Can't get air and RBC count is low!

[Solo59]

Greetings, Praetorian:

Even before beginning this cycle, I have been feeling very weak, very short of breath (no second wind at all), and I tire easily. Unusual for me. I had a high RBC count last summer & had to deal with that, but now I have a significantly low RBC count, along with iron deficiency and anemia. It may be internal bleeding. I can't seem to breathe deeply (but I did pneumonia in May).

I thought it might be the hGH & thyroid problems or possibly a high RBC count since that's what I had last year. BUT I just got the results from my ECG (pretty okay) and from blood tests that indicate my RBC count is very low and I am iron deficient, meaning I'm anemic, of all things! As a long-term bodybuilder, I know it's not my diet. I'm currently running Test e, EQ, & Masteron, but the weakness & tiredness began well before I began this cycle (thus my thinking it might be thryoid shut-down from the hGH, though the T3 has not helped energy or breath).

My new doc does not know I use anything of questionable legality and, at this point, I see no need to tell her. She is convinced I have internal bleeding going on somewhere and I'm getting tubes put into my entire digestive tract soon to check out this possibility (with pictures?). I can hardly wait (not). I do have some hard gut distention and occasionally get very painful swellings in my upper gut that pulsate like hernias, but all that's there is swollen hard muscle tissue. They pass, but this may be from internal bleeding.

What I want to know on this forum is whether or HGH could be contributing to this low-iron, low RBC anemia or to my shortness of breath. I have never heard of such a thing. And only a year ago I was high RBC! I'd do anything to regain my natural energy and old self. Ideas on the cause of this "sudden" anemia and my inability to maintain energy or air? Any knowledgeable thoughts greatly appreciated!

Respects,
Solo

[Praetorian]

No it would not be the hgh...on that note hgh also does not cause low thyroid it increases thyroid (T4 to T3 conversion) so there is no reason to add thyroid just because you are taking gh. It would seem something internal is happening but it is difficult to know for sure. How long have you had the gut distention and pain? Iron deficiency would cause anemia
If iron-deficiency anemia is mild, most will not notice any physical symptoms. Over time, the lack of oxygen to your tissues can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, decreased body temperature, pale skin and chest pain. Iron-deficiency anemia can also cause cracks to form in the side of the mouth, brittle nails and frequent infections. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute also notes that a man's spleen may enlarge.
P

[Solo59]

Thanks, Praetorian. So far, much as I expected. It's the lack of wind that is most perplexing & frustrating. My new doc says she's done all she can, and that everything seems to be working (BW, CT scans, x-rays, stethoscope). I wanted a cardiologist to check, but she assured me that my BP, pulse, and chest x-rays make that unnecessary. If this is a carry over of my May mild but real pneumonia bout, then I'm guessing only time will heal. Dr Scally on Meso Rx suggested I have my doc look into the fairly rare condition of peliosis hepatis, something she rather brushed off. Anyway, I'm now taking iron supplements and T3, but I still become subject to shallow breathing and sudden tiredness. It's as though I can't get enough oxygen. It's not too bad when I lift; I just pause longer between sets, but, later in the day, I really have trouble getting my air.

Doc Scally also said I need to tell her about hGH & AAS use, but she's new, Chinese, and rather formal. I think it would prejudice her against understanding any health condition I may have. She'd just insist I get off the "meds". But I am also a patient of a urologist MD who is well aware of my personal history and who prescribes my HRT supplements (whenever I get around to running 100 mg of Test EW), so, at this point, I'd rather not prejudice my new GP with this information. What do you think?

Respects,
Solo

[Praetorian]

Makes sense...you may want to look for a more empathetic doc who has experience with athletes. Why are you taking thyroid? How much?
Taking iron will help but it takes awhile before levels will be high enough to notice...ie a month or two.

P

[Solo59]

Makes sense...you may want to look for a more empathetic doc who has experience with athletes. Why are you taking thyroid? How much?
Taking iron will help but it takes awhile before levels will be high enough to notice...ie a month or two.

