Thanks for the words guys. You're very right jimmy, those sites did as much for my anxiety as the actual symptoms and they contributed massively towards some very dark thoughts, the likes of which I never intend to have again.
CDsnuts, I've been going through your protocol this past couple of hours and am writing down my next steps. I'll be purchasing the herbs this week with a view to starting at least a weeks juice feast coming up. I'm very much considering quitting my part time job in order to concentrate solely on recovery and college work. Out of the various things listed on the protocol I am already experienced with cold water therapy, meditation, the Wim Hof method, paleo diet (though so far I've never subscribed to it wholeheartedly as I like bread too much!) and weight lifting. This will give me a base of familiarity from which to build.
If you have to have bread, get a gluten free variety. You need to AVOID GLUTEN
I have a couple of questions.
1. In regards to weight lifting I currently do varying version's of Layne Nortons PHAT routine which is quite intensive and volume heavy. Am I OK to continue with this post feast or is it recommended that I use a less strenuous routine?
The routine is fine but you want to gauge your intensity after the feast because you're going to be a bit weaker right afterwords then you typically would be. You don't want to over do it and cause a cortisol spike....tread lightly for a few days/weeks
2. Have you any experience with the nootropic piracetaam? I took it for about three months last year and I have to say the the results were what I would describe as the opposite to PFS, increased mental clarity, word recall, general memory etc... Am I advised to just stick to those listed or would it be ok add this to my stack?
I personally like nootropics. Just becareful with some of them because certain ones are known to kill libido after continued use such as Noopept. They are best used sparingly for when you need the extra kick. I'm actually going to have a page on them as well.
3. If my trip to the doctor ends with him advising me on some form of TRT or erectile dysfunction drug, what would be your advise here? To turn it down? It seems that hormone replacement seems to only be of short term benefit most PFS in my experience.
TRT....turn it down. Don't even consider it. If he prescribes you some type of PDE5 inhibitor, they can be useful in certain situations and if used, again, sparingly. You don't want to come to rely on them but every once in awhile during the beginning of your recovery is fine because it will help build your confidence. JUST DON'T OVER DO IT. You could also try horny goat weed instead as it's a natural pde5 inhibitor See here: Horny Goat Weed (aka Epimedium) Total Male Optimization
4. Unfortunately there's one thing on the list that I know that I absolutely will not be able to do. Sunning my boys is out. I live in Ireland.
Lol...I guess not much you can do there....just increase your Vit. D intake instead and on the off chance you do see the sun, whip em out!
Again thanks for both your feedback. Since reading English's post and then coming here I feel much more focused on recovery instead of the intense... grief I had over my symptoms and for what they might mean for my life and whether I wanted to actually live that life. And for that I thank you again CDsnuts. For the first time in three weeks I no long hope to get better but know I will. However long it takes I'll get there, I'll keep you all updated.