Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Denise on June 22, 2016, 06:36:40 PM

Title: Spiro question.
Post by: Denise on June 22, 2016, 06:36:40 PM
First let me say "I know, talk to your doctor."  He's wonderful, but a little challenging to talk to due to my schedule.

I'm about to embark on a week of GRUELING bike riding (500 miles through the Berkshire mountains in Massachusetts, USA to raise money for runaway kids and kids thrown out of their houses.  Some of the kids are, as you would expect, trans* and their parents threw them out!)

Anyway - Taking in enough water for that ride and enough to satisfy the Spiro will not be possible.  What would happen if
1) I stop taking it for the duration and if I do, do I need to stop a few days before the ride starts?
2) cut the amount I'm taking in half or even a quarter.  What will it do to my T levels?  Will it "set me back" or just "delay for a week" or something else entirely?

I'll keep up on the Estradiol injections, one right before I leave, and one as soon as I get back.

Any opinions?
Title: Re: Spiro question.
Post by: Mariah on June 22, 2016, 06:39:23 PM
It's best to consult your doctor. It's likely your T levels would rise without the Spiro, but we have no way of knowing that for sure. Hugs
Mariah
Title: Re: Spiro question.
Post by: RobynD on June 22, 2016, 06:46:44 PM
I agree talk to the doc. I began a particularly grueling pace of practice at one of my chosen sports in January and increased my water intake a lot. It never occurred to me that stopping was an option, my doc advised me to drink as much as felt good and then a bit more.
Title: Re: Spiro question.
Post by: Denise on June 22, 2016, 07:28:44 PM
Quote from: RobynD on June 22, 2016, 06:46:44 PM
... my doc advised me to drink as much as felt good and then a bit more.

I start to feel like crap (upset stomach and other unmentionable issues) when I drink too much.  I'm riding a really thin line now with just training.  I don't think doing seven brutal days in a row, especially if the temps are in the 90's will be possible while on the same level of Spiro I'm on now.

Do you know how long it takes to stop the diuretic effects if I stop/back-off?

I know - ask the doctor.  Sometimes people who have actually been through it are more candid and life experiences count for something in my opinion.
Title: Re: Spiro question.
Post by: Rachel on June 22, 2016, 08:09:42 PM
I have scheduled FFS and need to stop spiro and e 2 weeks before and 5 days after. For GCS I need to stop e 2 weeks before but can take spiro up to the day before. For surgeries we stop/alter meds and long term there are not an issue. Each issue and doctor advises differently based on a standard of care and experience.

Talk to your doctor.

For example, I read post where a woman stopped HRT for 2 weeks before gcs and the gonads started production. She masturbated and had terrible pain. In your case there is high temps, salt and water issues for several days in a row. You may need to do things we have not thought of.
Title: Re: Spiro question.
Post by: Ms Grace on June 22, 2016, 08:49:43 PM
I suspect the effects won't be instant especially if you are also on estrogen. But honestly, any advice we give you amounts to self medding and we can't do that. Can't you ask to speak to your doc for five minutes on the phone?
Title: Re: Spiro question.
Post by: KayXo on June 22, 2016, 09:33:12 PM
Salt is also important on Spiro as it helps retain water and prevent cramps.
Title: Re: Spiro question.
Post by: Denise on June 24, 2016, 07:51:35 AM
Thanks all - The Dr was out of the office on vacation all week.  I'll try again on Monday.