Outlaw's vacation at the Alpha Four resort (1st cycle)

Whatsup soldiers,

After 3,5 months on protocol, I will be starting my first cycle. The recommended prohormone is UltraHard, but since my last 2 bloodtests have shown low estrogen, CD has given me the green light to start with Alpha Four instead (as UH would have tanked my E even more. I have UltraHard bottles on the side and will switch mid-cycle if needed.

I have read of logs on the forum and these are the key points I have taken away when it comes to cycling. Please confirm and let me know if I'm missing anything:
- Apply in the morning to avoid sleep problems
- Drink coconut water to resplenish potassium
- Avoid masturbation if possible
- Eat a lot of carbs to resplenish glycogen
- Avoid road rage (thanks CD)

Couple quick questions and I'll be on my way
1) no herbs but pine pollen is still fine right?
2) can I backload with gluten free carbs during
the day or do I keep it on workout nights?
3) should I eat straight after I apply it in the
morning, or can I take my coffee and eat 1-2
hours later?

Really excited to start this cycle. I'm proud of myself for locking in 14 solid weeks of protocol and now I get to have some fun. Will use this cycle as an opportunity to work on the areas I'm lacking (meditation, pumping, HIIT 2x/week instead of 1). Remaining symptoms are variable ear problems (tinnitus, sound sensitivity, ear pressure), low libido, less sensitivity/more premature, slight girth loss.

Let's do it, any help/comments are welcome guys!

Yesterday was day 1, I took 3 pumps. 2 hours after applying I had slight euphoria and an energy boost like I needed to move. Didn't feel much for the rest of the day, slight fatigue maybe. Trained hard and ate the biggest backload of my life.

Day 2 today. Woke up with morning wood (I have it really irregularly) and applied 4 pumps. Didn't feel anything yet.

I know a lot of people don't feel anything before the 3rd week. I'll update when I notice something notable.

Good luck with your cycle, bro! If you’re not ultra-sensitive to stimulants like I am, what you’re using should be great. I can only use Super R-Andro because it’s straight androsterone. The epiandrosterone is a stimulant, and even 1 or 2 pumps at 8 AM will keep me awake until 3:30 AM, sadly. Just leaving this comment here for anyone else who is overly-sensitive to stimulants.

You might feel the prohormones and you might not, and it could change day by day or week by week. But if you’re feeling more energy, etc, that’s a good thing.

I think in general the best practices for carb meals is to have them post workout, while on the protocol. (Once you’re healed then eat carbs whenever it makes sense for you.) I don’t think carb backloading is as important as the herbs, workouts, and gluten-free, but it’s significant and worth doing.

I don’t think it's necessary/helpful to use the pine pollen powder during a cycle. The cycle is mildly suppressive and the pine pollen powder will not overcome that. I think you just want to let the prohormone do its thing and don’t take any herbs at that time.

Some people prefer a morning workout on an empty stomach, while others say that eating a light or medium breakfast gives them more strength in the gym. The timing of the coffee or whether to have it at all is also an individual thing. A small cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee at 8 AM will make me feel almost high for several hours (strong caffeine buzz,) and keep me wide awake until the early morning hours. For you, you might feel mildly more alert for 20 minutes. For normal people, it may make them feel more awake for 3 - 5 hours and not affect their sleep at all. Everybody is different and you can play around with the timing of the coffee and meal timing to find out what works for you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LetsGo

Good luck with your cycle, bro! If you’re not ultra-sensitive to stimulants like I am, what you’re using should be great. I can only use Super R-Andro because it’s straight androsterone. The epiandrosterone is a stimulant, and even 1 or 2 pumps at 8 AM will keep me awake until 3:30 AM, sadly. Just leaving this comment here for anyone else who is overly-sensitive to stimulants.

You might feel the prohormones and you might not, and it could change day by day or week by week. But if you’re feeling more energy, etc, that’s a good thing.

I think in general the best practices for carb meals is to have them post workout, while on the protocol. (Once you’re healed then eat carbs whenever it makes sense for you.) I don’t think carb backloading is as important as the herbs, workouts, and gluten-free, but it’s significant and worth doing.

I don’t think it's necessary/helpful to use the pine pollen powder during a cycle. The cycle is mildly suppressive and the pine pollen powder will not overcome that. I think you just want to let the prohormone do its thing and don’t take any herbs at that time.

