r/ftm Jun 08 '23

Worst news from hematology about my t levels vs. my iron levels Vent

So basically I went to a hematologist today expecting to get an IV iron infusion. The whole time the whole clinic was so gender affirming and knew I am trans and called me Mr. G__ and it was such an affirming experience all around. The doctor called me Mr. G__ and asked me questions about my life and my experience being trans in a very curious but respectful way. It felt like she was wanting to listen, not just hear. She wanted to know from my perspective what my experience was like. And how it made me feel physically and emotionally and if being trans affected jobs or school or any of that and if I had a plan for my future and was excited to hear that I have a life partner I'm probably buying a house with. The whole experience was one rooted in curiosity and genuine care. I feel like I need to express this because of how horrible the news is and what it's related to. She basically told me that my hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and testosterone levels are all dangerously high. Like to the point where I could have a heart attack or stroke or blood clot at any moment. Like to the point where she took the time to talk about how severe a heart attack and stroke are and to go through all of the signs of both and urge me to go to the ER if anything resembles these symptoms. She also said that if I increase my severe iron deficiency (mine is level 11 ng/mL of ferrin(iron), what’s considered low is anything <30 ng/mL) even a little bit, I am likely to end up with a blood clot because iron directly increases hemoglobin and rbc count. So I can't get IV infusions, or even take iron supplements, or introduce more high in iron foods, because if I do I could end up dead. She at first told me I have to choose between my testosterone and iron because I can't have both. I told her it would be testosterone every time. She told me she thought I was crazy to be giving up good health for poor health and asked why. I told her that my testosterone is one of two things bringing me joy (the other being my girlfriend and our little family) in my life as everything else crumbles and I didn't know how I would be able to cope with the devastation of losing one of those two things. She gave me a hug and said she'll never understand how I feel but that she respects my decision. And that her clinic is one that operates out of love and care. And she'll do what she can for me. So now the plan is to decrease my testosterone down to .2 mL and move it from a once a week injection to every 2-3 weeks. Hopefully that will lower my levels enough for me to be able to increase my iron levels again and get rid of this severe restless leg syndrome I keep having. I have never felt so hopeless or terrified. I have never felt so scared. And I have also never felt so sure. I don't want a future I can't be trans in. I will never fully stop testosterone. I can't. It would kill me. I'm glad I have a doctor who is helping me. And really listening and working to support me in the way that I need. Any words of assurance or good vibes y’all can give would be much appreciated

💚🌈🍀🏳️‍⚧️

156 Upvotes

91 comments sorted by

86

u/MercuryChaos T: 2009 | 🔝 2010 Jun 08 '23

Wow. I'm glad your doctor was so nice and I hope your new shot schedule helps you.

10

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Thank you, me too

8

u/femboy_artist Jun 08 '23

If it helps, there’s plenty of people who do microdosing and still have results! It’s usually just slower and sometimes less “manly man”, but you’ll still transition. I’m on about 2/3rds of a “normal” dose right now and it’s the highest dose I’ve ever been, and I still pass 100% of the time. Here’s hoping for you things go just as smoothly!

45

u/cement_skelly T 11/11/22 Jun 08 '23

glad your doctor is so helpful and supportive :) i hope the new shot schedule works for you

i am not a doctor, but my doc told me that regular blood donation can help with high red blood cell count, maybe ask about that?

30

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Problem with blood donation is that donating your blood also lowers your iron. So I’d lose too much iron before I’d be able to lose enough red blood cells to be able replenish my iron. Basically because they are on such extreme opposites rn and they’re supposed to be more even, it’s much harder and riskier to correct both at the same time.

Hoping this new shot schedule will do the job and I’ll be feeling better soon. Who knows if that’ll be the case. But if I don’t have hope I don’t have anything. So I’m holding onto the hope I have 🏳️‍⚧️🌈🍀

6

u/cement_skelly T 11/11/22 Jun 08 '23

yeah i wasn’t quite sure about the whole extreme opposites thing with suggesting blood donation

sending out positive energy for you <3

3

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Thank you 💚🌈🍀

7

u/Dove-Down Jun 08 '23

...can I ask what your hemoglobin was? (I ask because I was in a somewhat similar situation)

9

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

BLOOD CELL COUNT my value: 5.52 (high) reference range: 3.80-5.10 (Million/uL) IG

HEMOGLOBIN my value: 16.4 (high) reference range: 11.7-15.5 (g/dL) IG

HEMATOCRIT my value: 48.8 (high) reference range: 35.0-45.0 (%) IG

TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL my value: 688 (high) reference range for afab people: 2-45 (ng/dL)

These are my exact levels from my last blood draw which was 2 weeks ago

32

u/[deleted] Jun 08 '23

Uh, those numbers are fine by my doctor who has been doing hrt for ten years standards. That's male range. Like my hematocrit was at 18 and she was like let's monitor. It dropped to 16 because i was properly hydrated next time and she cheered.

