Sworder
Member
How many aches and pains do you have? How did they occur? What are you doing daily in regards to rehab to work on them?
If you never went off TRT you won't get an increase of glycogen stores most likely.
MESO-Rx
Anabolic Steroids
TheH’s One Year Transformation Log
- Thread starter TheH0517
- Start date
TheH0517
Member
Ah okay, what does that put your e2 at?
What labs did you get drawn today?
You ever drill a hole in a grapefruit and then... nvm
I should know where my E2 is at on 150mg at the beginning of next week, If not sooner.
TheH0517
Member
I have left knee pain I’ve had for about a year. I never injured it so I believe it’s probably from improper form or simple wear and tear. My CRP has always been in range and no other signs of arthritis at this point. I have left shoulder and neck pain. I had surgery on this about 12 years ago after a complete dislocation and ligament repair. I partially dislocated it several times after surgery and never got it check out again. Once I built up the strength of the area, I haven’t had any dislocation issues since. It feels more like an impingement and probably has to do with past injuries mixed with poor posture while having a desk job.
I’m using the peptides, getting deep tissue work, and stretching daily. I’ll be going back to the gym Tuesday after two weeks off to start lifting light and working of form again as it most likely been thrown off lifting heavy the last year. I’ll be increasing weights weekly to build into my blast where I keep a steady progressive overload. I’m also using the peptides to possibly help and I started taking gelatin which has actually seemed to help with my knee tremendously (the gelatin). I’m still not convinced on the peptides yet, but I’m only 1.5 weeks in on a 6 week regimen. I’m also trying to stay conscious about posture as I know it can help stretch the neck and shoulder out and strengthen those areas.
There will be plenty of added glycogen when you go from 5g carbs daily for a month to 150g carbs daily.
Sworder
Member
I am not going to give my negative opinion on what you are doing for your rehab but if you want my suggestion on how to improve let me know.
Regarding the knee, what exercises did you do before the injury or pain that you don't do anymore? What is your entire leg routine? No need for reps/sets. Just the exercises.
Same questions for your shoulder.
Also, is the neck pain related to the shoulder pain?
How many lbs do you think you will gain from that?
I translated this for you:
"I'll be increasing weights weekly to build into my blast where I keep increasing weights and sets."
Sworder
Member
I think you are going overboard on the AI because you want to be as slim as possible. AIs will make it look like you have about 2-3% less bodyfat than you actually do because of the loss of fluids from the subQ fat.
It is really bad that you are using an AI especially when you have all these joint and ligament problems.
Your vanity is going to cause you to injure yourself more. Stop touching the fudging AI!!!
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This study isn't really relevant to your case, well obviously there are tons of studies showing the importance of estrogen with joints/tendons. Also tons of studies showing detrimental effects of AIs on joints/tendons, this one mentions it as well but I hadn't heard about the melatonin relationship and that's why I am sharing it. Interesting read imo!
Aromatase inhibitor-induced joint pain: Melatonin’s role
Aromatase inhibitor-induced joint pain: Melatonin’s role - ScienceDirect
Summary
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) enjoy increasing use in breast cancer adjuvant therapy. But the joint pain associated with AIs significantly reduces patient adherence despite the clear survival benefits of this class of drugs. Two clues point to a novel hypothesis for this unexplained symptom. First, realizing that joint pain is associated with virtually all estrogen-depleting breast cancer treatments suggests that the cause is broader than this particular class of drugs. Second, the strongly circadian nature of these symptoms suggests circadian hormone involvement. This puts new light on some existing research findings: that estrogen depletion can increase pineal melatonin, that the ability of light to suppress pineal melatonin is more variable than once thought, and that an altered melatonin cycle is associated with rheumatoid arthritis patients, where identical circadian symptoms present.
It is hypothesized that when AIs decrease estrogen levels, light-induced melatonin suppression (LIMS) loses efficacy, leading to an abnormal melatonin cycle as seen in rheumatoid arthritis patients, producing (via mechanisms not yet understood) the symptoms of morning stiffness. Not all frequencies of retinal light are equally effective at suppressing pineal melatonin; most artificial lighting has less relevant spectral density than sunlight. This hypothesis predicts that some patients can suppress the circadian joint pain associated with aromatase inhibitors merely by getting sufficient hours of daily retinal sunlight. *Interesting idea
A single patient history is discussed, in which a series of treatments had no effect on AI joint pain, while extended exposure to sunlight produced a definitive elimination of symptoms the next morning. To conclusively demonstrate the role of melatonin, light-emitting diodes of an appropriate frequency were mounted on a cap for the patient to wear. If worn first thing in the morning, the cap sharply curtailed the duration of morning stiffness. If worn for a sufficient number of hours during the day, the cap suppressed symptoms the next morning, just as sunlight did.
