Taking my life back

[Robert N]

CPAP - been on a CPAP for over 15 years. There is no prescription in Europe…just buy the darn thing.

Right, so I’ve been on a CPAP for 15+ years. I just retired a unit…it had 26,000 hours of use on it. Ponder whether or not I’m a believer or not…

Here’s the thing: the CPAP was freaking life changing for me. I’m 5’8” and 175# - that’s not what anyone would call a statistical expected user. But I also have central apnea as well as obstructive apnea. I was averaging 2-3 hours of sleep a night - it was bad.

CPAP changed everything. Godsend.

Here’s my relevant comment: you can get an online cpap test and prescription for $250. Or, buy a nicely used unit (low mileage) and program it yourself. A short google search shows you how to get into the clinical menu…the rest is just a starting point. While you’re awake, Set the unit at 10…if it feels too hard to breathe, push up the volume…if you feel like being in the middle of a jet blast of air…reduce it. The goal being to achieve a positive pressure on the breathing. It should be relaxed, yet positive.

The whole idea that one could over or under program a unit…is kinda BS. All a CPAP does is pushes air into your nostrils/mouth. If you’ve ever done SCUBA or used a snorkel, welcome to the pack.

Anyway, I just bought my 4th used unit with a whopping 34 hours of use on it. A ResMed Airsense 11….which also has an Auto Set mode. Just put it on…breathe…the unit will figure out the rest.

Anyway, the CPAP was lifechanging for me. I was having > 37 events an hour.

I sleep like a true baby…starting 15 years ago. Best thing I’ve ever done.

 

[Nick87]

This new doctor is all out of pocket expenses other than any prescription she writes. It’ll probably cost be around 2-3k a year to see her. What she has done for me and how she operates is worth every penny. She wants to treat the issues not the symptoms

Glad you found, one money well spent. Pretty pitiful that has to be the case.

 

[cgasner1]

Glad you found, one money well spent. Pretty pitiful that has to be the case.

Worth every penny

 

[Hunting Wife]

I seriously think a lot of men go through something similar of the equivalent of menopause, but no one talks about it.

Good on you for seeking another opinion, and another, until someone can give you something that actually works. Due to job and circumstance, I’m surrounded by men that have very similar stories. TRT has been a game changer for several of them, particularly a couple of vets with problems some doctors think are related to their service. Keep seeking opinions until someone listens to you.

Hope you find the outcome you’re looking for.

 

[cgasner1]

CPAP - been on a CPAP for over 15 years. There is no prescription in Europe…just buy the darn thing.

Right, so I’ve been on a CPAP for 15+ years. I just retired a unit…it had 26,000 hours of use on it. Ponder whether or not I’m a believer or not…

Here’s the thing: the CPAP was freaking life changing for me. I’m 5’8” and 175# - that’s not what anyone would call a statistical expected user. But I also have central apnea as well as obstructive apnea. I was averaging 2-3 hours of sleep a night - it was bad.

CPAP changed everything. Godsend.

Here’s my relevant comment: you can get an online cpap test and prescription for $250. Or, buy a nicely used unit (low mileage) and program it yourself. A short google search shows you how to get into the clinical menu…the rest is just a starting point. While you’re awake, Set the unit at 10…if it feels too hard to breathe, push up the volume…if you feel like being in the middle of a jet blast of air…reduce it. The goal being to achieve a positive pressure on the breathing. It should be relaxed, yet positive.

The whole idea that one could over or under program a unit…is kinda BS. All a CPAP does is pushes air into your nostrils/mouth. If you’ve ever done SCUBA or used a snorkel, welcome to the pack.

Anyway, I just bought my 4th used unit with a whopping 34 hours of use on it. A ResMed Airsense 11….which also has an Auto Set mode. Just put it on…breathe…the unit will figure out the rest.

Anyway, the CPAP was lifechanging for me. I was having > 37 events an hour.

I sleep like a true baby…starting 15 years ago. Best thing I’ve ever done.

Where did you pick the used ones up I have a buddy about to buy one from Amazon. I told him just get it if you don’t feel better in 2 weeks return it. Dude is a freak his natural test level was over 800 am he wasn’t sure why he is always exhausted

 

[cgasner1]

I seriously think a lot of men go through something similar of the equivalent of menopause, but no one talks about it.