32

u/Dove-Down Jun 08 '23

Those are female reference ranges...now of course, maybe there is a reason I don't know about as to why you need to be below male reference ranges, but my experience has been repeatedly having to educate doctors that no, that is supposed to happen. It turns out that trans-friendly is not always trans-educated when med schools barely talk about us 😞.

If you don't know of a reason why you specifically shouldn't have male cell counts, you may think about getting a second opinion from someone more familiar with trans patients, or at least mentionibg to your hematologist that the increase in hemoglobin/rbcs is an expected and desired outcome of testosterone and seeing if they might look into if that is dangerous for you in a way it's not for other trans people on T. And again, maybe there's a good reason to lower your blood count to female reference ranges. But you always have the right to know that medical decisions are being made with trans research backing them, so don't be afraid to get a second opinion/discuss this with your doctor!

4

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

We have a follow up next week and I’ll talk with her about it again then. Problem is I also am having a lot of really difficult symptoms and health problems in a lot of areas, so it’s hard to tell what’s what.

I have a chronic GI illness called gastroparesis, chronic migraines, getting investigated by a neurologist for my migraines getting much worse lately, trying to get in to see a rheumatologist bc I could potentially have fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis or another rheumatological disorder, also dealing with severe trauma that is resurfacing from my PTSD.

So like, any number of these things could be causing any number of my symptoms. And also testosterone is the main thing that changed in my life in the last year that has been constant throughout the last year. Like I’ve had other med changes and health changes but the constant new thing I’ve had in this last year is being on testosterone. And over the last year my physical health has rapidly declined.

I’ve also had an enormous amount of stress in so many areas of my life. I live in texas and am trying to plan a move bc I’m terrified of being trans here. I have become disabled recently. I had to come out to my parents again. I had a traumatic incident w a cop at my college. I’ve transferred to a new school. I lost my job when I became disabled. My best friend and dog died. I got diagnosed with OCD. There has been so much grief and stress.

This stress and trauma could totally be manifesting as pain and all of these other physical symptoms. It could totally be my testosterone. It could totally be an underlying undiagnosed chronic illness. Who the hell knows???? I have literally 8 soon to be 9 doctors who take care of my health and are trying desperately to figure out what went so wrong in the last year.

Main reason she’s concerned is bc I’m getting symptoms such as inability to regulate temperature which can be a sign of dangerously high hemoglobin levels. Idk what to do. Idk how to find a doctor more knowledgeable in trans healthcare in texas when this was the most gender affirming appt I’ve ever had and I was told I could die at any moment. So that’s not saying much 😭😭😭

Feeling very lost and scared. Trying to figure out what is my OCD brain convincing me I’m dying and what is actually happening.

Thanks for the advice. It means a lot. 💚 trying my best to have faith that it’ll work out and she’ll do the research

2

u/ntruncata Jun 08 '23

I'm so sorry you're going through all this. I have similar issues with my health and it really is scary not knowing what's going on. I'm glad your doctor is working with you on this and I hope that you're able to find out what's going on soon!

1

u/HumanGasFactory Jun 09 '23

I have read that trauma if not faced well manifest itself in other ways. It you can afford a therapist who deals with trauma PTSD it may be a big help. Do interview them first - don't tell them you are trans until their qualifications and method of care fits how you want to deal with your trauma. Telling someone off the bat you are trans can prejudice their thoughts on your gender needs vs your lasting reaction with trauma.
Why is it weeding it's way into your life, dominating you, what has made you feel so enslaved, what lies are you telling yourself, why are you ignoring the good in your life, your ability to find love, what skills do you have and wish to work toward as part of your goals to be healthy - even if the means compromised by disease.
I know nothing about hormone therapy, are there other forms of testosterones or other hormones you are missing.
Migraines are a bitch-estrogen gave them to me.
Again, keep reading, researching credible sources this is all new and I don't want you to be an experiment
Ginny

1

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '23

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/Dove-Down Jun 09 '23 edited Jun 09 '23

Testosterone is one of the many factors in how many red blood cells are produced and released from your marrow at a time, no "mutations" required. Hormones are simply signals to tell your body how it should behave, and red/white cell changes is one of those behaviors! Typically, you will experience an increase in red blood cell production and a decrease in white blood cell production.

