Bill - Seemiller

Ok...this is just my opinion but: 1. There has been no documented evidence of a side effect of muscular declination. 2. I have been using Propecia for about 4 months now (I know, not that long), and haven't felt weaker at all, or look weaker. I am certain, that even if there was some kind of effect, that it would be so minimal, that no difference would be observed. But none of this is coming from any research, only my perspective. I work out on a regular basis and understand your concern. Bill

Hi Danger, I am hardly a veteran here, but I am a post op patient of 4 months now, so I'll see if I can answer your questions. Obviously you know about Sun, and of course, not to bump your head is a good thing, but I remember about 10 days post op I bumped my head relatively hard and was really upset and was told that there wouldn't be a problem, and now at 4 months, there is no problem. I can't imagine sleeping on it wrong would be a problem unless you sleep on the top of your head...I have yet to see that . I would NOT run your fingers through it yet, some may have different opinions on that, but I was really careful even up to 2 weeks (probably over protective), but my theory, it's better to be overprotective than underprotective after you just spent all that money. Other than that, you should be good. I also stayed away from tight fitting hats for about 3-4 weeks, although I definately wore looser hats on the second day. That's just my opinion. I would definately ask your doc for some other "post op" tips! Bill

Hi JacobS, This is going to sound really ignorant...but can you point me a direction or define what a NW 2 vs 3 is, etc. I feel ya man. The first 2.5 months were painful not seeing any growth, even experienced a little shock loss, etc. Do you have any pictures posted on here that I can look at? Would love to be kept up to date with your progress. Bill

Thanks JacobS. Yes, I use the mixodil. I used it for actually many years before the HT, but honestly, it didn't do me any good. I am only using it now for 2 reasons. 1. Combining it with Propecia I am hoping that it has better results 2. To hopefully speed up the growth process of the HT - which I know your doc recommends anyway. So, I'm doing what I can to see what happens. Did you have an HT Jacob? THanks for post and the compliments. Bill

Thanks Hair! That's reassuring and awesome to hear! I am happy with the growth this far, but I wouldn't be happy if this was the final result, because the hairs definately seem finer and thinner. Thanks for the reply man! How far along are you now? Bill

Thanks Reverse for the feedback! I like to keep people posted with my pics. I like to hear feedback from people as time goes on. I've love to hear more comments from anyone willing. Good luck with your upcoming HT Reverse. Bill

HairBeThere, Thanks man! I'm looking forward to the next several months to see how the growth is coming along! Thanks for the encouragement. In your opinion, how much more growth should I see? Should the white hairs darken and thicken also? I know I wouldn't have full coverage, but should this all thicken up a lot? Thanks man! I'm new at this! JacobS, I am using 2% minoxidil and Propecia. i've only been using Propecia for about 3.5 months or so. The 5% minoxodil makes my scalp itchy so I don't use it! Thanks for the question. Why do you ask?

Hi all! I posted (2) 4 month pics! Please let me know what you think of the progress. Should I be expecting a lot more growth a 4 months? Thanks to all in advance. Bill

Hi Arfy and Smoothy, Thanks for the responses. Smoothy, Well, if you have seen any posts about Dr. Katz, then you have seen more than I have. The only post I've seen about him was mine, and so far, I'm happy with the way things are turning out. At 3 months and 3 weeks, I still have a long way to go so I hear, so I'm thankful for that. If my growith stopped now, I would say that I am not satisfied because the thickness and length of the new grafts are not quite like my other hairs, etc. But I know there's a lot more to go, and for that, I am happy so far. If you have any specific memories of posts, I'd be happy to hear about them. Thanks. Arfy, Yes, I believe he did work for MHR for awhile, and has long moved on from there. As far as the reasons...I couldn't tell you, but due to the reputation of MHR I have heard on here, I would never go to one of those places. Thanks for the info. Bill

