hunter56

I am 10 days post op. Around day 6 developed what seemed to begin as a pimple/raised graft then over the next few days develped into more of a cyst. Jumped on it fairly quickly, had it lanced/cleaned today (looks lovely right now) and the doc did the same with two other smaller spots. His analysis was that I should expect more as he could see them forming which was not great news. He put me on the antibiotic cephalexin which I have begun to take and the ointment Mupirocin which I have applied to the affected spots. Also going to shower more often (likley 2X per day to keep everything as clean as possible) Fingers crossed it will settle quickly and no long term implications. I was pretty well prepared for most post op issues, but was not expecting this one. Never had acne issues before and had very little complicatons the last few times through. But it has been 15yrs since last procedure so I am sure my physiology has changed a fair amount. My question is really for those who have been through this. If this ultimatley effected their final result. And if so, in what way. Thx H56

I decided to transition off of Avodart. I just never felt right once I started taking the drug. Physically felt tired most to of the time and mentally I was not as sharp. I think I shed more while on it, but given I was only on it for 2 months, not sure how that would have panned out. Also, I was always concerned about how this was going to effect me long term, so never felt comfortable on the drug. At 38, I am looking for something I can use for a long period of time. This was my second run with Avodart, and I am done with it. I am glad I gave it a shot, because I would have always been curious about it. But I am going to look for a longer term, healthier solution. Hunter

Dr. Feller, Is the best way for one to determine if they are an appropriate candidate for this procedure to contact your LI office directly. I just sent a message through the contact us form. Hunter

Leeson, Thanks man. Obvioulsy I'm obsessing a bit right now having made the transition from being on fin so long. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Hope your procedure is coming along well. I have HW and one other doc on my short list. Just need to find a window for a few months of post-op downtime. Hunter

Leeson, Did you go through any type of tough phase when you initially went on Avodart. I am gearing up for a procedure at some point over the next 2-3 yrs. Had a few back in the early 90s but none since '94. My experience thusfar on Avodart has been interesting. Sides are not much to speak of, but I do feel I am shedding more. About 20-25 hrs in the towel each morning and hair does not feel like it is looking as good as prior to Avodart. I am wondering if this just the intitial shed phase people talk about with Avodart and that at the 6 month mark I will be happy to have stuck through it an not reverted back to propecia. Curious if you or anone else experienced something similar when you made the transition.

Leeson, I noticed you had your most recent work with Hasson. What did he have to say about your Avodart usage? I used to notice a lot of guys coming away from Hasson and making the shift to Avodart. Not as much recently and I am curious if they have a strong opinion on Avodart vs Propecia. I noticed on Jotronics blog that he recently shifted back to propecia because he was not getting any real improved results from Avodart and was concerned about the sides. But he was a NW 6 before he had is work done and I, like yourself I believe, am more of a NW 3/4. Just curious if HW gave you any input on this.

DDO3- I think if you feel more comfortable with the fin, you should stick with it. But I am curious with the "non-responder/irreversable shedding". Was that something that Dr. Feller discussed with you or something you discovered through your own research. Hunter

Assuming the side effects/health questions were not an issue and focusing on pure results and the ability to maintain/potentially grow hair. Would you choose Avodart or Propecia ?

Mike, I received my prescription from medical wellness. I believe it cost me 75$ for the initial prescription, but I was able to use my insurance and the 30 day supply only cost 50$. I now have 11 refills I can get from my local pharmacy so pretty much all set for the first year. Overall it was an easy process and convenient. As far as updates, I will say the tiredness, and "hangover" feeling I was having for the first few weeks seems to have tapered off and overall I am feeling pretty good. I have done a couple lifting workouts and felt fine. Have not done much cardio, but will probably get in a run or two over the next few days so will see how that goes. I think I am shedding a bit more than when I was on propecia. Not a tremendous difference, but I feel like I am seeing more in my towel, etc during my morning prep which is really the only thing I use as a guage. I need to take some pictures over the next few days to get a true baseline I can judge against. Hunter

I am taking .5 everyday. I don't find the HT docs want to give a strong opinion on Avodart vs Propecia. I think they want you to be on something, but will not cast a strong opinion either way.

Thanks Mop. Can I ask, did you experience any noticable initial sheds when you made the transition from propecia to Avodart. And are you taking Avodart everyday?

I'm one month in on the Avodart. Technically three weeks as I had to refresh my supply but was out of town. The folks at medical wellness, who have been very responsive overall with any questions, told me not to worry about missing the week given the long half life. Not much to report as yet. A bit more sluggish than when I was on propecia (never noticed any sides there). I have felt the pull a few times to just go back on the propecia I was on for 12 yrs, but trying to stick with the Avodart for a year unless there are any major issues or sides.

Leeson, Do you mind if I ask how old you are? Do you take anything along with the Avodart? Glen

Sounds good guys. I will do my best to update my progress here also. I am about 1 month in at this point. I am going to ad 1% Nizoral shampoo- 3 X per week into the mix and I am taking some Biotin each day. Not sure that will do much, but have heard some claim it promotes healthy hair/skin. The sides I have felt so far are a bit of fatigue some level of fogginess. I have been taking the Avodart at night because when I flirted with it about a year ago I remember the sides being most prevelant while I was at work as I was taking it in the AM. Thusfar, I think taking it in the evening is working out better for me. Ideally, I am just looking for a simple regiment to follow through my 40's as I had in my 30's. I am going to try to stick with the Avodart for a full year, unless the sides or any adverse results force me to switch back to fin.

I have just made the transition to Avodart after about 12 yrs on Propecia. 39yrs old. I think Propecia was effective, but seemed to be waning over the past few years and especially the past few months. Decided to give Avodart 1yr to see if that makes a difference. I will document my results here as best I can. 1 month in I feel I am shedding (Seeing about 20-30 hairs each morning-outside of looking in the mirror, that's my best way to guage). But I was also shedding over the past few months on Propecia (hence the shift). Does seem to have kicked up a notch. My plan is to try to give Avodart a full year barring any major sides or adverse reactions. Never had sides with Fin and feel it has been a safe drug for me. I was wondering if there are any other Avodart users in my age range and am especially interested in anyone who has been on it for an extended period, experienced sheds, etc. Thanks in advance for your input.