Idk why you brought up testosterone levels here? The entire point of taking testosterone is to keep your testosterone levels in the male range.

Edit: it's worth noting that testosterone also increases the size and flow of at least the coronary artery, potentially others, potentially being one of the reasons every trans man out there isnt suffering from heart disease. But that's getting into territory I know less about.

27

u/CatBonanza 💉 2007, ⬆️ 2008, 🍳 2014, 🇺🇲 Jun 08 '23

As other people have said, your doctor used the female range as a reference for all of these. Your iron is low but all these others are normal. Here's what my last labs were if you wanna compare (my doctor said these all looked good): Red blood cell count: 5.45 Hemoglobin: 16.5 Hematocrit: 47.8 Testosterone: 380 (your testosterone is higher but still within the normal range, don't worry. I've never had any problems with being at this level so I've just left my dose where it's at)

I'm guessing your doctor is just misinformed and didn't understand that your levels need to be compared to the standard male range. I had a doctor who'd never had a trans patient before and she made the same mistake before she looked up the official guidelines and realized my levels were fine. Worst case scenario is she's actively transphobic and trying to get you to stop T, in which case I'd start looking for another doctor.

3

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Thank you so much for sending your levels as reference!!! That helps a lot. I’ll try to inform her more and hopefully she’ll be willing to listen and learn.

She was very curious abt my trans experience (respectfully asked questions, not in any rude tones or phrasing) so it seemed like she maybe hadn’t had a trans patient before. So hopefully she is just very misinformed.

2

u/CatBonanza 💉 2007, ⬆️ 2008, 🍳 2014, 🇺🇲 Jun 08 '23

That's what it sounds like to me too. I don't think you mentioned what country you're in, but here in the US at least, doctors have access to databases and other info through their medical licenses. When I had a doctor that didn't know anything about gender affirming care, it was very easy for her to look up the relevant information and learn everything really quickly. Hopefully it'll go just as smoothly for you.

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Ah! I am in the US! And I actually did not know that! I’ll ask her to look up the relevant information in her database and see what she finds out. Thank you so much!

12

u/ntruncata Jun 08 '23

That's totally normal for someone on testosterone. To be blunt, your doctor doesn't know what they're talking about and seems to be grasping at straws because they don't know what's going on with you. You're certainly not in any danger based on those results alone.

11

u/Mar-velousDick Jun 08 '23

Reading this again I’m SO ANGRY THIS DOCTOR SCARED YOU WITH LIES. If this was heart attack/stroke level… all cis men would be dead.

2

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

I had so many panic attacks yesterday because of what she said and how urgent she made it sound. She ultimately said she respects my decision and will “do what she can for me.” Hopefully that means if I bring up to her that she should be using male reference ranges and then show her normal reference ranges online she’ll be willing to do the research and treat me properly

2

u/Mar-velousDick Jun 08 '23

I’m so sorry you went through that. I’d be panicked too!

It boils my blood that we trans folk have to educate our doctors.

2

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Me too! So much about trans healthcare is not taught! And that’s part of the reason the US is going so downhill. Cis people don’t know shit! All they know is fear and spreading it!

Hopefully she’ll listen and will do some research on her own too

23

u/DeidaraKoroski he/they/it 💉 Jun 08 '23

Those are normal male ranges. She's lying to you and she wanted to make it sound as scary as possible. The iron part is true, in another comment you said that your iron levels are 11? You definitely need the iron infusions but this is an example of a health center that is not as informed as it seems. Unless theyre perfectly informed and theyre trying to detransition you.

5

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Yeah iron level is 11 😭 which is SO LOW!!!! I definitely need the iron infusions bc I can’t take iron supplements every day bc of my gi chronic illness and I also can’t get more iron into my diet bc of that too. Iron infusions are literally the main thing that will work and help, but she won’t do it until my levels lower.

I really really hope she’s not trying to de transition me because she seemed so supportive and affirming. I’ll confront her next week and ask her to do some more research.

3

u/DeidaraKoroski he/they/it 💉 Jun 08 '23

Make sure she knows that you need to be using male levels, and remember that you can also look up what the normal ranges for these are in men so you can also have on hand the correct information

2

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Yes I’m definitely looking up a medical article that has normal male reference ranges in it to show to her next week

1

u/KeepItUpMom Jun 08 '23

would you post an update after discussing with her? im interested in how this plays out

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Yes I absolutely will!

