Question for my fellow competitors / AAS users

[BigIronMike25]

Hey guys! I have a question to all of you out there who compete and / or use AAS. Here's a quick background on me. "I started lifting weights for baseball at the age of 15. It was strictly for baseball, as I didn't even know what bodybuilding was. It was indeed love at first lift though (just from the adrenaline rush and muscle pumps)!

I excelled on the field and God blessed me with a college baseball scholarship. For 3 yrs at did well at the college level, and dreamed of a chance at playing professionally. I had workouts with many MLB teams and things seemed to really be falling into place. However, disaster struck with a shoulder injury, and after a few more unfortunate circumstances I was forced to give up the game I love. I grew extremely depressed and honestly thought I'd never reach that level of happiness and contentment again. I prayed God would show me another outlet, another hobby in which to better myself and more importantly glorify Him. Thankfully, I found bodybuilding. I truly fell in love with the sport my senior year of college back in 2005, and I haven't looked back. I competed and placed 3rd in my first show in June of 2006. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life".

Since then I've competed twice and have 2 more shows upcoming this year. I love this sport and the rush of being onstage is a thrill I don't think I can find anywhere else.

However, last year I got married and for the first time ever I'm seriously considering the risks associated with what we do as bodybuilders. I've been using AAS for 5 yrs (cycling on and off) and even though I know I use small to moderate amounts even during a pre-contest cycle, for the first time ever I have to admit I'm scared.

Heart problems and cancer runs rampant through my family and even though I'm only 27 I have to think about my wife (and hopefully kids in the near future). I had a nightmare a few months back that I died young and for what???? Trophies that collect dust???? Because I wanted to be BIG and RIPPED????

So I guess I'm asking you guys: Do you ever get so scared that you just want to say "fuck it" and go the natural route (or TRT) the rest of your life??? Like I said I love bodybuilding but its something I do, its not who I am. Any questions or comments / advice would be appreciated. I love this board and respect everyone here.

Maldorf: thanks for sharing your experiences....your thread is one of the reasons I think I've woken up about the risks we take

 

[LBJK88981]

Hey guys! I have a question to all of you out there who compete and / or use AAS. Here's a quick background on me. "I started lifting weights for baseball at the age of 15. It was strictly for baseball, as I didn't even know what bodybuilding was. It was indeed love at first lift though (just from the adrenaline rush and muscle pumps)!

I excelled on the field and God blessed me with a college baseball scholarship. For 3 yrs at did well at the college level, and dreamed of a chance at playing professionally. I had workouts with many MLB teams and things seemed to really be falling into place. However, disaster struck with a shoulder injury, and after a few more unfortunate circumstances I was forced to give up the game I love. I grew extremely depressed and honestly thought I'd never reach that level of happiness and contentment again. I prayed God would show me another outlet, another hobby in which to better myself and more importantly glorify Him. Thankfully, I found bodybuilding. I truly fell in love with the sport my senior year of college back in 2005, and I haven't looked back. I competed and placed 3rd in my first show in June of 2006. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life".

Since then I've competed twice and have 2 more shows upcoming this year. I love this sport and the rush of being onstage is a thrill I don't think I can find anywhere else.

However, last year I got married and for the first time ever I'm seriously considering the risks associated with what we do as bodybuilders. I've been using AAS for 5 yrs (cycling on and off) and even though I know I use small to moderate amounts even during a pre-contest cycle, for the first time ever I have to admit I'm scared.

Heart problems and cancer runs rampant through my family and even though I'm only 27 I have to think about my wife (and hopefully kids in the near future). I had a nightmare a few months back that I died young and for what???? Trophies that collect dust???? Because I wanted to be BIG and RIPPED????

So I guess I'm asking you guys: Do you ever get so scared that you just want to say "fuck it" and go the natural route (or TRT) the rest of your life??? Like I said I love bodybuilding but its something I do, its not who I am. Any questions or comments / advice would be appreciated. I love this board and respect everyone here.

Maldorf: thanks for sharing your experiences....your thread is one of the reasons I think I've woken up about the risks we take

Hey Brother,

I totally understand where you are coming from and I'm really glad to hear that your priorities are set towards your wife and family. I think this is a concern that runs rampant among all responsible bodybuilders who "play the game" per-se (AAS use). I like to look at it qualitatively. What is more irresponsible in your opinion? Drinking 3 nights a week, eating poorly like a typical American, smoking occasionally and partaking in little to no exercise? Or having optimal, healthy nutrition, a great physical exercise program, healthy sleep patterns and carefully planned, researched, responsible use (not abuse) of AAS. I see the latter as far less destructive than the former individual - who I forgot to mention, also takes tylenol or NSAIDS on a consistent basis like much of America does.

This analogy isn't to say that there cannot be a happy medium in between - as in an individual who partakes in all of the same things as the formerly mentioned individual...except for the AAS. This would seemingly be "ideal." The reality of it is we do not live in an ideal world and we are not perfect. Anabolics can be used as safely as any other drug. The decision to do so is ultimately yours. If you keep a close eye on your health, and keep your AAS use to responsible means then I wouldn't worry. If simply using AAS compromises your relationship because it makes your wife unhappy or scared...then I would re-consider. I suppose I can only speak for myself. I guess I wouldn't want to be with someone who doesn't understand me for me, why I do what I do etc. But ultimately if I have an emotional commitment to someone, they are the number 1 priority. This is a tough topic. Hope my opinion was insightful.