Because of evidence for melatonin’s oncostatic properties, this hypothesis potentially has implications beyond decreasing the number of patients that discontinue AIs. It may be that some portion of the survival benefit of AIs is due to their indirect effect on melatonin, not just their direct effect on estrogen.
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TheH0517
Member
I really don’t want to use that much AI. The main concern for me is the gyno. I also take Raloxifen. I’m going to see where my levels are and maybe try reducing the AI dosage, but staying on the same Raloxifen dosage. In a year or two I’ll probably look into getting the glands removed so it’ll keep me from overusing such chemicals.
That is an interesting study, though. I know AIs and SERMs have a negative effect on eyes, joints, and bone/tissue, but never heard of melatonin and the relationship with joints. I guess I could just lay outside more
TheH0517
Member
Sworder
Member
Here is the thing, and I already know your values. You mention the peptides first. Because you are basically listing things in order of what you consider important.
"I’m using the peptides, getting deep tissue work, and stretching daily."
I would like to reverse the order on that! I was hoping to hear about a protocol you have for your knee, i.e.
"On my drive to the gym I have a heat pack around my knee."
"Every morning and night I do three stretching exercises"
For all aspects of bodybuilding, burning fat, building muscle, recovering, stick to the basic and make sure you have a solid foundation first. After that then it is best to add the drugs to amplify your foundation. You are kind of working reverse here, you use a lot of drugs and hope they will somehow amplify something that isn't there.
Rehab, stretching, hot and cold packs it doesn't sound like fun but that's what heals people. Your drugs will work so much better if you are doing these things properly. Care for your body early on in life.
You should NEVER do squats in a smith machine. That puts tons of pressure on your knees. Any movement in the gym that is "fixed" like that is bad for you and you shouldn't be doing those exercises. Here is the thing, and I understand it is counter-intuitive; not all exercises are good for you. We ASSUME that we "can" do this and that exercise and sure you "can." However, the risk of injury becomes very high on certain exercises, especially when you have previous injuries and most importantly. YOU ARE TOO STRONG. It is NOT good for your body to have this super human strength. You are creating tons of stress on your joints and connective tissue and it is BAD.
If you are going to be working muscles whom have injuries attached to them, start pre-exhausting so you don't have to use as much weight. We love being strong, and it's a great feeling. But it really isn't good for you. Not this type of strength!
If I were you, I would limit legs to 3 exercises(flex, curl and maybe squats) and do it every other week until the pain disappears.
I hurt my back at 17 doing deadlifts and I can't do squats nor deadlifts anymore at all. We will all get injuries and we have to work around them or they will get worse. There are tons of guys here that keep injuring themselves for no good reason and they don't realize how foolish it is.
Shoulders are the weakest joints in the body. I don't do any shoulder press exercises at all, my shoulders are very strong and the only exercise I do for them is lateral raises with cable.
Do you have a good reason to why you are doing shoulders presses with a bad shoulder? Also, barbells are your worst enemy, use dumbbells and cables for less stress on your joints.
Regarding the AI/SERMs. Use the ralox for two weeks only and after that drop it. If you have some gyno tissue from puberty like me it will become non-existant with time it's nothing you have to stress about. Don't screw up your e2 because of paranoia! Also, I know what you are doing before the photos since I said something to you, you little weirdo
ALL musculoskeletal injuries are preventable, 100% of them. Remember that!
I will be around and you don't want me to give you the "I told you so." There was a member here just a couple weeks ago I had just gotten done warning in PM about the various AAS he was taking and things he should have done to avoid injury. A week later he got injured doing what I told him not to. I have an annoying tendency to be right.. I am fully aware that you will not take heed, and that's your learning process. At least I did warn you, nobody did me that favor.
Sworder
Member
This is a great example why I rack on you guys for using high doses. These hormones have TONS of functions in the body. And when guys up the doses because their gains slow the other functions these hormones perform will get amplified too and that is not good for our bodies!That is an interesting study, though. I know AIs and SERMs have a negative effect on eyes, joints, and bone/tissue, but never heard of melatonin and the relationship with joints. I guess I could just lay outside more
This effects that and the chain reaction continues!
