laughter's medicine

A quality conditioner would be key if and when you decide to use Nizoral, especially back to back. I have done this on occasion when my scalp tends to be oilier, but I try and use a little extra conditioner to ensure my scalp and hair don't become dry. Be careful not to use too much conditioner thought because your hair will become very lifeless and flat!

I appreciate all the replies and shared experiences. I especially like the fact no two are really identical, but do share some similarities.

Here is a partial copy of one of my posts; Nizoral shampoo; 1% can be bought at Wal-mart and the 2% can be bought on line, both are proven as an anti-inflammatory and help remove DHT from the scalp and has the possibility of providing some minor re-growth. I personally use both and buy the 2% from Dr. lee's website. Nioxin shampoo and conditioner is another fine shampoo, they do have various other topicals but I personally didn't find they helped much.

Very nice info with the copy and paste to help the uniformed. Hopefully this will clear up so marketing ploys an ad's to the "Newbies", sort to speak.

I did edit my answer some, boy you were fast on the response. Cool!

Doesn't the skill level of the surgeon, whether the patient is currently taking Propecia as well as how much hair exists in the recipient area have a great deal to do with it the possibility of loss? According to my conversation with Dr. Shapiro, I can't quote the exact details of our conversation, but here is the gist of it; only hair in the very near and general area of the recipient and donor are susceptible and have the possibility of "Shock". Also it is something like 20 % of patients might lose as much as of 20%, the majority not making much of a cosmetic difference because of the quality of hair, I.E. very thin and on the way out any way. He also added that it would depend upon how much hair already exsisted in these areas, recipient in particular and that he had not had a case of severe loss in a patient resulting in big steps backwards instead of forwards. On top of that our conversation included that the less hair in the recipient the less likely any hair would be lost, if any at all. Again I can't quote, but this is generally the content, any one else?

Reduce levels, some will say "Yes" and some "No". This usually reminds me of the question; which came first, the chicken or the egg? I don't believe there are any solid clinical studies that support the use of saw palmetto for hair loss. It is used and marketed in some commercially sold "hair loss" products. I did take it at one time but opted for the proven pill, Propecia.

You only received a six month prescription? The maker of Propecia (Merek) as well as most doctors recommend at least a year of use to see results, so I thought? First off, I would personally buy a supply to last me through the transition between suppliers, or start taking what I have left every other day to make it last. Secondly I would make sure the supplier was a trust worthy source with a quality product that could be delivered on time, discreetly. Why are you having difficulty renewing your prescription? A lot of doctors, including mine (dermatologist) just require a phone call from me requesting the renewal and then they call the pharmacy, of my choice, with the OK for another year's worth. I'm not a doctor and could only make a guess (I have missed a dose for a day or two but never by a week or better); I don't think it would cause a great problem but everyone responds differently and any thing is possible. Again I'm not a doctor and this is only a guess and my opinion.

From what I've read on the net it does seem to and can have a great deal to do with loss. As far as regrowth, I've read yes and no. Your doctor should be able to give better insight to this, providing they have dealt with similar situations. I was tested to ensure this wasn't a problem with me because it has been diagnosed in a few of my family members.

Question; after you've had a HT do you have to inform your insurance agencies, regular doctor, applications in regards to insurance through work and future physicians? Does having a HT affect your premiums, etc. for insurance?

Question; after you've had a HT do you have to inform your insurance agencies, regular doctor, applications in regards to insurance through work and future physicians? Does having a HT affect your premiums, etc. for insurance?

I actually started a thread a little farther down this forum with my thoughts on the subject.

I defiantly don't think I would use the term useless; it's just not as effective at regrowth like it is at the middle and crown (look at Merek's clinical studies). Even if it slows the loss dramatically, stabilizes or stops (even without regrowth) its progress in the right direction. Again, I believe it all depends on the person, history, etc.

Did you experience much hair loss due to the surgery?

Clinical studies have shown that 1% has generally the same effects as the 2%; I found this information on the Internet. I personally use and like both and feel they work great. When my scalp is little dry and itchy due to the alcohol in the SPIRONOLACTONE (buy this at DR. Lee's sight - use this nightly all over my scalp) and a little dry as well from the 2% I use (contains 3% salicylic acid - suppose to help with the penetration of the Ketoconazole and help to exfoliate the scalp as well as treats dandruff ??“ also purchased at DR. lee's sight) the 1% still seems to do the job without over drying and or irritating my scalp. I also found the 1% from Wal-Mart leaves my hair a little softer. I do use the Nioxin shampoo every other day and the conditioner daily. When you buy it from Dr. lee's sight you don't need a prescription but are required to go through some forms and an on line consultation, which if memory serves correctly was $20. You can buy the regular 2% on line from just about any Canadian pharmacy without a prescription, all these shampoo's run in the $12 ??“14 dollar range. Hope this helped.