What the heck is a laser comb? Bill

natrlbuild, Where do you live? I have the same problem as you so I buy the 2% also, but never have a hard time finding it. In fact, you should buy the generic minoxidil 2% at CVS or some other pharmacy if you have them from where you are from. I live in PA in the US. I hope this helps. Bill

Ok, now a Rogain Question: I use 2% now because 5% makes my scalp itch relatively bad. I honestly don't think rogain works for me, but now that I am on propecia and have had an HT, I'm thinking that Rogain won't help as an extra step! I'd really like to start using 5% again, but 2 question: 1. Will 5% really do a much better job than 2%? 2. If yes, is there something I can do to combat itchiness on my scalp to start taking 5% again? Thanks, Bill

Ok, now a Rogain Question: I use 2% now because 5% makes my scalp itch relatively bad. I honestly don't think rogain works for me, but now that I am on propecia and have had an HT, I'm thinking that Rogain won't help as an extra step! I'd really like to start using 5% again, but 2 question: 1. Will 5% really do a much better job than 2%? 2. If yes, is there something I can do to combat itchiness on my scalp to start taking 5% again? Thanks, Bill

I started Propecia a little over 3 months ago now...and here's my question. I haven't noticed any side effects as of yet...what are the chances that side effects still may occur? Thanks! Bill

I started Propecia a little over 3 months ago now...and here's my question. I haven't noticed any side effects as of yet...what are the chances that side effects still may occur? Thanks! Bill

Hi Gavin, I'm relatiely new to Propecia, but I just passed the 3 month mark and so far have seen no side effects. Sex drive is still the same and going strong which is good and no other side effects that I'm aware of. I can sympathize with you though especially since I only just now started taking propecia when I really wish I started taking it when I was about 23 when I really started to notice the hairloss. I am now 28, 3 months and 3 weeks post op of an HT, using Propecia and 2% minox (just to try to speed up growth, etc). The hair is growing in nicely from the HT, but it's still too early to tell what will happen or how well it will turn out. My HT was an FUE also as I see that's what you are considering. I don't know...I'm not sure what to advice for you with Propecia....because honestly, if I felt that my sex drive was being severly effected, I'd have to judge whether or not I'd want to be a happily married sexually active bald man, or a miserable non-sexually active man with hair. Hmmmm....I think I'd rather be a happy bald man, BUT, I'd just go and get as many grafts placed in that area as possible. Well, enough of my ramblings! Bill

Hi Arfy, Good call. I may actually do that. THanks! Bill

Hiya Robert, Well, if Revivogen works for some, that's awesome. It just didn't work for me. I'd still be interested to hear from someoe on this board who has had a good experience with it. Yes, $30 a month isn't bad, but truthfully, spending an extra $20 a month gets me Propecia, which is now what I am using to see if that works. Maybe I'm just one of the lower percentiles where nothing but HT works. Oh well! Unlucky me I guess! Bill

Hi all, As of now, I think I am the only one who has posted on this board about Dr. Katz of Philadelphia and have actually had an HT done buy him. Has ANYONE else on this board had an HT done by him? I'd like to hear about your experience if so! I'll be happy to share mine...some detail of mine is under the photos section. I hope to hear from SOMEONE who has had an HT done by him. Bill

Hi all, As of now, I think I am the only one who has posted on this board about Dr. Katz of Philadelphia and have actually had an HT done buy him. Has ANYONE else on this board had an HT done by him? I'd like to hear about your experience if so! I'll be happy to share mine...some detail of mine is under the photos section. I hope to hear from SOMEONE who has had an HT done by him. Bill

Hi Arfy, Thanks for the comments in regards to my opinion post. Yes, what you say appears to be true amongst many "veterans" that 1600 is a small number of grafts based on today's standards. I seemingly agree based on the research, but I'll be honest: I did most of my research about that after I had the HT, however, I am still convinced that my HT will turn out well since the results are coming in, etc. What are Dr. Katz's reasons? I'm not particularly sure, but I do believe he has the best interest of his patience, which of course, I know you are not saying that. Your advice is good advice...do the research first, I agree. I'll be able to say for sure in about 4-6 months I am sure if I am completely satisfied or not, recognizing of course, that 1600 grafts will not give me a full completely thick head of hair, which is why I plan on going back for a second one. I will probably also check out Dr. Feller when i do a second one just to get more than one consultation, etc. If I like Dr. Katz work, and I don't need more than 1600 grafts for a second procedure, I will most likely go back to Dr. Katz. Good luck in your decision RMD. Bill