TheH0517
Member
I know these possibilities before using the compounds. It’s a risk I’m aware of and will adjust to when necessary.
Sworder
Member
What risks are you aware of? What are the greatest dangers?
Also, what advice have you taken to heart from other more experienced members here on Meso? As in, what things have you implemented?
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TheH0517
Member
As it pertains to this issue, common risks of overuse of AIs and SERMs would be damage to liver and kidneys (minimal according to actual bloodwork with certain options), heart issues, dry and achy joints, low bone density, eyesight, depression, low energy, muscle recovery and fullness, and more that I could sit and list.
Things I’ve implemented is switching from letro back to Aromasin as Letro has crashed my E2 and made me feel shitty and has actually shown negative impact on liver and kidney values. This was a year ago, not recent. Using a low cruise dose instead of the 200mg/week or higher you see a lot of the time. Getting blood work to monitor and see how I can possibly adjust dosages of aromatizing compound and/or AIs. The though has crossed my mind of staying at a low dose of test year round, but I love high test.
The reality is, as is said here so many times, this lifestyle has to have a risk:reward threshold. Everybody’s is different pertaining to their goals. Your expectations of reward are lower than mine as you’ve been in the game a lot longer than I and with age comes greater risks. I will make changes when health impacts become too high. I’m open to how things are effecting my body and how I need to adjust.
Sworder
Member
Nope my friend that's not how it works! Also, you were listing risks just to list risks, you have no greater understanding of what risks are pertinent. But like I said, I know that you will most likely not listen to my advice, that's how we learn. We need to make the mistakes first hand and then learn from them. Good luck to you!
TheH0517
Member
12/17
Weighed in at 199.8lbs this morning so weight is moving perfectly thus far. Again, aiming for ~1lb/week. We resume training today! I will be getting in 12-15 sets per body part this week with light-to-moderate intensity to get the blood flowing and focus will be on form to build a good foundation for the year to come. I’ll be doing LISS cardio post-workout to get rid of some of the water retention I’ve gained the last 2 weeks from eating a little more freely. Diet will be more structured here on out with 1-2 “controlled” cheats each week.
Diet this week:
Training Days:
Meal 1:
2 Eggs, 8oz Egg Whites, 40g Oats, 100g Blueberries, Cinnamon
Meal 2:
7oz Turkey Breast, Veggies, 1oz Walnuts
Meal 3:
6oz 93/7 Ground Beef, 100g Brown Rice, Veggies
Meal 4:
7oz Turkey Breast, 100g White Rice, Veggies, 1 Banana
Meal 5 (pre-wo):
40g Cream of Rice, 25g Isolate, 1tbsp Peanut Butter, Salt & Cinnamon
Intra:
10g EAA, 15g HBCD, 6g Citulline, 5g Creatine
Post-wo Shake:
50g Isolate, 5g Glutamine, 25g Raisins (not in shake)
Meal 6:
7oz Turkey Breast, 100g White Rice, Veggies
Rest Days:
Meal 4:
Substitute White Rice with Brown Rice, Add 1tbsp Olive Oil
Meal 5:
7oz Turkey Breast, 100g Brown Rice, Veggies, 1tbsp Olive Oil
Meal 6:
50g Blend Protein
Workout Day:
311g P, 223g C, 61g F, 2,755 calories
Rest Day:
280g P, 145g C, 81g F, 2,476 calories
Weighed in at 199.8lbs this morning so weight is moving perfectly thus far. Again, aiming for ~1lb/week. We resume training today! I will be getting in 12-15 sets per body part this week with light-to-moderate intensity to get the blood flowing and focus will be on form to build a good foundation for the year to come. I’ll be doing LISS cardio post-workout to get rid of some of the water retention I’ve gained the last 2 weeks from eating a little more freely. Diet will be more structured here on out with 1-2 “controlled” cheats each week.