I'm not a fan or a user of Minoxidil but have read extensively about it on Internet (contemplated using at one time and felt it wasn't for me) and forums. What I've researched I would probably say Minoxidil and Propecia could defiantly cause an increase in loss (not a fan of the word "SHED" either, makes me feel like I'm referring to an animal of some sort ??“ no offense intended) on top especially if you've had a HT as well. I've read incidents where the person said when they rubbed it on it was like rubbing about their hair away, but I've also read where they were immediate responders and had regrowth and positive results quickly. When I started Propecia I do recall what appeared to be an increase in loss but it didn't last long, been a while so it's hard to recall. I know that many people and some doctors recommend starting these treatments before ever considering a HT (great recommendation) and especially if a person will have one to help strengthen what hair is there. So without ever experiencing some of the things you've tried, but have done a ton of research, timing is probably a big factor. This is just my opinion; keep in mind everyone responds differently to medications, etc. Either way I will pray for nothing but positives on your journey and know that you're not alone.

Just out of curiosity, I was wondering how people who looked into a Ht handled it when telling their significant other about the idea of getting a HT. I've never had a real problem talking to my wife about anything but was very nervous and awkward when I initially talked to her about it. My wife's initial reaction to the idea was it was extreme (which it is), but has been really supportive especially since she visited the Shapiro group with me. We made the day of it, took the day off from work, had lunch and did the "BIG" mall of America tour. Our perspective others are really the unsung heroes as far as support goes. The only other person I confided in was my mom, who by the way has been very supportive and understanding as well. I've been blessed with three great women; a loving wife, daughter and MOM.

Just out of curiosity, I was wondering how people who looked into a Ht handled it when telling their significant other about the idea of getting a HT. I've never had a real problem talking to my wife about anything but was very nervous and awkward when I initially talked to her about it. My wife's initial reaction to the idea was it was extreme (which it is), but has been really supportive especially since she visited the Shapiro group with me. We made the day of it, took the day off from work, had lunch and did the "BIG" mall of America tour. Our perspective others are really the unsung heroes as far as support goes. The only other person I confided in was my mom, who by the way has been very supportive and understanding as well. I've been blessed with three great women; a loving wife, daughter and MOM.

Are you losing in the transplanted area(s)? Did you recently start Rogaine? Have you taken and compared pictures? Just curious.

B Spot; just curious, did your dad take any precautions such as Propecia, Rogaine or any other approach to try and control his hair loss?

It's proven that regardless of a HT or not people will find hair on their pillow and when washing their hair or for that fact if you sit in one place long enough will probably find a stray hair that was lost. With a procedure and or some hair loss history I think a person tends to pay more attention to something that's natural and just never took notice of before. Losing a certain number of hairs in any given day is completely normal and to be expected. I remember even when I was younger I would find hair on my pillow; see it on my hands when washing my hair, have it on my brush/comb, etc. Now if someone were seeing literally a handful regardless of a HT, then it would be something to worry about. This is just my opinion.

I've read a lot on the net and was told by the doctor that unless women/children take or touch a broken pill there shouldn't be a problem with safety. As far as getting your wife pregnant I've been on Propecia for just over three years and in that time had a beautiful healthy baby girl, she is just over one year old, and I mean absolutely beautiful! Oh course I might be a touch bias.

WOW looks good! I sent you a PM to see if you could help me with a couple of questions in regards to a procedure, any help would be great, thanks!

I don't think you should let others bother you, I know it's not easy but you shouldn't. Young as well as older people can be very mean and most of the time it's to take the focus off themselves and their inadequacies. People can only make you a victim if you let them. Be strong even when they are being mean and don't let them know it bothers you. I personally don't think a person should consider altering their body to please someone else and meet their perceived expectations of beauty. At such a young age and in a situation similar to yours, no real hair loss, try and focus on making yourself a stronger more confident individual from the inside which will prepare you better for the world beyond high school bullies. By no means am I trying to make light of your feelings and concerns, which are valid, but in fact am trying to get you to focus on making you see the positive's that I'm sure surround you in one way or another. Wear your hair the way you want regardless of what others say! Hope this helps out!

I copied and pasted this off the net; Hair Loss Remedy: Nizoral (Ketoconazole) Shampoo Drug Type Antiandrogen, Imidazole Antimycotic Antifungal Availability OTC in 1% formula, Prescription 2% formula (OTC in most other countries) Notes This is an antifungal shampoo primarily for the treatment of seborrhatic dermatitis. The active ingredient Ketoconazole has some antiandrogenic effects, but it is unknown whether the amount in the shampoo is absorbed. If it helps with hair loss it may work in a way other than as an antiandrogen. It is definitely a good shampoo for making hair look thicker. Claimed Results None. Observed Results Some prevention of loss, possible mild regrowth. Clinical Results Similar to topical Minoxidil/Rogaine. Testing Well tested (FDA approved). Safety/Side Effects Possible mild irritation. Gender Either.