Some people prefer a morning workout on an empty stomach, while others say that eating a light or medium breakfast gives them more strength in the gym. The timing of the coffee or whether to have it at all is also an individual thing. A small cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee at 8 AM will make me feel almost high for several hours (strong caffeine buzz,) and keep me wide awake until the early morning hours. For you, you might feel mildly more alert for 20 minutes. For normal people, it may make them feel more awake for 3 - 5 hours and not affect their sleep at all. Everybody is different and you can play around with the timing of the coffee and meal timing to find out what works for you.

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Ok thanks for the message man!

Yeah I'm good when it comes to stimulants. I take coffee at 8AM and 3PM and I sleep fine at night. I was just wondering if it was better to have food in your stomach when applying the PH. I'll drop the PP and will backload as a postworkout.

I've been following your log and you made good progress recently, it's really nice.

Day 3 today, applied 5 pumps.

Feeling like shit to be honest. Tinnitus is higher, and I have a lot of anxiety.

I thought since androsterone is a Gaba agonist that it would lower the tinnitus. Maybe the tinnitus simply follows my heightened anxiety. Will go back to 4 pumps to see if it lowers the anxiety.

As advised I will ride this thing out for at least 4 weeks since it works in the background.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Outlaw

Day 3 today, applied 5 pumps.

Feeling like shit to be honest. Tinnitus is higher, and I have a lot of anxiety.

I thought since androsterone is a Gaba agonist that it would lower the tinnitus. Maybe the tinnitus simply follows my heightened anxiety. Will go back to 4 pumps to see if it lowers the anxiety.

As advised I will ride this thing out for at least 4 weeks since it works in the background.

---

The biggest thing with tinnitus is that the more it bothers you emotionally, the louder it will get. When you’re focusing on it (trying to figure out if it’s getting softer or louder) you’re telling your brain that this is important, and it responds by increasing the sensitivity to that sound, aka making it louder.

Also yes, the more anxious you are, the louder the tinnitus gets.

Your tinnitus might or might not go away on this journey, but you can get to where you don’t notice it at all. I put in earplugs (which make tinnitus way louder) every night, and I still don’t even think about or notice my tinnitus.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LetsGo

The biggest thing with tinnitus is that the more it bothers you emotionally, the louder it will get. When you’re focusing on it (trying to figure out if it’s getting softer or louder) you’re telling your brain that this is important, and it responds by increasing the sensitivity to that sound, aka making it louder.

Also yes, the more anxious you are, the louder the tinnitus gets.

Your tinnitus might or might not go away on this journey, but you can get to where you don’t notice it at all. I put in earplugs (which make tinnitus way louder) every night, and I still don’t even think about or notice my tinnitus.

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That's good advice, I'll work on not giving a fuck about it. It's hard because it's tied to PFS, which I have a hard time not caring about.

Also I notice it gets way higher after ejaculation, and it significantly lowers if I abstain for around 2 weeks. The fact that it's closely tied to my PFs leads me to believe it might go away with the rest of my symptoms. Since it varies greatly I doubt it's physical damage.

But honestly now that it lowered, if I could get my old life back and keep it, I would be a happy camper.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Outlaw

That's good advice, I'll work on not giving a fuck about it. It's hard because it's tied to PFS, which I have a hard time not caring about.

Also I notice it gets way higher after ejaculation, and it significantly lowers if I abstain for around 2 weeks. The fact that it's closely tied to my PFs leads me to believe it might go away with the rest of my symptoms. Since it varies greatly I doubt it's physical damage.

But honestly now that it lowered, if I could get my old life back and keep it, I would be a happy camper.

---

Do you have any other issues after ejaculation (more pronounced brain fog etc.?)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MungYarlon

Do you have any other issues after ejaculation (more pronounced brain fog etc.?)

---

Yeah it makes me crash mentally but I don't think it's brainfog. But I get depressed and lose my sense of being/confidence.

I got rid of brainfog in the first pfs month. My mental symptoms are more like lowered emotions and inability to speak as eloquently.

Day 4, four pumps.

No anxiety like yesterday. Tinnitus still a bit up. Maybe noticing some increased libido. I went to do some edging 4x today. Might also be because I was bored af with work from home. Still too subtle to definitely say, but I'll take it either way.

Also noticed that I can get a small chub from thoughts, and a full erection if I kind of fuck my bedsheets. The fact that I'm on Day #29 of no fap may also help. Sorry if any chast people are following this thread, I'll detail everything from start to finish hahah.

I have a stupid question. Has anybody ever applied a PH straight on their dick? My grade 4 science brain tells me it would obviously help the DHT starved tissues quicker. 100% science.

Day 5 and 6 (4 pumps) were fine anxiety-wise. Did music with friends, hung out at the park, played tennis. Felt fine. Would still think abojt PFS at some point during interactions, but unlike 4-6 weeks ago, I wasn't anxious to go, and had fun during.