Good on you for seeking another opinion, and another, until someone can give you something that actually works. Due to job and circumstance, I’m surrounded by men that have very similar stories. TRT has been a game changer for several of them, particularly a couple of vets with problems some doctors think are related to their service. Keep seeking opinions until someone listens to you.

Hope you find the outcome you’re looking for.

I obviously have no way of proving it but I genuinely believe it’s from the amount of processed food we consume. It’s crazy the amount of guys I know that are trt now. Same story as mine.

 

[brymoore]

A few years I decided I wanted to up my T to a higher level. I had seen enough testimonials to want to try it as I grew older. I researched and went to a doctor that handled T stuff for men.

I read that staying up late, heavy drinking and certain foods would drop the T level a couple hundred points. I dragged my butt into his office on test morning after staying up very late drinking, etc. My T level was still too high. He kicked me to the curb.

A year later my primary physician suggested that my T level might be behind something else minor I had going on. (forget what it was. Temporary). I thought I had him convinced again but I tested too high. He said no.

I finally found a third doc. Lab test and still T testing at same level. His response, we can pump that number up! Started on enclomiphene for almost a year. We couldn’t keep my e levels under control. T wasn’t stable either. Switched to T shots and everything is under control. Twice a week. T level is high, but not Charlie Sheen level. T is cheap. Other costs aren’t concerning. I feel great.

 

[HSi-ESi]

That sucks you've had to go down a rough road. I do believe that being an advocate for yourself and finding the right physician is 99% of healthcare. The insurance / billing really sucks - I have too many stories there. Good thing that my wife handles that side.

I have similar stories of going into a Dr - and dumping them because they had preconceived notions of me. I am on the heavy side, always have been. My last trail race I ran (20 miles), I weighed in around 240 (I'm only 6'). They need weight classes on those things, not age classes.

Good on you for sticking with it and taking control.

 

[huntin24/7]

I obviously have no way of proving it but I genuinely believe it’s from the amount of processed food we consume. It’s crazy the amount of guys I know that are trt now. Same story as mine.

Totally agree. I’ve been saying for quite some time that I believe a lot of our physical and mental health issues along with behavioral problems with kids in many instances can be tied back to this. I saw just recently that highly processed meats are now classified as the same carcinogen level as smoking and asbestos. Pretty wild.

 

[cgasner1]

Couple other things I’ve learned about the yet treatment along the way that’s kinda interesting. 8/10 men with depression also have low testosterone I wonder how many of them it could have help more than other medication

Also from my understanding testosterone is classified as a class 4 narcotic. Meaning you can get in the same amount of trouble as having it as meth. Doctors can loose their license over a bottle that I pay 5 dollars a week to use. Not a lot of money in that for the risk.

Here is a pretty good podcast for anyone that’s curious. Kinda nice being up and awake this early ready to take on the day

TRT Risks & Rewards: Your Testosterone Replacement Therapy Questions Answered

Podcast Episode · The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show · 10/21/2025 · 45m

podcasts.apple.com

 

[Mallardsx2]

Its amazing how frustrating it can be dealing with "experts". I can't tell you how many doctors my wife had to see over the last few years until she finally got a doctor she literally had to bully into writing her a script for something that is now working. "She finally told the final doctor "either right give me the blood test for x or she wanted a psych evaluation" because if she told one more doctor what was wrong and they dismissed it she wasn't going to be able to take it. Embarrassing really. I know some here will disagree but after that whole ordeal I no longer trust a single one of them with my or my families health.

We are all getting super bad care these days for sure.

The last time I was at the doctor, I watched the doctor type my symptoms into ChatGPT and then he read from the iPad what could make me better.

And No, I’m not shitting you.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I obviously have no way of proving it but I genuinely believe it’s from the amount of processed food we consume. It’s crazy the amount of guys I know that are trt now. Same story as mine.

+1
Early 30s, get my T checked, it's 280 or something ridiculously low. My doctor looks at me at tells me it's in the "normal" range, no problems. TRT hadn't really taken off yet and honestly, I'm glad it hadn't or I might of hopped right on.