Now I read that in some cases low copper can cause anemia and adding iron just blocks copper. In any case, I'm on iron supplements and, even short of breath, still lifting (though I do get worried looks from the young guys).

I'm taking T3 because I've been on hGH for quite some time, and I thought maybe that might account for my lack of breath and general weariness. Strange, when I workout, like today, I feel much better. Obviously, I would say because it forces my heart & lungs to work harder so I get the oxygen that my low RBC & iron poor blood is denying me. Of course, later, I feel greatly fatigued, and working out does strain the heart.

I can only carry on, keep waiting for an appointment with an enterologist (my doc is making for me), and enjoy the days as best I can.

Thanks for the advice.

Solo

[Praetorian]

There is no reason to take T3 if on GH...as I said before GH will increase T3 levels NOT decrease them...GH increases the conversion of T4 to T3. If your T3 levels are too high you will feel out of breath, tired, weak etc The same can be said for low iron...you will experience the same symptoms. It take almost three months to raise iron levels if taking it orally.
P

[Solo59]

Bad news: I've just had a colonoscopy & been diagnosed with colon cancer. My long-term prognosis is hopeful (CT scans will determine that), so I was told to continue living my usual life. I am going to drop my Norvotrop hGH immediately (since it can apparently cause cancer cells to grow). But I intend to stay on my current cycle and continue lifting weights (even though my energy is very low & my wind poor). To remind: I'm running 750mg Test e and 600mg EQ EW and 150mg of Mast p EOD.

I know of no known association between AAS and cancer. My cancer doctor does not know of my AAS use but he is a strict muslim, so would condemn it like he did my can of British cider each day. My urologist who writes me HRT prescriptions already knows of my lifestyle. Question: Is there any reason I should not run AAS while awaiting cancer treatment or even during treatment?

Serious business.

Respects,
Solo

[Praetorian]

Really sorry to hear that Solo...but keep your head up...survival rates are pretty high theses days...plus exercise will help.

Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston conducted two studies, both of which revealed that moderate exercise can signficantly increase the survival rate of colon cancer patients. Another study, published in the journal Gut, shed some light on why exercise may increase colon cancer survival rates.

Stop the GH as it makes all cells grow...including cancer cells. As for aas i dont believe there are any issues..

P

[Solo59]

Really sorry to hear that Solo...but keep your head up...survival rates are pretty high theses days...plus exercise will help.

Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston conducted two studies, both of which revealed that moderate exercise can signficantly increase the survival rate of colon cancer patients. Another study, published in the journal Gut, shed some light on why exercise may increase colon cancer survival rates.

Stop the GH as it makes all cells grow...including cancer cells. As for aas i dont believe there are any issues.

P
Thanks Praetorian. If worse comes to worst (that is, if my cancer has spread and is therefore inoperable), I would still prefer to live with what gusto I can, tell no one until the facts reveal themselves, and take my life philosophy with me to the grave: My life philosophy has always been to live as though today were your last day on Earth (and be aware as though today were your first day). In other words, rather than become a public victim and have everyone feeling sorry for me, I'd rather go out with my boots on, so to speak. If the cancer has not spread and is operable, I still don't want to be a "victim" and will continue lifting right up to operation time and as soon as possible afterwards.

Solo

[Praetorian]

My sentiments exactly!
P

[dngerfield]

Solo,

best of luck with the shitty news but i can see you have a great outlook on life and that can only help you with this battle!!!

[Solo59]

Praetorian, here's an "uncensored" question: Since I have a temporary case of colon cancer, I will never be running hGH again. Is there any way I can discreetly post anywhere on CBB that I have three sealed, refrigerated kits (+ six bottles from a fourth kit) of quality Norvotrop hGH on hand that I can no longer use and would be willing to exchange for a reasonable amount of filthy lucre? I don't know who to ask but since you are a big name on this board I thought maybe you could tell me. I'm just asking for PMs not trying to use CBB as my market place. Will you advise?

If asking this question is out of line, please just eradicate this message.

Respects,
Solo