I think I've been having allergies for the last 2 days. I'm sneezing like a madman and nose is full. Also feels like a tiny cold, so I don't know which one it is. I'd love for it to be a cold.

Also, I can feel some itch on my scalp from times to times. And had some acne on my triceps where I apply the Four.

Deleted my last post, because downswing doubt is strictly forbidden at the Alpha Four Resort. Will continue to update

How’s it going my brother?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HOPE

How’s it going my brother?

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Last few days were better. I made the mistake of eating rice at noon on Monday, and it brought back anxiety and rubbery skin in my face and junk. I was convinced I read somewhere here that we can eat gluten free carbs allday on cycle, but fuck that I'll be keeping it on backloads only.
Also noticed voice is a bit deeper, and I'm more impatient. Like I don't have time to put up with useless bullshit. Also had a partial chub from a picture of a girl, which is insane for me.
Not much change in libido, but I'm at day 33 of nofap and I feel like I've hit a plateau where it's easier to abstain.

Hey had dinner with my mom and I didn't realize her chicken was coated in flour. I must've ingested 1/4 cup of flour.

Should I do a 2 day fast? My bad if it seems over the top, I just wanna do everything right

Yes, do a 2-day fast, drink a liter of water, and go for a few mile walk.

And I keep the cycle?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Outlaw

And I keep the cycle?

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From what I recall, breaking on your diet once is not too big of an issue. One of CDs and Maxouts posts regarding the same question was to fast for 24 hours if possible, or do nothing and just carry on.

Normally I would say do a day fast, but you’re on cycle and that’s just not going to be possible. Drink a lot of water, eat fresh, sleep well, and go for some long walks if possible. Keep pushing through the cycle. Gluten symptoms should be gone in ~24 hours or so.

Thanks for all the responses guys. It's great to know people will chime in when you need quick advice.

I'll drink a lot of water and walk. I feel ok this morning.

Been running 5 pumps for the last 3 days and I don't notice much. I read CD say on xxaleksi's thread that the Four was strong and that 2 pumps should be plenty. I guess I'm still too early in my recovery to feel it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Outlaw

Been running 5 pumps for the last 3 days and I don't notice much. I read CD say on xxaleksi's thread that the Four was strong and that 2 pumps should be plenty. I guess I'm still too early in my recovery to feel it.

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Based on my readings, it’s completely normal not to feel your first cycle while in a PFS state. Read Rickys thread if I’m not mistaken.

Yeah I'm letting things work in the background. I also read that it took Turnover 1-2 months postcycle to notice his first cycle's improvements. So even if I feel nothing, the snapback might treat me well

The last 2 days I had my most normal days mentally since this nightmare started.

I was with family in the cottage and I felt like myself. Might be the combination of nofap and Alpha Four, but I have some flickers of my oldself, mainly confidence-wise, awareness of my own person.

Sexually it seems to be getting better but progress is super slow, and fluctuates. It's also hard to quantify libido when it's been over a month of nofap. But recently I've been edging 2-4x/day. I know I should reduce that. It's not a raging need like prePFS, but unlike a couple months ago, I am clearly not doing it purely to test if it works.

Tinnitus still there, fluctuates through the day. I've had it significantly reduced for a couple days so I still have hope it will go away. It is possible that PH raise tinnitus, since they impact GABA? Maybe the snapback will quiet it.

Will continue to update with a lot of details even if the thread is quiet. It helps me remember my progress in downswings, and I hope it will help others in the future. This thing takes times to heal and it seems like there are many transitory phases of healing. But for some reason I stay focused on what's left and I think that I still have PFS to the same degree. We have to celebrate each one. The progress I made in 4 months is crazy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Outlaw

The last 2 days I had my most normal days mentally since this nightmare started.

I was with family in the cottage and I felt like myself. Might be the combination of nofap and Alpha Four, but I have some flickers of my oldself, mainly confidence-wise, awareness of my own person.

Sexually it seems to be getting better but progress is super slow, and fluctuates. It's also hard to quantify libido when it's been over a month of nofap. But recently I've been edging 2-4x/day. I know I should reduce that. It's not a raging need like prePFS, but unlike a couple months ago, I am clearly not doing it purely to test if it works.

Tinnitus still there, fluctuates through the day. I've had it significantly reduced for a couple days so I still have hope it will go away. It is possible that PH raise tinnitus, since they impact GABA? Maybe the snapback will quiet it.

Will continue to update with a lot of details even if the thread is quiet. It helps me remember my progress in downswings, and I hope it will help others in the future. This thing takes times to heal and it seems like there are many transitory phases of healing. But for some reason I stay focused on what's left and I think that I still have PFS to the same degree. We have to celebrate each one. The progress I made in 4 months is crazy.

