Things continue to go well for me. I averaged 120 minutes of exercises every other day. I continue to do a short 15 minute exercise program on the light days. The 120 minutes is up 8 minutes from my previous average. I did not have a ‘down day’ this last month. I believe that is one of the greatest benefits for me. I have not experienced any side effects that I am aware of. Also, about a year ago we were considering have the bathroom remodeled because I was having difficulty getting into and out of the shower (4” lip). That has not been an issue since starting dutasteride.
Someone asked recently if I am stronger. I can only give a subjective response to that question since I have not been tested. I feel stronger than I did a year ago. My exercise program is longer and more intensive without any noticeable side effects. I have not fallen in the last year even though I am on my feet a lot more. I haven’t experienced what I call a ‘slide’ in a long time ... and boy is that a great feeling.
On the flip side, a friend who is also taking dutasteride is considering stopping. He wrote yesterday, “I am considering stopping it; I have had my worst 9 months ever. I have pain in my
hands which I have never had before and I generally seem to have much less energy. I know everyone can react differently but are you aware of anyone else who has stopped this medication for side effects. Any comments welcome.” A Question: If you have had any positive or negative experiences using dutasteride please let me know.
Soon I will have my one year review with my doctor. It will be interesting what he says and my blood tests show.
I am continuing to take dutasteride for two years or longer. I have no side effect at all. I feel that my muscle is being aggregated, but I am almost maintaining my strength and energy. I should have had light exercise for the improvement. Gary_KC
ReplyDeleteWhat's in Dutasteride?
ReplyDeleteFrom Wikipedia: Dutasteride belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which block the action of the 5-alpha-reductase enzymes that convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride, which is also approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in addition to the treatment of male pattern baldness (MPB), belongs to this class of drugs. Dutasteride inhibits both isoforms of 5-alpha reductase, type I and type II, whereas finasteride only inhibits type II. There are no long-term randomized trials comparing the effects of dutasteride and finasteride in patients with BPH. The EPICS trial, a 12-month clinical study done by GlaxoSmithKline, demonstrated treatment with dutasteride and finasteride resulted in similar decreases in prostate volume, with numerically but not statistically significantly greater improvements in symptom scores for the dutasteride group.
ReplyDeletePlease also check out my first report on the results of the clinical trial on dutasteride at this link: http://kennedysdisease.blogspot.com/2011/01/dutasteride-clinical-trial-another.html
I've been taking Avodart for several years w/o any unexpected side effects. I believe it has helped me and it did restore some capability. My KD is still progressing but I'm still ahead of were I was several years ago as far as fatigue goes.
ReplyDeleteBruce... It would be great to know what your daily activity capacity is. Although your exercise routine is 120 minutes it is hard to know what that means. Can you speak in terms of your daily function? Things like can opening, walking distance, stairs, driving, use of motorized chair or assist devices.
ReplyDeleteand Merry Christmas to you and yours.