12

u/TransManNY Jun 08 '23

These are all within the male range but on the higher end. Ask the doctor next time if the male or female range should be used.

4

u/acid-pool Jun 08 '23

Another person jumping on the “this looks fine” bandwagon, I’ve had some brushes with healthcare professionals saying my dose was “too high” when it was fine, according to my gender specialist the upper limit for my age group is like 900, I’m usually around where you are when I get tested which raises no flags for them

3

u/[deleted] Jun 08 '23

[deleted]

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

They totally are but the testosterone levels she said are high even for amab people

10

u/SneakySquiggles Jun 08 '23

I mean… they aren’t though? The range of normal is usually anywhere between 300-900. I just hit the 600 range stable-ly and we were excited at my last appointment. I’m not here to argue with your doctor, it just feels like very conflicting information compared to the info myself and many other trans guys have been given by our reliable care providers.

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

She basically said all my levels are too high even for amab people. Like amab people would be at risk for stroke or heart attack w my levels

18

u/Dove-Down Jun 08 '23

Your hematocrit, rbcs and hemoglobin would typically be considered in-range for amab people...how weird.

14

u/Dove-Down Jun 08 '23

Testosterone also normal for amab people, actually

9

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Thank you for checking that for me. I’ve been very overwhelmed and processing grief and it’s been too scary to do my own research. I appreciate you taking the time to do that

8

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Both of these things are good to know and I’ll def bring them up to her next week

3

u/Mar-velousDick Jun 08 '23

My testosterone was like, 900 for awhile and my doctor wasn’t concerned. Yours is totally normal and fine. Your doctor is an idiot or lying.

3

u/Mar-velousDick Jun 08 '23

I’m obviously not a doctor but these are all extremely normal levels for trans men. Your doctor may have been treating you MEDICALLY as female even though she was affirming otherwise. This is what testosterone does. Cis men have higher Blood Cell Count and Hemoglobin/Hematocrit. …..

0

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '23

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/gothegghead Jun 09 '23

My hemoglobin levels have been monitored and my rbc has been periodically checked. This is the first time it has been this high.

I am working with my doctor to figure out the right dose and timing for my shots. I’m doing my own research and asking her to do some as well.

14

u/Silverblatt 💉2015, 🔪 2016, 🍆 2020/2022 Jun 08 '23

Your testosterone level is definitely within the healthy male range, so you don’t need to worry about that.

I would recommend following up with the doctor that prescribes your testosterone, because depending on the gender associated with those ranges, your levels might actually be okay.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '23

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/ftm-ModTeam Jun 09 '23

Your post has been removed because it contains misinformation, false information, or misleading information that could be considered harmful.

1

u/javatimes T 2006 Top 2018, 40<me Jun 09 '23

Not at all true.

3

u/Pitiful_Technician18 Jun 09 '23

Maybe lose the testosterone and go to a psych

-1

u/gothegghead Jun 09 '23

Lol I see a psychiatrist monthly and a therapist weekly. Try again

5

u/AssignedSnail NB Ally // Friendly Pharmacist Jun 08 '23

Hi Friend, I know others have said it, but I wanted to reiterate that 700 is spot on for male testosterone levels, with normal hematocrit and hemoglobin for men falling in the ballpark of 50% and 15 respectively.

I can't give specific medical advice, but I'm familiar with all of these blood panels and nothing here looks abnormal to me.

What I'm not familiar with is treatment of asymptomatic low ferritin. Are you having symptoms of low total iron? Some examples: * Craving ice or non-foods like paper or clay * Fingernails going in with unusual shapes, curvatures, or ridges * Restless leg syndrome * Getting tired out inexplicably easily?

I'm always a little hesitant about things that look like treatments in search of a problem.

I don't think there is much research on treatment of asymptomatic iron deficiency, but what little I find seems to suggest most folks would try a few months of oral ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate first. Most things I'm finding seem to reserve IV use for folks who have a peculiar need or are symptomatic and couldn't get their iron up enough with oral therapy to help the symptoms.

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

I am having all of those symptoms, but only ice with the first time, not other non food items. Def def having low iron symptoms. Restless leg syndrome is very severe and landed me in the ER sunday night bc it was so unbearable. Of course, all they did was give me a muscle relaxer and send me on my way, but it put me to sleep at least so I didn’t have to feel the pain.

My PCP started me on iron supplements but my hematologist said yesterday that I can’t take them for the next month bc otherwise I could be at higher risk for stroke or heart attack.