Diet this week:
Training Days:
Meal 1:
2 Eggs, 8oz Egg Whites, 40g Oats, 100g Blueberries, Cinnamon
Meal 2:
7oz Turkey Breast, Veggies, 1oz Walnuts
Meal 3:
6oz 93/7 Ground Beef, 100g Brown Rice, Veggies
Meal 4:
7oz Turkey Breast, 100g White Rice, Veggies, 1 Banana
Meal 5 (pre-wo):
40g Cream of Rice, 25g Isolate, 1tbsp Peanut Butter, Salt & Cinnamon
Intra:
10g EAA, 15g HBCD, 6g Citulline, 5g Creatine
Post-wo Shake:
50g Isolate, 5g Glutamine, 25g Raisins (not in shake)
Meal 6:
7oz Turkey Breast, 100g White Rice, Veggies
Rest Days:
Meal 4:
Substitute White Rice with Brown Rice, Add 1tbsp Olive Oil
Meal 5:
7oz Turkey Breast, 100g Brown Rice, Veggies, 1tbsp Olive Oil
Meal 6:
50g Blend Protein
Workout Day:
311g P, 223g C, 61g F, 2,755 calories
Rest Day:
280g P, 145g C, 81g F, 2,476 calories
TheH0517
Member
I also got bloodwork results back. I have some things to work on. If it isn’t listed, it’s in range.
Test: 1,257 ng/dL
Free Test: 34.5 pg/mL
E2: 76 pg/mL
SHBG: 19.5 nmol/L
This is quite high for 150mg/wk. It would also explain why I’m still needing to take 25mg Aromasin and 30mg Raloxifen 2-3x/week. I’ll keep this in mind next cruise.
RBC: 6.62
HGB: 17.8
HCT: 53.1%
I will be donating in the next week and will donate again as soon as they let me.
BUN: 24mg/dL
Creatinine is at the high end of normal
ALT: 53 iu/L
AST is in range
LDL: 112 mg/dL
HDL: 35 mg/dL
I will be adding more Unsaturated fat and Omega 3’s via wild salmon and I’ll be keeping my Saturated fats lower. I’m using some kidney and liver supplements and will add TUDCA to see if it helps (I know there’s much dispute as to their efficacy). I’m keeping water intake at 1.5-2 gallons/day. I also won’t be take orals for a while.
T4: .71 ng/dL
TSH: .046 iu/mL
I was only off of T3 for a week when I got these drawn, so this was to be expected.
I will be getting blood drawn in about 3 months to check results.
Test: 1,257 ng/dL
Free Test: 34.5 pg/mL
E2: 76 pg/mL
SHBG: 19.5 nmol/L
This is quite high for 150mg/wk. It would also explain why I’m still needing to take 25mg Aromasin and 30mg Raloxifen 2-3x/week. I’ll keep this in mind next cruise.
RBC: 6.62
HGB: 17.8
HCT: 53.1%
I will be donating in the next week and will donate again as soon as they let me.
BUN: 24mg/dL
Creatinine is at the high end of normal
ALT: 53 iu/L
AST is in range
LDL: 112 mg/dL
HDL: 35 mg/dL
I will be adding more Unsaturated fat and Omega 3’s via wild salmon and I’ll be keeping my Saturated fats lower. I’m using some kidney and liver supplements and will add TUDCA to see if it helps (I know there’s much dispute as to their efficacy). I’m keeping water intake at 1.5-2 gallons/day. I also won’t be take orals for a while.
T4: .71 ng/dL
TSH: .046 iu/mL
I was only off of T3 for a week when I got these drawn, so this was to be expected.
I will be getting blood drawn in about 3 months to check results.
TheH0517
Member
12/18
Getting back in the gym feels amazing. Endorphins going crazy. And my wife has committed to coming with me consistently which is awesome. Lots of isolation to get the mind-muscle connection going this week. Will be implementing my compound movements and more intensity the next couple weeks so I’ll be primed when my blast begins in a few weeks.
Yesterday - Chest
Pec Deck
15x25lbs
12x55lbs
11x85
2x9x85
Incline DB Press
10x30lbs
3x10x50
Decline Hammer Press
3x9x70 (each arm)
Cable Crossover
3x12x12.5 (each arm)
15mins at 140-150bpm on stairmaster
Today - Back
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown
15x25
12x55
3x10x100
Seated Cable Row
10x50
3x10x90
DB Row
3x8x50
Assisted Pull-Up
2x8x-60
7x-60
Leg Raise
3x15
Standing Calf Raise
15x70
3x15x130
No failure sets this week.
T-minus 26 days until blast off.
Getting back in the gym feels amazing. Endorphins going crazy. And my wife has committed to coming with me consistently which is awesome. Lots of isolation to get the mind-muscle connection going this week. Will be implementing my compound movements and more intensity the next couple weeks so I’ll be primed when my blast begins in a few weeks.
