As some of you know I was made aware of having low testosterone last year. The ongoing side effects short term include routine hormonal related issues. These are random physical discomfort, mood swings, and general malease. Long term this leads to reduced bone density and muscle mass. Very similar to low estrogen in women.
The endocrynologist took blood work which did not turn anything unusual up other than the low testosterone. As a follow up, he scheduled an MRI for me Friday last.
The radiologist reported that there was a very tiny growth on the pituitary gland, which the doctor considered non-risk related. However, also found were sinusitus and an enlarged blood vessel in my head.
Following up this week I’m having an MRA. Apparently this is a longer and/or more thorough version of an MRI. They’ll be looking to scope out the enlarged blood vessel. My expecation is it won’t be an issue or will be found to be perhaps a mistake on the original.
Regardless of how the test turns out, I’m sure I’ll keep up blogging and networking. In the mean time, I’m both physically and emotionally drained right now. That’s from work, testosterone and other stressers.
Your prayers are appreciated, and I’m praying as well. My focus isn’t that there’s not a problem found but that whatever is found it will lead to blessings and opportunities. If all is well, I’ll walk away being able to understand the fear and frustration that others feel going through this; if there is something worth worrying about, then I’ll go forward knowing how blessed I am to have found it sooner than later.
Each situation we find ourselves in is unique. Each brings its own circumstances and challenges. Each though reveals more about us; the inside us. It will reveal our true beliefs, our fears, and our strengths. It also reveals our faith, whatever that may be.
For me, I’m not focusing on worry, but optimism. I’m assuming there’ll be nothing that I’ll need to do other than look silly for worrying at all. If not, I’m planning on looking for God’s hand at work.
Thank you each one for your thoughts, prayers, and concern. Please continue but don’t worry. Focus on the joy that we’ll share together in the many days to come and assume with me that all is well.
Yours,
Todd – @tojosan – tojosan//gmail.com
Hi Todd - We've not met yet, but I'm a writer in St. Louis. Lori Feldman, of Aviva, recommended I follow you on Twitter, so I did. Today is the first day I've had the chance to read your blog. When I came across this post, I had to write. Bravo for you for being open about your testosterone issue. So many men in their 40's+ have this problem, but talking about it is perceived as taboo. As if it makes you less of a man. My former husband had this issue, too, and was unable to resolve it. He's now basically rendered impotent and it breaks my heart to see him suffer like this. However, he doesn't seem too phased by it, but it was one of the factors that ended our marriage. (It was actually a minor factor.) I think it's great that you're willing to discuss this issue and make others aware that it can happen, can be treated and life can go on. And that it's nothing to be ashamed of. I hope that you are on the upswing from this experience and can continue to serve as a beacon for others.
Warmly, Lis
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