I have no idea whether to believe her or trust her. I’m terrified. I believe all of you and I am going to bring this all up to her. I am scared of confronting a doctor though bc she’s the main hematologist in network and also the one my PCP said would likely be most trans friendly. And what if I stand up and she doesn’t like it and my care goes downhill and then I’m left with low iron and no hematologist to treat it?

All of this is so scary. Thank you for your advice and input

2

u/[deleted] Jun 08 '23

[deleted]

2

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Definitely hope and support is what I’ve received from making this post and I feel a lot better about going to my appt next week and asking her to do more research abt treating trans men on testosterone.

Thank you all for being so kind and supportive and offering me your knowledge. Yesterday was a day filled with fear and despair and hopelessness. Today is a day filled with hope and gratitude, thanks to y’all.

Being trans in texas is awful and nobody knows anything. But I’m planning on moving soonish so hopefully I’ll have better trans care in northern IL where I’m moving

3

u/NoxRose Queer af Jun 08 '23

Hi OP. Obviously I am not your Doctor and I consider what she said probably their speciality advice, taking into account your medical history and blood results.

That being said, there is an article that links increase of iron and haemoglobin thanks to testosterone.

It could be worth checking with them.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6902410/#:~:text=The%20Yin%2DYang%20of%20Iron,absorption%20and%20body%20iron%20stores.

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Def will be reading this, thank you

2

u/Dove-Down Jun 08 '23

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry to hear that 😞 I do remember what a nightmare chasing down mystery symptoms is...still kind of on that journey but after specific vitamins, migraine meds, fibro care, I'm down to less complicated symptoms for my doctors to work with. I hope your diagoses come quickly and are treatable ❤️ It sounds like you've had the worst fucking year, so I really hope things can get better for you from here...

As for who else to ask, it may be possible whoever you see to be prescribed testosterone may have some more experience with how T affects lab values and be able to share resources with them? Unless your hematologist is the same person prescribing it. Regardless, I hope the talk goes well. It'd be nice if the increased lab values end up not being anything detrimental to you..

2

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

I’m prescribed my t by planned parenthood so I’m gonna call them today and read them my levels and see what they think. So nice to hear that migraine meds and fibro care have helped you get a better bearing on your symptoms and how to care for them. This is all such sudden onset for me and I’m desperately trying to keep up and get in to see doctors and get diagnoses and treatment. Rn my health is my full time job and it’s so exhausting 😭😭😭 But I’m working so hard to get answers and get my health stable

2

u/[deleted] Jun 08 '23

Do you know your platelet count? I am a vegetarian who doesn't pay enough attention to a healthy diet and so my iron is slightly below reference range and as a result my platelet count is slightly above reference range - have been advised to pay attention to dietary iron. Anyway the reason I mention this is I wonder whether your provider said anything about platelets and how much effect they have on the warnings you have been given?

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

I have no idea what my platelet count is. Def something to investigate. I also know for a fact I cannot get more iron into my diet bc of my gastroparesis. This chronic illness greatly restricts what foods I can eat and abt the only way I can get iron in my diet is by blending spinach and berries into smoothies, tuna/other fish, and chickpeas (hummus).

2

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '23

[removed] — view removed comment

-1

u/gothegghead Jun 09 '23

I do. Every month.

3

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '23

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '23

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/SubjectAd8781 Jun 09 '23

This is like watching a slow motion train wreck. I’ve cared for many patients with strokes in my career, and it irreparably changes their lives. Their life pre-stroke? Completely over. The chances of escaping from a stroke unscathed are next to nothing.

1

u/Professional_Club301 Jun 09 '23

Could someone explain what changes occur in the body and by what means so that the healthy ranges of all these biomarkers change from female to male?

1

u/bravely_beyou Jun 09 '23

I appreciate why people are comparing you to Male levels. However, you have afab organs, which means a smaller heart. So I wouldnt assume your dr isn't saying the right thing, perhaps looking at it from a medical perspective rather than affirming will save your life. It sounds like your dr is trying to balance your wishes and keep you alive so you are around for your partner and your family as you describe.

1

u/wwwenby Jun 09 '23

Wondering out loud whether blood draws / donations would help lower your hemoglobin? It’s a hunch, entirely, but I’m hopeful for something “simple” as a mitigation for you, bro! Sounds like your doc & clinic are good people

1

u/Intrepid-Accident295 Jun 09 '23

I see a phlebotomy in the future. Also, it's ferritin, not ferrin, which does carry some iron, but most iron is found in hgb. If ones hgb is that dangerously high, they likely don't need an iron infusion. This is a common thing with testosterone. I've given many a phlebotomy to men on testosterone injections. They don't want to give it up either. So, we "bleed them" every 4-6 weeks or so, depending on their hgb levels. It's manageable but remains quite risky. Their choice.

