Testosterone and Surgical Recovery

[Tdeck81]

Hey all. I’m two weeks post op on my left shoulder. In an attempt to delay a full replacement, I chose to try a CAM procedure (arthritic debridement and nerve decompression) and a bicep tenodesis. So far, recovery is smooth and the shoulder pain is already improved.

I have some testosterone coming in soon was planning on running a self prescribed TRT, this will be my first time using Test. I initially thought finish my recovery/rehab, get the all clear, and then proceed. Recently, I’ve read testosterone can help speed the healing process. Is this solely for people suffering from low testosterone, with a valid medical necessity, or does it apply to people looking to increase average t levels?

Any and all opinions are welcome. Bottom line is I only want to start the process early is it will actually be health beneficial. Btw, before I do anything I plan on getting bloodwork to have a baseline reading. Not sure what my current levels look like. Thanks in advance

 

[Wizbang]

I have read some reports on specific compounds having impacts on healing, typically oxandrolone but not testosterone, I could only hypothesize that having increased T levels would promote more rapid healing processes as anabolism is higher and so more ability to construct new/repair tissues. Someone much smarter than I will likely weigh in.

 

[Tdeck81]

I have read some reports on specific compounds having impacts on healing, typically oxandrolone but not testosterone, I could only hypothesize that having increased T levels would promote more rapid healing processes as anabolism is higher and so more ability to construct new/repair tissues. Someone much smarter than I will likely weigh in.

Thanks. I know they use oxandrolone in certain circumstances but didn't really research that compound and surgical recovery. Not something I ordered or planned on using, at least not right away. I might take a look at it again, just out of curiosity.

 

[RandallFlagg]

This is just opinion (mine) but I wouldn't use testosterone for the purposes you state without additional information.

Are you actually deficient in testosterone? Have you checked lab work? BP?

Peptides maybe the way to go for healing post surgery.

Obviously testosterone is anabolic and will help with healing...but it can also make you hyper-coaguable (think: blood clots) post surgery, elevate blood pressure, interact negatively with other post-surgical meds etc.

Obviously we are all on this board for a reason...I'm on TRT. I would guess 75% are on some sort of anabolic so this isn't some anti-testosterone rant. I'm just not convinced it's going to do what you hope it will do (unless there are more relevant details). Obviously if your truly testosterone-deficient than it will help.

 

[Tdeck81]

Truthfully I’m on the fence regarding the efficacy of some of the healing peptides. I was researching them prior to my decision to go the surgical route but was ultimately undecided. A lot of conflicting testimony and not a lot of clinical research.

Testosterone and the other compounds I intend on using have been been studied more thoroughly, in my opinion. So I feel more comfortable in utilizing them to help achieve my goals.

I have not done initial bloodwork but will prior to starting any regiment. So I have no clue if I’m clinically deficient or not.

I’m not on any medications related to the surgery and have resumed training with my right arm, legs, and also incorporating a lot of cardio. So I don’t think blood clots are a concern?

Some of the research I found points to slow recovery for people clinically deficient, but kind of alluded to a correlation between higher levels and quicker recovery. I’m in no real rush because I’m looking at starting a long term cruise regardless. I’m mainly curious if starting a low dose prior to full recovery would be beneficial or deleterious?

 

[RandallFlagg]

Truthfully I’m on the fence regarding the efficacy of some of the healing peptides. I was researching them prior to my decision to go the surgical route but was ultimately undecided. A lot of conflicting testimony and not a lot of clinical research.

Testosterone and the other compounds I intend on using have been been studied more thoroughly, in my opinion. So I feel more comfortable in utilizing them to help achieve my goals.

I have not done initial bloodwork but will prior to starting any regiment. So I have no clue if I’m clinically deficient or not.

I’m not on any medications related to the surgery and have resumed training with my right arm, legs, and also incorporating a lot of cardio. So I don’t think blood clots are a concern?

Some of the research I found points to slow recovery for people clinically deficient, but kind of alluded to a correlation between higher levels and quicker recovery. I’m in no real rush because I’m looking at starting a long term cruise regardless. I’m mainly curious if starting a low dose prior to full recovery would be beneficial or deleterious?

I agree that the healing peptides have a lot of anecdotal evidence (but...there are an awful lot of seemingly unbiased testimonials...of course I get these are internet strangers).

I've run several of them but never experienced dramatic results.

Good if you plan on getting lab work done first. If you have not been on steroids before, I would suggest also adding on LH and FSH...then again, I could start rattling off a ton of tests id recommend. But I think it would be nice for you to know what your natural function is like before starting androgens.

As long as you're not shooting for massive physiological levels and keeping tabs on BP etc. then it's probably a low risk endeavor.

