I had been taking testosterone gel for over 3 years with no issues when I decided to switch to injections for financial reasons. Just after my second injection I had a lot of serious side effects (chest pain, leg pain, etc...) that lasted about a week, for safety reasons my doctor and I decided I should go back onto the gel.

Here's the problem, About a week after I started back on the gel again some of the same side effects that I had from the injections started happening again, I don't understand what's wrong since I've taken this gel before with no issues? What could have changed? It's the same gel I've always used and the dose is the same too, I have an appointment with my doctor in two months for blood work but i'm scared that this will be a permanent issue now and that I might have done some sort of damage that will prevent me from taking T in the future. If anyone has had a similar experience or has any advice please let me know.

Two things.

1. If you are having any bad effects of hormones, you need to see your doctor sooner. Hormones are not something to be shlept off like a cold that is lingering too long. Your doctor would agree if you called up tomorrow and asked for an appointment this week. You made an appointment for 2 months out with the expectation that everything would go smoothly, however, its not and now is the time for medical intervention.

2. Is it possible you injected into a vein? Some of the symptoms you spoke of sound like you may have injected a weeks worth of T right into the blood steam. Its possible that your applying the gel everyday is keeping your levels elevated instead of letting them come down from a major peak. 

Thanks for the reply.

I spoke to my doctor as soon as the problems started again, and she told me to just continue taking the gel and that if the problems persisted to go to the ER and they would "adjust it for me". That's the same thing she said when I had problems with the injections. I asked for new blood tests and a sooner appointment when we spoke about the symptoms returning and was told it was unnecessary.
As of right now I'm not taking anything and I'm wondering if I should speak to a new doctor.

Also, when I first injected the testosterone I did aspirate and there was no blood in the syringe or anything like that, my symptoms seemed somewhat different as well.

hmm I would sit tight so long as you feel comfortable with this doctor. If you are feeling uneasy about they're judgment or don't feel heard than maybe seeking a second opinion is your next step.

If you injected in the leg and this is one of your first injections, it is normal to have a considerable amount of soreness after the fact. The only cure for that I found was a big leg workout the day before and the day after. If I don't do that, I am sore for about 3 days after the shot.

I've never had chest pains on T. Could it be that the injections caused you some kind of anxiety? Anxiety related chest pains can feel like a sharp, shooting pain and be very persistent.

The problems didn't start until my second shot so I don't really think it was anxiety related, and there was no pain at the injection site itself just behind the back of my knees and in my calfs. I also had pains in my chest and a tight feeling in my jaw which are all signs of a possible heart attack. Obviously I had to stop taking the injections but I'm still not sure why I had that reaction.

I think kings joker was probably right about my levels spiking for some reason from the injections and the gel bringing them back up again. My doctor and I have agreed for me to stop taking the gel for about a month to let my levels drop and then to try again and see what happens. If the problems persist then I will have to have some more tests done, I really hope that doesn't happen. Thanks for the help from the both of you  .

I've had what I call 'shot shock' from injections. Once years ago from depo-provera then a few months ago from T (the needle was still in my stomach). I literally passed out and woke up minutes later on the floor. The sensation is hard to describe but it was essentially a light headed kind of feeling where the last thing I felt was it moving up to my brain. I knew it was coming. It is a hit or miss if it is going to happen, same if blood will come out after pulling the needle out.

My symptoms lasted for at least a week, so this wasn't a mental reaction. There was no blood, and it took about 20-30 minutes after the shot for the problems to start.

It's so strange that this all happened after being on T for so long. I suppose though there is a bit of a difference between the full concentration of T in an injection hitting you all at once as opposed to the daily gel application. So it sounds like you may be stuck on gel if your body has trouble processing that much at once.

Re: financial stuff - Is it possible for you to get the gel covered by insurance? I found out a few months ago that if I wanted to switch back to gel I could, but it would have to be a different brand than the one I started on because of my insurance's rules. For some reason they will cover Axiron but won't cover Testim. You could also look into a compounding pharmacy. I personally saw little difference in the pricing (commercially produced topical vs. compounded topical), but some people have said there is a considerable difference where they are located.

Thankfully when I went back on the gel I was able to get it compounded locally for a much better price than the generic brand gels. The reason I switched to the injections in the first place is because I'm in the middle of switching my insurance, and there will be a gap where I'm not covered for a couple months. With this new gel that won't be a problem. As long as everything goes okay when I start the gel again, everything should be fine. 

Alex,

Welcome to the site. I am so sorry this is so late in getting to you.

I am glad to hear that you have worked it out to return to the gel prescription.

I also want to share some links with you. They are mostly welcome information and the rules that govern the site. If you have not had a chance to look through them, please take a moment:

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Once again, welcome to Susan's. Look around, ask questions and join in.

With warmth,

Joanna