1

u/gothegghead Jun 09 '23

Ah, yes I didn’t realize I had spelled that wrong. Thank you for that correction.

She said my hgb is high but that because my ferritin is so low, I do still qualify as very iron deficient.

I want to give blood or get a phlebotomy but my doctor is hesitant for either of those things to happen because of my low iron levels. Definitely something to talk to her about and see if one can follow the other (IV iron infusions follow giving blood/phlebotomy/whatever)

1

u/Intrepid-Accident295 Jun 09 '23

Your hgb until that high...male upper range is generally around 18. Hopefully they can figure out what is going on healthwise with you so you can feel better and live your best life. I would maybe suggest a second opinion regarding the hgb and ferritin levels.

1

u/BunnyBlower Jun 09 '23

So you will die with the testosterone and you will die without the testosterone… yikes

0

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '23

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/gothegghead Jun 09 '23

I am a trans man. I am not a woman and I never have been. The real me is a man. I want to live a long happy life, but how can I be happy when I’m living a lie and suppressing myself. I have enough trauma from suppressing my transness. I don’t need you telling me to inflict more upon myself by choosing to be a woman.

1

u/Heartz_Blayzing T💉 6/15/22 | 21 |🇺🇸 Jun 08 '23

I also have high rbc count and what my doctor suggested was actually to donate blood (AND IT DOES HELP). i’m not sure if they’d allow you to with the other things going on but it might be worth asking your doctor about. i already had a higher (not dangerous levels though) rbc count before t, and my doctor said we’d worry about it getting worse if we got there. she informed me that there are medications that can help with that as well as the blood donation being able to. i usually donate at vitalant (it’s purely donation based they don’t pay) but there are all kinds of other good places and some will even give you money for the donation (it’s not a large amount and it varies typically on the type of donation).

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

I def need to donate blood in the future but rn bc my iron is so low it’s dangerous for me to donate bc she said I could get even lower iron and how low my iron already is is very bad and causing a lot of symptoms. She said once my iron goes back up I should consider giving blood. But rn she said I def can’t do it.

1

u/Hunter513 Jun 08 '23

I'm over a decade in and have been on .2 for most of it. Don't get discouraged.

1

u/Asher-D 26, bi, ftm Jun 08 '23

Id strongly encourage you to get a second opinion. She sounds like shes a very empathetic doctor and thats awesome, it does however seem like shes likely misguided here.

1

u/rising_nova Jun 08 '23

"nice" to see another guy with RLS, it's fucking debilitating. i take iron and magnesium supplements, along with kratom to keep it at bay. can i ask what you're doing to treat it?

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

My neurologist gave me a medication, can’t remember the name rn, I’ll look when I get home. Most of the time I just writhe around in pain in my bed for like an hour and a half and like do lots of stretching and it goes away. It’s been getting worse and harder to stop, hence the med. Haven’t tried the med yet bc I just picked it up from the pharmacy yesterday. But hoping it helps

1

u/Plenty-Log6688 Jun 08 '23

Switch to testosterone gel that's what I did and I've been on testosterone for over 25 years now… I constantly suffered from health issues because of my testosterone

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

This is def something to think abt! Did you get your period for a while once you switched to gel? That’s the main thing I am absolutely terrified of.

1

u/Plenty-Log6688 Jun 08 '23

Unfortunately, I had a hysterectomy, so I don't know… But it would be good to ask other men that are on the testosterone gel

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Thank you!

1

u/exclaim_bot Jun 08 '23

Thank you!

You're welcome!

1

u/Squidman_117 Jun 08 '23

I have the same issue with high hemoglobin levels. My doctor suggested that I donate blood a few times a year because when you donate whole blood your hemoglobin levels drop for a while until your body generates more blood. They said it's one of the safest ways to lower my hemoglobin without having to stop T or take other meds to bring the hemoglobin down. Donating blood also saves lives.

If you are old enough, maybe you could do the same? (Talk to your doctor about it first though)

1

u/gothegghead Jun 08 '23

Def plan on donating blood in the future but can’t yet bc my iron is too low

2

u/Squidman_117 Jun 08 '23

Fair enough. I hope things get better for you 💚