A couple of days ago I had a batch of EPO delivered because of an illness described elsewhere on this forum.
Today I get to have my first injection of Aranesp (darbepoetin). I have never taken anything like this before, but I have a certain fascination with the potential benefits.
A couple of years ago I read an
article on a guy who took EPO (et al) as part of his prep for PBP. To suggest that there are no benefits is to deny the evidence, but I have always been wary of Lance Armstrong's doctor (Ferrari) comparing EPO to
orange juice. Now I get to take it legitimately.
I am curious on how to empirically measure the benefits on me. Maybe it is too late to set a baseline but suggestions on a mini scientific study would be welcome. For reference, my fitness is very low. I have not ridden for about 8 months, and a 3km walk is a major undertaking at the moment.
My physician said that there should be short term placebo benefits followed by longer term physical ones.