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Backloaded yesterday with rice, and once again started feeling bad. Anxiety, tinnitus, rubbery skin. It's crazy, the effect is felt within 2-3h. I'm beginning to see a clear pattern that recently backloading is always followed by a rise of symptoms. The correlation is too direct for it to only be randlm downswings. I will stop it for some time.

Last few days haven't been as good, but still better than pre-cycle. Gotta keep grinding

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Outlaw

Whatsup soldiers,

After 3,5 months on protocol, I will be starting my first cycle. The recommended prohormone is UltraHard, but since my last 2 bloodtests have shown low estrogen, CD has given me the green light to start with Alpha Four instead (as UH would have tanked my E even more. I have UltraHard bottles on the side and will switch mid-cycle if needed.

I have read of logs on the forum and these are the key points I have taken away when it comes to cycling. Please confirm and let me know if I'm missing anything:
- Apply in the morning to avoid sleep problems
- Drink coconut water to resplenish potassium
- Avoid masturbation if possible
- Eat a lot of carbs to resplenish glycogen
- Avoid road rage (thanks CD)

Couple quick questions and I'll be on my way
1) no herbs but pine pollen is still fine right?
2) can I backload with gluten free carbs during
the day or do I keep it on workout nights?
3) should I eat straight after I apply it in the
morning, or can I take my coffee and eat 1-2
hours later?

Really excited to start this cycle. I'm proud of myself for locking in 14 solid weeks of protocol and now I get to have some fun. Will use this cycle as an opportunity to work on the areas I'm lacking (meditation, pumping, HIIT 2x/week instead of 1). Remaining symptoms are variable ear problems (tinnitus, sound sensitivity, ear pressure), low libido, less sensitivity/more premature, slight girth loss.

Let's do it, any help/comments are welcome guys!

---

Hey bro, glad you're trying your first cycle. Just curious... what was your E level? I've tried a couple cycles, two with Super R Andro and one with Androhard. I always end up with anxiety/depression/de-realization. I'm wondering if it may be dropping my E level too much... Keep pluggin' away man, we'll all beat this crap.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jado

Hey bro, glad you're trying your first cycle. Just curious... what was your E level? I've tried a couple cycles, two with Super R Andro and one with Androhard. I always end up with anxiety/depression/de-realization. I'm wondering if it may be dropping my E level too much... Keep pluggin' away man, we'll all beat this crap.

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Hey man,

2nd week of March my E was less than 60 nmol/L (lab doesnt show below 60 apparently), and 3 weeks ago it was at 77 (which is still below the 95~200 range).

So far I feel the best I've ever felt since this started. Managed a couple erections from visual stimulation, libido and perception of women seems a bit better, and mentally I just feel more confident/like myself. Obviously not anything like before in either category, but still a glimpse of normalcy. Only downside if I consistently wake up about an hour before my alarm, so perharps impacted sleep.

I will try a typical Ultrahard cycle for my next one, so perhaps I'll be able to tell you the difference.

Keep it up man, this shit is intense but I'm convinced it has an end

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Outlaw

Hey man,

2nd week of March my E was less than 60 nmol/L (lab doesnt show below 60 apparently), and 3 weeks ago it was at 77 (which is still below the 95~200 range).

So far I feel the best I've ever felt since this started. Managed a couple erections from visual stimulation, libido and perception of women seems a bit better, and mentally I just feel more confident/like myself. Obviously not anything like before in either category, but still a glimpse of normalcy. Only downside if I consistently wake up about an hour before my alarm, so perharps impacted sleep.

I will try a typical Ultrahard cycle for my next one, so perhaps I'll be able to tell you the difference.

Keep it up man, this shit is intense but I'm convinced it has an end

---

Thanks, man. I agree we'll get through this nonsense. Gotta keep pushing.

Heavy downswing at the resort today. Debilitating tinnitus, depression, brainfog, 0 libido, suicidal thoughts. Might be because I slept 6h last night, or just a normal downswing from the cycle.

I improved over 4 months but not gonna lie my hope is always really low during these downswings.

Cant give up

I've been taking 5 pumps for the last 2 weeks, maybe I need to lower to 4. I feel like absolute shit, if I could painlessly die I would.

I'm gonna keep going until 4 weeks, hopefully it will help in the background.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Outlaw

I've been taking 5 pumps for the last 2 weeks, maybe I need to lower to 4. I feel like absolute shit, if I could painlessly die I would.

I'm gonna keep going until 4 weeks, hopefully it will help in the background.

