SorleyBoy

Just to thank the veterans, et al, from this community who provided such valuable information prior to a 2,500+ graft procedure with Dr Keene on 27th July, 2005 in Tucson. I'll be putting an album together in the fullness of time to illustrate H/T growth progress. Most people should be aware of the excellent reputation that Dr Keene has cultivated over the years but I'd be willing to answer on this forum, any questions (based on my recent experience) - particularly from folks in the U.K., who are contemplating a procedure with Dr Keene of the SMG Regards, thanks, and good luck to you all . . . Sorleyboy

Bee I. . . . As you previously asked (if you are still there!), I have further information w.r.t. my procedure with Dr Keene. I've scheduled a 2,500 graft session at her SMG Tucson, Arizona clinic. I had a very narrow window of opportunity for this because of study commitments and by early May I'd only just succeeded in making arrangements for 27th July . . . so, at least 3 months notice is preferrable. Bee, if you are based in the UK, most scheduled flights to the USA are quite expensive now. I'd suggest that if you make the choice of Shapiro Medical Group then Tucson is less costly (although further) to get to than Minneapolis IF you make use of an inexpensive charter flight to Las Vegas and then get a $140 (USD) return flight (Las Vegas/Tucson) using South-West Airlines. Charter works out at about half the scheduled fare . . . (~??500 v. ~??1000 GBP from Manchester) - unless of course you can wangle something from the London area. If you are still interested I can get you further details (maybe best if you give me your e-mail address?) - but I'll probably be posting my experiences on the forum anyway - particularly for those in the UK. Regards, SorleyBoy

Bee I'll second Neil's opinions w.r.t. living with the results of your decisions. I too live in the UK and after many months of research on this site (which I think you should consider), I have come to the same conclusion - that the USA's specialists recommended on this site -generally offer the greater level of surgical competency and technical expertise . . . especially important if you want to minimise scarring. The favourable USD-GBP exchange rate should be factored into the procedure and the travel costs. I really don't think you should compromise anything because of travel time. I have an 'interview' with the Shapiro Clinic on 11th April to establish suitability for a procedure with Dr Keene in July. I'll keep you posted if all goes well. Regards, Sorleyboy

Jimmy, I have been through what you are experiencing now. I can't recommend enough the advice that other members have given you so far. If you are losing hair at a rate of knots then wait until it is virtually fully developed before thinking H/T. I'm 54 and used my dad as the yardstick as to how far my hairloss would progress. Everything seems to have stabilised now and we both have the same recession pattern and hair density. I feel as though I could safely consider a procedure without any concern that I will end up with peripheral areas that continue to thin or that any selected donor area ends up being a genetically pre-programmed time-bomb - that also falls out! Stick with this site and I'm sure everyone will get you through your travail - so that you achieve realistic and well thought out ideals. Best regards and good luck . . . SorleyBoy

Procede? . . . And if half of western male adults show signs of hair thinning (but let's say only 25% are bothered about it) that should give you about 10 -15 million US citizens as potential customers. If only 1% are desperate enough to 'try anything' (what is there left to lose!) then I estimate that Procede could generate a turnover (pre tax and business costs) of about 20 million dollars per quarter . . . (Is my maths right? - that sounds obscene!!) Ask yourself 'IF it is just snake oil - and with revenues like that - would they be even remotely concerned IF it was utterly useless?' I think we are all in the wrong business. Regards, SorleyBoy

Kez I was just proposing that, should I become knowledgeable and experienced in 'the way of the follicle', I could help folks in the UK (who may feel more comfortable talking to a guy from Blighty?) to synthesise the daunting mass of info. that we have had to wade through over the months to become 'Grand Wiz'eads of the Follicle' There are some fundamental differences for us in the UK, I'm sure you'll agree - Consultations and travel to name but two (unless of course one has decided on a procedure in the UK!) and then . . . of all of the forum members that have ever contributed over the years, how many still log in and would be available to help on a more personal level? -only Robert would know! I'm merely interested in seeing the mentor system continue - but with a certain comfort factor for newbies over here who might relate to Brighton or Manchester rather than Sioux City or Wounded Head. Peace . . . and best regards, Sorleyboy

Just curious to know if there are any 'mentors' still out there. I was really trying to get some support and interest going in the UK later this year and wanted some guidelines with regard to the level of advice that might be appropriate at a 'councelling' level. However, several mails to various existing 'mentors' has not yielded a single reply. Does the Forum review the actual group membership that offer this service? Regards, Sorleyboy

Emerald . . . I'd like to second that observation. T. Galloway posted on 31st Dec 2004. to the effect that some years down the line he is now experiencing a loss of transplanted hair . . . but I think we still need more info on TG's case to make a measured decision. I do hope that more '5 year' H/T patients come forward. Sorleyboy

'T' . . . Bit of a bombshell for some visitors to this site, I'll wager! - and one which is bound to set the alarm bells ringing? Would you say that the hair shafts have disappeared or just 'atrophised' or become more slender? What would you say your H/T density was post-op compared with what you feel you have now? . . . and I guess you have had no serious illness over the last few years? Regards, Sorleyboy

Dear HRRF I am planning on coming across from the UK to USA for H/T in mid July. My partner would like to have corrective surgery to her eyes while I am 'under the knife'. Any ideas which clinic or Group in the USA might provide a good laser procedure (preferrably in the Minnesota region - but not essential?) Regards, Sorleyboy