Hi RMD...I just saw this post so I thought I'd chime in. I went to see Dr. Theodore Katz on September 30th, 2004 and am now 3.5 months post op. At this point, I would surely recommend him for the following reasons: 1. He is very professional and cares about his patients (my perspective of course) 2. He is very honest and open about what he can and can't do for you, making you see what is realistic and possible, etc, which also means he won't do any work on you if he feels you are not a good "candidate" for a HT. 3. My scarline even at 3.5 months is virtually undetectable and unnoticeable even when my hair is shaved down to a 1 clip. 4. My hair seems to be growing in nicely from what I see from the 1600 grafts I received (800 in front and 800 in back). Feel free to look at my pictures in the photo section under Bill. I can't speak for Dr. Feller, but I do know he has a great reputation on the board, so I am certain he is also a good choice. As far as who to believe on the number of grafts, I'm not sure on that one...seeing pictures might help a little bit for even users on this board to be able to help direct you on how many you might need. The one thing that I don't like, although I understand the concept of it, is that Dr. Katz will only do max 1600 at a time, as some Docs are very conservative that way. You would have to ask him what his theory is on that again, but I know megasessions risk greater shock loss, etc. My opinion would be to have a couple consultations, one with Dr. Katz, and one with Dr. Feller, and perhaps a few other recommended Docs and see which one seems right for you. I feel that my opinion of Dr. Katz will be more accurate and forthcoming when I am at about 6 months and I'm really noticing the thickness of the growth etc. Like I said, I am enjoying seeing my new hair come in, but it's not fully grown in or thick yet, so I can't determine whether or not I am fully satisfield. But for this point in the game, I am as satisfied as a waiting man can be for his HT to fully grow in. I started noticing growth coming in at about 2.5 months which seems to be a bit early as everyone is different, but that was very exciting. Unfortunately, Dr. Katz seems to be not very well known on this forum. In fact, I believe I am the only one who has ever posted on this board that's actually had an HT from him...no wait, I think I recall one other who posted positively. There have been a few skeptics and downplayers with opinions of Dr. Katz for whatever reason, I don't know whether they are founded or not, but I do know that anyone who posted negatively did not have an HT with Him. So to me, their opinion was unfounded. Nonetheless, I hope my rambling of a post has helped a bit. Hope this helps, and I hope to hear from you soon! Bill

Thanks for your research and time Robert. I have a problem with company's making broad claims that could be false. It seems like more of a marketing tool than actual research and proof! So far I think I'm the only one to post here that I have used Revivogen...and if it is suppose to work for 88%, then darn, I'm one of the 12 lowly percent that it didn't work for! In one years time, I lost significant amounts of hair, and I did use both minoxodil and revivogen faithfully as directed. Sorry for the disappointment...maybe you'll be different...however...I do like their shampoo, not because it stopped hairloss, but using it made my head and hair feel great! Bill

Hairbank, I'm excited for you about the upcoming surgery man! Keep us posted! It's good to see someone else with the same hairloss pattern as me! Hopefully my pics will give you some encouragement as the time goes on. Since I am only 3.5 months post op, I don't have a lot of thickness or length yet, but I am hoping to see a big change by 6 months. Bill

Hi all! I can't tell you about other docs because I haven't had surgeries with others, but I had an HT on September 30th, with Dr. Katz of Philly, PA. I attached a picture of my donor scar at 3 months. Personally, I am impressed with it as it is virtually undetectable (other than a bit of redness yet to disappear). This is a picture after I got my hair cut with a one clip, even at the scar. Bill