-Alex

 

[BigIronMike25]

THANKS ALEX! I really appreciate your thoughts bud....The best part is my wife loves and respects what I do and she supports me in my bodybuilding goals (and she looks at AAS as simply part of the game)... Its good to know that others out there understand where I'm coming from....May God bless you and your family bud! take care

 

[Johnny Smiles]

Big IronMike

clean your pms bro!
all i will say is that your fears are legit. dying young for this sport is a reality. you know what the right thing to do is.
its just so hard to do.
good luck brother.
-JS

 

[LBJK88981]

THANKS ALEX! I really appreciate your thoughts bud....The best part is my wife loves and respects what I do and she supports me in my bodybuilding goals (and she looks at AAS as simply part of the game)... Its good to know that others out there understand where I'm coming from....May God bless you and your family bud! take care

Thanks for the kind words brother! I am glad to hear that your wife is supportive of your choices and lifestyle. Best wishes to you as well.

-Alex

 

[BigIronMike25]

clean your pms bro!
all i will say is that your fears are legit. dying young for this sport is a reality. you know what the right thing to do is.
its just so hard to do.
good luck brother.
-JS

PM box is clear now bro....thanks for the response....hit me with a pm if you want...thanks man

 

[richiec]

Hey guys! I have a question to all of you out there who compete and / or use AAS. Here's a quick background on me. "I started lifting weights for baseball at the age of 15. It was strictly for baseball, as I didn't even know what bodybuilding was. It was indeed love at first lift though (just from the adrenaline rush and muscle pumps)!

I excelled on the field and God blessed me with a college baseball scholarship. For 3 yrs at did well at the college level, and dreamed of a chance at playing professionally. I had workouts with many MLB teams and things seemed to really be falling into place. However, disaster struck with a shoulder injury, and after a few more unfortunate circumstances I was forced to give up the game I love. I grew extremely depressed and honestly thought I'd never reach that level of happiness and contentment again. I prayed God would show me another outlet, another hobby in which to better myself and more importantly glorify Him. Thankfully, I found bodybuilding. I truly fell in love with the sport my senior year of college back in 2005, and I haven't looked back. I competed and placed 3rd in my first show in June of 2006. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life".

Since then I've competed twice and have 2 more shows upcoming this year. I love this sport and the rush of being onstage is a thrill I don't think I can find anywhere else.

However, last year I got married and for the first time ever I'm seriously considering the risks associated with what we do as bodybuilders. I've been using AAS for 5 yrs (cycling on and off) and even though I know I use small to moderate amounts even during a pre-contest cycle, for the first time ever I have to admit I'm scared.

Heart problems and cancer runs rampant through my family and even though I'm only 27 I have to think about my wife (and hopefully kids in the near future). I had a nightmare a few months back that I died young and for what???? Trophies that collect dust???? Because I wanted to be BIG and RIPPED????

So I guess I'm asking you guys: Do you ever get so scared that you just want to say "fuck it" and go the natural route (or TRT) the rest of your life??? Like I said I love bodybuilding but its something I do, its not who I am. Any questions or comments / advice would be appreciated. I love this board and respect everyone here.

Maldorf: thanks for sharing your experiences....your thread is one of the reasons I think I've woken up about the risks we take

Mid Tenn State... my sister played softball there a few yrs ago.

Anyways, I am not a competitor, but I know how you feel with baseball. I was able to play professionally and my career was ended due to my stupidity. If you don't feel comfortable continuing doing what you're doing, stop. The Lord has blessed you tremendously with a wife. You seem to have your priorities straight, you know what you should do. Just remember this, Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

 

[BigIronMike25]

Mid Tenn State... my sister played softball there a few yrs ago.

Anyways, I am not a competitor, but I know how you feel with baseball. I was able to play professionally and my career was ended due to my stupidity. If you don't feel comfortable continuing doing what you're doing, stop. The Lord has blessed you tremendously with a wife. You seem to have your priorities straight, you know what you should do. Just remember this, Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Thanks Rich! I appreciate the kind words bro....and yes that is one of my favorite verses....God bless you man! Take care

 

[maldorf]

I am glad that you are considering the risks of what you do. Many guys your age do not, and its usually not until later down the road when health problems start up do we start to think about this reality.

You know what happened to me, youve seen the other problems on this site and on others and so you know the dangers are out there. The truth is that none of us know what is truly safe and what is not. Its all a big experiment that we run on ourselves. All we have to go on really is other's experiences and our own as we play with the hormones.

As Johnny Smiles said, you already know what the answer to your question is. You have to make the decision. Of course you know that you have to keep it sane if youre going to play the game, and that means staying away from certain compounds, staying on cycle for only a limited time, getting off and cleaning up, and keeping the doses sane. Even if you do all of those things and get your regular blood tests things can still go wrong.

