Last time I was tested for my testosterone levels, I’d done my Testavan pump before going to the gym and then had come straight to the nurse for the blood test.

This time, I got up at 7, showered right away and then applied my Testavan to one shoulder only. Normally, even though I am only taking one pump, I apply it to both shoulders.

The endocrinologist had suggested that I have my blood test on the opposite arm to the one I applied the gel to. They also suggested that I leave it much longer between applying the gel and the blood test; perhaps as long as six hours!

The appointment was at 11:50am, which is about five-and-a-half hours after I’d applied the gel.

I wonder whether that will make any difference?

The blood test nurse (that’s what a phlebotomist is) called me into her room and asked me for the forms from the endocrinologist. I didn’t have a form because I’d had a phone call with endo rather than a face-to-face appointment.

So, she started rummaging through computer records trying to find the referral.

“What’s the test for?” She asked.

“Hypogonadism,” I said, “I don’t have any testicles.”

“Oh right,” she said, she continued searching as though I’d told her that it was raining outside.

I could see that she was a little distracted as she struggled to put a pair of surgical gloves over the pair she was already wearing. I asked if she was having a bad day.

She then told me that her daughter was in hospital and she was worried about her.

When it came to drawing blood, it seemed that all her distraction disappeared: she was laser focused and had drawn two vials before I knew what was happening. I was aware of the “sharp scratch” as the needle went in (I don’t like watching: it seems to hurt more if I see it go in).

Nobody mentioned the regular blood tests before I had me knackers cut off … not that would have changed anything, but if you do struggle with needles:

Just a heads up: there’s a lot of blood tests when you don’t produce your own testosterone.