I would also be cautious about the source for your Testosterone. I'm not quizzing you on your source (or recommending any) but I do think the Chinese sources have the highest potential for introducing an additional risk point (but that's for your own personal equation and realize you may not be sourcing from them at all).

HGH unquestionably has some healing benefits...gonna guess you're at an age where you might benefit from a conservative dose (though that's obviously a whole new can of worms...I realize I keep branching away from your original question).

 

[Tdeck81]

I agree that the healing peptides have a lot of anecdotal evidence (but...there are an awful lot of seemingly unbiased testimonials...of course I get these are internet strangers).

I've run several of them but never experienced dramatic results.

Good if you plan on getting lab work done first. If you have not been on steroids before, I would suggest also adding on LH and FSH...then again, I could start rattling off a ton of tests id recommend. But I think it would be nice for you to know what your natural function is like before starting androgens.

As long as you're not shooting for massive physiological levels and keeping tabs on BP etc. then it's probably a low risk endeavor.

I would also be cautious about the source for your Testosterone. I'm not quizzing you on your source (or recommending any) but I do think the Chinese sources have the highest potential for introducing an additional risk point (but that's for your own personal equation and realize you may not be sourcing from them at all).

HGH unquestionably has some healing benefits...gonna guess you're at an age where you might benefit from a conservative dose (though that's obviously a whole new can of worms...I realize I keep branching away from your original question).

I picked up some india pharma products. Testing results looked good and a few members I follow seem to purchase from the same vendors, so i took the leap.

Interest in Hgh and test were initially what brought me to the forum. But I want to start slowly with test, and low dose deca for joint relief. After I gain some experience, I might incorporate hgh.

I don’t mind going off topic because it gives me more material to look into. I’m a long time gym rat but have no experience with performance enhancers. I appreciate any input from guys that have experience to share.

 

[ThinBulk]

Get some bloodwork done. Your doctor will do it for routine if you tell him you're having libido issues and you're tired a lot.

Having low test is often a symptom of some other ailment. Men with higher natural levels healing faster doesnt surprise me at all, and isn't super meaningful IMO.

Bpc and tb500 are better than hormones in my experience. If your test levels aren't low, I'd hold off a few weeks on trt.

 

[Tdeck81]

Get some bloodwork done. Your doctor will do it for routine if you tell him you're having libido issues and you're tired a lot.

Having low test is often a symptom of some other ailment. Men with higher natural levels healing faster doesnt surprise me at all, and isn't super meaningful IMO.

Bpc and tb500 are better than hormones in my experience. If your test levels aren't low, I'd hold off a few weeks on trt.

I appreciate the info. I didn’t see definitive research or many personal accounts regarding elevated test levels, so I decided to wait until I’m released from PT before starting.

My plan is to do comprehensive testing closer to my start date. Im not sure if surgery/healing would affect any of the levels I’ll be testing and I want an accurate baseline for future comparisons. I prefer to err on the side of caution.

Truthfully I’m already way ahead of schedule with PT. If anything, I need to slow down to avoid any overuse set backs. I may utilize the peptides down the road but I’m still a tad skeptical about their efficacy

 

[ThinBulk]

I appreciate the info. I didn’t see definitive research or many personal accounts regarding elevated test levels, so I decided to wait until I’m released from PT before starting.

My plan is to do comprehensive testing closer to my start date. Im not sure if surgery/healing would affect any of the levels I’ll be testing and I want an accurate baseline for future comparisons. I prefer to err on the side of caution.

Truthfully I’m already way ahead of schedule with PT. If anything, I need to slow down to avoid any overuse set backs. I may utilize the peptides down the road but I’m still a tad skeptical about their efficacy

Bpc has a bunch of research showing it works. You just wont find large controlled trials. That's not because it doesnt work. It's because you can't file a patent on BPC-157. It has great lab, animal research, and thousands of anecdotal reports. It exists in your own body similar to injecting testosterone.

I'm currently using it for a tendon injury, and keep it on hand all the time now. Specifically for an overuse injury which it really excells at (tons of tendon and ligament building research backs this).

The only reason I'd say don't use it is if you're on SSRI's. It has a very strong neuroprotective effect where drugs the effect the brain are far less effective. It also keeps me up if used before bed.

 

[Tdeck81]

I take a SNRI medication, kind of similar to SSRI, so I’ll err on the side of caution. Honestly im glad people are finding relief from using those peptides. Im just not ready to go that route. I was initially going to give them a try before I decided surgical intervention was my best course of treatment. Maybe down the road if I develop another nagging injury I’ll give them a shot. Appreciate the info