I started really focusing on what I eat, limiting exposure to plastics and other chemicals by changing food, food containers, cups, any heated plastic, shampoo/bodywash/laundry detergent, the list goes on. After doing that for a year or so, focusing on sleep, and increasing exercise, it went up. My last blood test was a few months ago, 800ish with 141 free. I honestly think cutting certain food/plastics/toxins that made the biggest difference. The initial blood test where it was bottomed out I was 20lbs lighter than I am now, already exercising a lot, and 5 years younger.

I'm not saying people don't need or could not benefit from TRT, probably best to cut out all that stuff either way. I'm glad you got it sorted out OP, you really have to be your own advocate and pretty much figure everything out on your own. Unless you have a cut and dry illness or something super severe, the medical fields really don't help much.

 

[The_Jim]

@Turkeygetpwnd38 is spot on.


For all the doctors that won't put you on testosterone there is a bunch of hormone mills that want to put everyone on HRT. Your testosterone test is just a snapshot of that day. A poor nights sleep, stress, and poor food choices can make that number swing a lot day to day & you can make that number improve greatly with simple(not always easy) lifestyle choices. Its also amazing that we have the option of HRT, because lifestyle doesn't always fix it.

And 100% the cash pay clinics are superior in everyway to a clinic that takes insurance.

 

[cgasner1]

@Turkeygetpwnd38 is spot on.


For all the doctors that won't put you on testosterone there is a bunch of hormone mills that want to put everyone on HRT. Your testosterone test is just a snapshot of that day. A poor nights sleep, stress, and poor food choices can make that number swing a lot day to day & you can make that number improve greatly with simple(not always easy) lifestyle choices. Its also amazing that we have the option of HRT, because lifestyle doesn't always fix it.

And 100% the cash pay clinics are superior in everyway to a clinic that takes insurance.

The people that I’ve talked to about this I’ve told them your best bet is to walk a fine line between steroids with extra steps that most Trt clinics are and finding an actual great doctor. I think I’ve found myself a great doctor.

 

[rjthehunter]

Glad to hear you're getting it figured out. I think 50% of doctors suck. Some are good but in so many cases they want to beat around the bush for a few months first. Which sucks for everyone except for them. It really sucks when you know what they problem is and they won't listen.

 

[Exhausted]

I'm a fan of all guys in their late 30's/early 40's getting their numbers checked and supplementing as needed. That being said, it's not without its risks and complications. I dealt with some pretty wild mood swings and anger around 3 - 6 months of being on TRT and had to make some apologies to the wife and kids for the way I acted.

 

[Hammsolo]

Docs are like everyone else. Electricians, teachers, waiters… they all lie on the old bell curve. A few fantastic, most meh, and a few absolute shit shows. Hunt until you find good ones. I’ve been lucky.

It took years for me to accept I had a problem. I was falling asleep at street lights and depressed. Once I gave into God, and accepted I wasn’t in control I sought out help. Wow, I learned I’ve probably had sleep apnea my whole life. My brother will vouch for that. My T had tanked. My machine, divorcing my first wife, and the T have been tools in helping me get back to exercising more and modifying all sorts of other life choices.

I am now happier than I’ve ever been. Don’t be afraid to change. Don’t be afraid to fight for better care. You have everything to lose.

 

[cgasner1]

I'm a fan of all guys in their late 30's/early 40's getting their numbers checked and supplementing as needed. That being said, it's not without its risks and complications. I dealt with some pretty wild mood swings and anger around 3 - 6 months of being on TRT and had to make some apologies to the wife and kids for the way I acted.

I know a couple guys that the other side effect has also caused issues with their wife. That also doesn’t seem fair for a guy to run him self up to acting like a 16 year old then be mad at your wife for not being in the mood

 

[Forkyfinder]

Glad to hear you're getting it figured out. I think 50% of doctors suck. Some are good but in so many cases they want to beat around the bush for a few months first. Which sucks for everyone except for them. It really sucks when you know what they problem is and they won't listen.

I think a big part of that is the justification they have to do with insurance.

 

[huntin24/7]

Just curious if any dealing with sleep apnea have tried the at home sleep apnea tests?