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Keep going, bro. It will pass, just keep that at the forefront of your mind.

Hi Outlaw, can't help you on that. I'm just passing by to give you strength ✊��

Also had one of my worst days with this crap. Keep going young king! If you ever need someone to talk to, you have my number. I’m feeling like absolute shit on this cleanse, but whatever is necessary to recover we must do.

Thank you for the messages guys, this shit sucks but this community is wholesome. Sorry for spreading some downswing doubt, I forgot it was strictly forbidden at the Alpha Four Resort.

And @HOPE, I hope you know the same applies for you. Keep grinding man, one day we are meeting for that recovery beer. Probably not tomorrow, next week or next month, but that day is there somewhere ahead.

Just keep going and ignore your thoughts. Easier said than done, I know, but you gotta do it. Just follow the protocol and give it TIME. That's all you have to do.

My mind always told me I was the most severe case ever and would never get better, that I had no choice but to end it, even when I'd make progress my mind would make me doubt it. I believe the GABA disruption from fin is what causes these thoughts and worries. Now I actually feel better than pre pfs most days. Not to brag or anything but I actually feel bulletproof some days lol. The confidence and well being feels amazing.

Five pumps of Alpha Four made me an emotional pussy and also shut me down a bit lol. Keep an eye on it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by xxaleksi

Just keep going and ignore your thoughts. Easier said than done, I know, but you gotta do it. Just follow the protocol and give it TIME. That's all you have to do.

My mind always told me I was the most severe case ever and would never get better, that I had no choice but to end it, even when I'd make progress my mind would make me doubt it. I believe the GABA disruption from fin is what causes these thoughts and worries. Now I actually feel better than pre pfs most days. Not to brag or anything but I actually feel bulletproof some days lol. The confidence and well being feels amazing.

Five pumps of Alpha Four made me an emotional pussy and also shut me down a bit lol. Keep an eye on it.

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Thanks for logging in king.

Following the protocol is easy. Being patient is a different thing.

Yeah maybe my GABA is fucked because I have some pretty good tinnitus, which has been showed to be caused my low GABA. This is my biggest fear. I believe the protocol will cure me but I'm afraid I will keep the T. It is by far my most annoying symptom (honestly more than depression and anxiety). I know Turnover got rid of his with a cycle and some B vitamins.

Does anyone know how long I should keep my cycle? I read 4-6 weeks in the stickies.. am I better to keep it at 4 for my 1st cycle or can it benefit if I push to 6? My 2nd and 3rd week gave me an upswing, and now I am a bit below my baseline pre-cycle. But I could push and extra 2 weeks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Outlaw

Thanks for logging in king.

Following the protocol is easy. Being patient is a different thing.

Yeah maybe my GABA is fucked because I have some pretty good tinnitus, which has been showed to be caused my low GABA. This is my biggest fear. I believe the protocol will cure me but I'm afraid I will keep the T. It is by far my most annoying symptom (honestly more than depression and anxiety). I know Turnover got rid of his with a cycle and some B vitamins.

Does anyone know how long I should keep my cycle? I read 4-6 weeks in the stickies.. am I better to keep it at 4 for my 1st cycle or can it benefit if I push to 6? My 2nd and 3rd week gave me an upswing, and now I am a bit below my baseline pre-cycle. But I could push and extra 2 weeks.

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First cycle might be best to do 4 weeks, but if you feel good keep at it. I went 12 weeks this last cycle with huge benefits

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Turnover25

First cycle might be best to do 4 weeks, but if you feel good keep at it. I went 12 weeks this last cycle with huge benefits

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Another absolute legend visiting the resort.

Thanks man, I'll try to push for 6 weeks.

Although my anxiety/tinnitus/depression has recently risen from this cycle, I must admit it helped with erection quality and sensitivity. Still going strong at day 48 of nofap, I'm going for at least 100.

Go for 4-5 weeks on your first run imo.

I had tinnitus pre fin which then got a lot worse during pfs. Now it's back to how it was pre fin. I don't even notice it really. So there's definitely hope it'll go away at least to a good degree.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by xxaleksi

Go for 4-5 weeks on your first run imo.

I had tinnitus pre fin which then got a lot worse during pfs. Now it's back to how it was pre fin. I don't even notice it really. So there's definitely hope it'll go away at least to a good degree.

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That's encouraging stuff.

Its weird because it's not only tinnitus, but also sound sensivity and cracking ears. I used to listen to music at least at 75% of volume, and now 30% is too much. Even the announcing voice in the metro makes me cringe. Since it fluctuates, I hope there is no physical damage and one day it will go away