in the ft. Lauderdale area. (failed in 2 attempts so far, another 2 awaiting)

If anyone is interested in this TRT dr., PM me. (Ft. Lauderdale area)


YGM
 
I would really hope out members NOT go to whoever this doctor is. IMPO, if what has been written for him is true, he has no idea what he is doing. I honestly believe he is damaging the health of his patients.

BTW, most of my guys get their labs and meds paid for by their insurance. This relieves nearly all the financial burden for them. And I really don't turn anyone away if need is truly there (for those who can come to "The Man Cave" or have me Consult through their local physicians for those who cannot).

HeadDoc--There definitely are several legitimate, effective, safe protocols for TRT out there, and particular treatment modality MUST be individually customized. There are instances where just a touch of HCG works best, and I do have a couple of guys who do that. By and large, though, in my experience, "test is best", and HCG is best employed adjunctively.

I am delighted that you are attending the A4M conferences, actively interacting with the participants, and reporting back on same. I'll next be on stage for them in Chicago this August (if I decline the invitation to lecture in Bangkok), and look forward to the possibility of shaking your hand there.

What I am doing will be considered absolutely Stone Age in 10 years. I am now working to eventually add in genetic testing for the various polymorphisms of the enzymes involved, and we are also coming to appreciate the various and sundary actions at the receptors. This is a red hot area of medicine, and I get up every morning thinking about how I know absolutely nothing, and how far we have to go. Sweet!
 
Swale---- I believe you that the hcg only protocol has less utility than test with hcg added. I've been happily stabilized for months on a small (80 mg) test cyp weekly and 100 iu hcg five days a week. Nick Delgado about jumped out of his seat when the presenter mentioned his use of the hcg only protocol. hehe!

I appreciate the fact that you understand in my post above I am not encouraging the members here to disregard what you say. Rather, many of the members here are going to have to make do with the docs in their area. The guys have got to educate themselves here and then adjust with their docs as they go along. Of course, I agree that if someone's health is risked they have got to move on.
 
I can see him doing that. Hehehehe. That's my guy Nick!

I was referring to the first physician mentioned, who uses steorid dosages and is clueless to the dangers of estrogens.

Do you mean you use HCG QOD? Or take weekends off, i.e.?

Your efforts to equip the good members here with competent medical care are appreciated more than words can say.
 
Swale, I take 100 iu of hcg on the last five days before the next test shot. I skip the day of the test shot and the day after that--when I do the first dose of arimidex. I figure that that would be the day when the test reaches a peak and hence the aromatization would also be the highest.
 
The only way I know of to take Arimidex everyday and not go to low is to have a compounding Pharmicy mix it for you in a dam low dose. I only know of one man that could take a 1 mg. pill eveyday and he had HIV. He died not to long ago God Bless Him.
Phil
 
Back to original post, I found a doc who seems very willing to consult with Swale. So, for me , it looks like the beginning is in site!
 
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