Yesterday - Chest
Pec Deck
15x25lbs
12x55lbs
11x85
2x9x85
Incline DB Press
10x30lbs
3x10x50
Decline Hammer Press
3x9x70 (each arm)
Cable Crossover
3x12x12.5 (each arm)
15mins at 140-150bpm on stairmaster
Today - Back
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown
15x25
12x55
3x10x100
Seated Cable Row
10x50
3x10x90
DB Row
3x8x50
Assisted Pull-Up
2x8x-60
7x-60
Leg Raise
3x15
Standing Calf Raise
15x70
3x15x130
No failure sets this week.
T-minus 26 days until blast off.
TheH0517
Member
12/20/19
Staying pretty lean despite calories being almost 1,000 higher since first starting this log. Weighed in at 200.1lbs this morning so a little over 4lbs in almost 3 weeks which is right on target.
Shoulders today:
Crucifix Lateral
15x7lbs
12x10
10x13
2x9x13
Dumbbell Shoulder Press (High Incline)
12x25
2x12x45
11x45
EZ-Bar Front Raise
3x10x30
Hammer Shoulder Press
3x10x70 (each arm)
Reverse Pec Deck
2x20x55
16x55
15min on Stairmaster at 140-150bpm
Still no lifting to failure and keeping slow and steady tension on every rep. Feeling great minus some slight left shoulder impingement. We will see how the knee feels tomorrow on my first leg day back.
Staying pretty lean despite calories being almost 1,000 higher since first starting this log. Weighed in at 200.1lbs this morning so a little over 4lbs in almost 3 weeks which is right on target.
Shoulders today:
Crucifix Lateral
15x7lbs
12x10
10x13
2x9x13
Dumbbell Shoulder Press (High Incline)
12x25
2x12x45
11x45
EZ-Bar Front Raise
3x10x30
Hammer Shoulder Press
3x10x70 (each arm)
Reverse Pec Deck
2x20x55
16x55
15min on Stairmaster at 140-150bpm
Still no lifting to failure and keeping slow and steady tension on every rep. Feeling great minus some slight left shoulder impingement. We will see how the knee feels tomorrow on my first leg day back.
TheH0517
Member
12/29
Weighed in at 203 today after dropping a few lbs from heavy Christmas devouring. Had an awesome leg workout yesterday, got some decent squats in and killed my legs after not working them hard in a few months trying to let my knee heal up. Got a good arm pump in today. Weights, intensity, and volume are increasing weekly. I’ll be adding more frequency and intensity as calories allow for better recovery. I feel I’m at a good pace thus far. T-minus 15 days until blast off!!
Weighed in at 203 today after dropping a few lbs from heavy Christmas devouring
. Had an awesome leg workout yesterday, got some decent squats in and killed my legs after not working them hard in a few months trying to let my knee heal up. Got a good arm pump in today. Weights, intensity, and volume are increasing weekly. I’ll be adding more frequency and intensity as calories allow for better recovery. I feel I’m at a good pace thus far. T-minus 15 days until blast off!!
Sworder
Member
Let's see a most muscular pose or a lats spread?! Make sure to pose in all different positions it is extremely beneficial for lifting!
Please use the same conditioning in all your photos, always pump or not, because the pictures become enigmatic, also, to take photos at the same time of the day.
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TheH0517
Member
1/12
Blast Off MFers. Tomorrow starts my cycle, here’s what it’ll be to begin:
TPP: 150mg EOD (525mg/wk)
NPP: 150mg EOD (525mg/wk)
DHB: 100mg ED (700mg/wk)
Aromasin: 25mg ED (will run bloods soon and pay attention to sides for crashed E2, but this is typical dosage for me)
Nolvadex: 20mg ED (for gyno, also typical for me)
Cialis: 5mg pre-wo
I’ll be using orals at the end and insulin a couple times throughout. I’ll make sure I keep y’all updated on these.
Blast Off MFers. Tomorrow starts my cycle, here’s what it’ll be to begin:
TPP: 150mg EOD (525mg/wk)
NPP: 150mg EOD (525mg/wk)
DHB: 100mg ED (700mg/wk)
Aromasin: 25mg ED (will run bloods soon and pay attention to sides for crashed E2, but this is typical dosage for me)
Nolvadex: 20mg ED (for gyno, also typical for me)
Cialis: 5mg pre-wo
I’ll be using orals at the end and insulin a couple times throughout. I’ll make sure I keep y’all updated on these.