To be 100% safe would be to just make sure you have a normal test level and if not then seek HRT. Anything that is going to be above normal physiological levels is going to cause your body systems some kind of strain. That is just common sense. Some people's bodies can handle it, some cannot. WIth your family history of heart disease I would think twice about what you do.

 

[BigIronMike25]

I am glad that you are considering the risks of what you do. Many guys your age do not, and its usually not until later down the road when health problems start up do we start to think about this reality.

You know what happened to me, youve seen the other problems on this site and on others and so you know the dangers are out there. The truth is that none of us know what is truly safe and what is not. Its all a big experiment that we run on ourselves. All we have to go on really is other's experiences and our own as we play with the hormones.

As Johnny Smiles said, you already know what the answer to your question is. You have to make the decision. Of course you know that you have to keep it sane if youre going to play the game, and that means staying away from certain compounds, staying on cycle for only a limited time, getting off and cleaning up, and keeping the doses sane. Even if you do all of those things and get your regular blood tests things can still go wrong.

To be 100% safe would be to just make sure you have a normal test level and if not then seek HRT. Anything that is going to be above normal physiological levels is going to cause your body systems some kind of strain. That is just common sense. Some people's bodies can handle it, some cannot. WIth your family history of heart disease I would think twice about what you do.

Thanks for the response bro...and thanks again for having the courage / guts / balls to post your personal experiences on here... Its strange how I hear stories of some people doing cycles for over 20 yrs and still have shown no ill effects, whereas I've seen others be responsible with their cycles and see health problems after only a few years....It just seems like a big roll of the dice...and truthfully (when I was all alone) I thought the risk was well worth it...but now that I'm married and about to start a family I have a much different view of AAS. I'll always love bodybuilding and hell I may even compete until im 60...but as far as the drugs go I'm scared as hell right now....Thanks for listening bro....Glad you are doing well, may God bless you and your family with many MANY healthy years!

 

[muscle_n_blood]

There is a price tag on everything, and I greatly respect those who consider the well being of others before blindly bombing on towards their own goals.
I have been very fortunate. I took my first dianabol tabs in the mid 70's, nothing until 1990 or so, but regularly since. I have experienced little in the way of sides. I have no one to answer to; my wife know exactly what I do (and takes the occasional anavar tab herself) supports me, and encourages me to watch my health as closely and completely as I can. My bio family have all passed away. I have no children. My stepson is in the Army, Knows I use, and he, too, just encourages me to keep an eye on my lab work and blood pressure.

I never encourage anyone to use AAS. I usually discourage them. If one chooses to use, I will always say educate yourself. Know the risk/reward possibilities before taking the plunge. And always, DON'T BE A CHEATER. If you compete within an organization that bans AAS, don't use them. If you use, compete in open competitions within a governing body that doesn't ban them.

 

[muscle_n_blood]

clean your pms bro!
all i will say is that your fears are legit. dying young for this sport is a reality. you know what the right thing to do is.
its just so hard to do.
good luck brother.
-JS

It is a reality but not a necessity. More bodybuilders die more from abuse of drugs like insulin and diuretics than AAS.

 

[Ivan]

wow

Hey Brother,

I totally understand where you are coming from and I'm really glad to hear that your priorities are set towards your wife and family. I think this is a concern that runs rampant among all responsible bodybuilders who "play the game" per-se (AAS use). I like to look at it qualitatively. What is more irresponsible in your opinion? Drinking 3 nights a week, eating poorly like a typical American, smoking occasionally and partaking in little to no exercise? Or having optimal, healthy nutrition, a great physical exercise program, healthy sleep patterns and carefully planned, researched, responsible use (not abuse) of AAS. I see the latter as far less destructive than the former individual - who I forgot to mention, also takes tylenol or NSAIDS on a consistent basis like much of America does.

This analogy isn't to say that there cannot be a happy medium in between - as in an individual who partakes in all of the same things as the formerly mentioned individual...except for the AAS. This would seemingly be "ideal." The reality of it is we do not live in an ideal world and we are not perfect. Anabolics can be used as safely as any other drug. The decision to do so is ultimately yours. If you keep a close eye on your health, and keep your AAS use to responsible means then I wouldn't worry. If simply using AAS compromises your relationship because it makes your wife unhappy or scared...then I would re-consider. I suppose I can only speak for myself. I guess I wouldn't want to be with someone who doesn't understand me for me, why I do what I do etc. But ultimately if I have an emotional commitment to someone, they are the number 1 priority. This is a tough topic. Hope my opinion was insightful.

-Alex

Welcome to the board man! GREAT post, I really enjoyed it and look forward to hearing more from you. I think this post and Maldorf's said it all. Muscle n blood cracked me up with the Anavar comment though

 

[muscle_n_blood]

Muscle n blood cracked me up with the Anavar comment though

It is amusing, but it's true and brings up a couple of important points. 1) It's good not to have to hide your stuff. If you need to hide what you are doing from the important people in your life, you probably shouldn't be doing it.
2) is why we use, anyway. My wife likes the extra strength and ability just like I do. She loves to lift; also snow skis and rock climbs.