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kman

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Everything posted by kman

  1. Wow, John. That was a long post. I can't believe I read most of it. I agree that the industry could benefit from some "oversight", whether it be forums vetting docs or the government examining the practice, etc. My preference is for patient based sites like this to weed out the unethical docs. Politicians getting involved usually make matters worse for "everyone"...and in the end nothing really changes. At least with this site I can, and did, get trustworth referrals of very ethical docs who do topnotch work. I won't get that from the government no matter what the field. Can anyone say "subprime"?. In fact, I had surgery on my knee and while I was under anesthesia the surgeon discovers they don't have the proper pins and had to use a different size pin?! Surprisingly, the repair didn't hold and I was back in for round 2, which was how I found out about the wrong sized pins. This time they sutured the cartilage but anchored the suture outside. Within a month I discovered some necrosis and my knee really hurt. I went back and the emergency doc panicked, thinking I had infection in the joint and scheduled me for immediate surgery to remove the entire cartilage, which another surgeon did. Turns out it was only inflammation, not infection as nothing grew in the culture dish, and now I have no cartilage and a future of possible arthritus. The surgical field is probably well regulated, but shit happens sometimes. I suppose I could sue but I want to focus positively on the future and not wear a "woe is me" face for the lawyers for the next 3 years. Besides, it was not intentional. They had my best interests at heart. As for someones comment that it's hard to do research when you have a toothache...we're they really serious? C'mon, a toothache by it's very name infers "pain". A HT does not involve pain that must be remedied immediately thus making research impractical. It's like saying "ouch, i really need to find someone to give me a facelift...NOW! I feel for you John, and I wish you all the best in your struggle. I know you are just trying to help people not make a mistake...and that's an admirable goal. Don't let it consume you though. Kman
  2. I'm also noticing some slight thinning with my own HT at 8+ months. I'm wondering if it isn't a bit of an "optical illusion", as balody suggests. We see lots of new growth that overwhelms anything else going on with our hair, like normal cyclical shedding. Once the rapid new growth eases off, we now notice the shedding that may typically occur when the hair goes through it's normal growth/loss phases? Yes, additional thinning behind the hairline could also have an influence on the density of your hairline, or illusion thereof, if it is significant or close to the hairline or under harsh lighting, but you likely know this already. As far as when to do round 2, I don't care for the down time so I personally don't think I would go back for anything less than 2000-2500 grafts. I guess it depends on how well you can hide the hairloss. At a minimum I would wait til i reached the 18 month mark. Given that you still have "maturation" of the hair to go through, I think you will see improvement of your hairline over the next several months and no longer notice the "thinning" you notice now. Kman
  3. I agree with you, Longpig. It's an uphill battle but hopefully someday soon the stigma of HT's will fade into the past. Media personalities and "talking heads" are mostly shallow twerps themselves, so don't be too concerned about their comments...although they do keep the stigma alive with their inane attempts at humor. The more people who get HT's done and the more information provided on sites like these, hopefully things will slowly change for the better. As for your comparing boob jobs with HT's, peoples hair is literally "in your face" when you talk to them so it is far more noticeable and comment worthy. Apparently, it's impolite to stare at women's boobs when you talk to them...or so my wife tells me! It's like a catch 22, they want you to notice their boobs...but you cant discuss it?? Bitches be crazy! Hang in there, LP Kman
  4. I had the same dryness problem and I found it was from shampooing twice a day. Even though Johnson & Johnson is mild you can still experience dryness(just from water, even), especially after a few weeks of 2x/day shampoo routine. I put some aloe vera on my scalp and occasionally put vitamin e on the scalp in the 3rd and 4th week if things got too dry on top. I also had dryness and flaking on my face around my ears and forehead and as a result had to start using a moisturizer for my face to help with the dryness. Once I went to 1x/day shampooing the dryness went away for me. You will probably find things clear up by the end of the first month when you stop shampooing several times each day.
  5. Proscar comes in 5mg tablets and that dosage is usually presribed for patients with prostate problems. I would buy a pill splitter and cut the 5mg tablet into 4 equal pieces so you dosage will be roughly 1.25 mg. You can take this daily or you could try it every other day or Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I understand that this can be just as effective as daily dosage, plus it lasts longer. Good luck.
  6. I also had redness that lasted past 3+ months and it may have lasted longer, i just don't notice it as much now that my hair has grown out and covered the area. I did use witch hazel during the early months as someone on here said it would help reduce the redness. I do think it helped a bit. I wouldn't worry about it as it sounds like things are now getting better. Some people are lucky and the redness goes quickly and some aren't so lucky and have to wait longer. Glad to hear things are starting to sprout! It's an exciting time for you.
  7. Truthseeker said Dr. Vogel's estimate was conservative and if he could get more grafts, he would. After looking at some of Dr. Vogel's work I would say you are in great hands. Maybe he's pricey, but I just saw one of his repair jobs and you can't put a price on that. It was amazing! All the best, Truthseeker. And stop being such a dick, vincehair! Kman
  8. Looks great, Eman. That's alot of grafts! With your hair color and skin tone I think you will have a better result than most of your(how should i say this) pastier brethren. I'm really happy for you. Keep us posted and remember, these next several months will be over before you know it...and then, watch out! Kman
  9. Dr. Feller, After reading your post I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have a laser comb. However, I have not given up on it. Currently I am conducting studies on it's effectiveness when combined with the properties of a QRay bracelet. Stay tuned. I might be on to something here. Seriously, I did think it worked for the first 6 months but really I just wanted to believe it worked, I think. Eventually I stopped using it as I had to admit that I saw no change. Is it possible though that heat has some minimal benefit to scalp health, and thus hair health? Also, let's not discount the "placebo effect" here. That's my argument to my wife when she asks why I still wear my Qray. Of course, none of the above requires an $800.00 laser. I appreciate you taking the time to explain your reasoning. Makes great sense. Tks. Kman
  10. I think it might be the other way There have been studies indicating that fin can slightly reduce sperm motility and volume, but not enough to affect impregnation, from what i understand. On the other hand, I've never heard of ejaculation or any other bodily function affecting fin levels in your body. I could be wrong.
  11. Hi Eman, It's a big step and truly can be life altering, but you've made a great choice with Rahal and soon enough you will see the positive results of your actions. By next spring you will look like a different man, the one you remember from your past. Although you're never too old for a HT, I'm excited for the guys who do this when they are young as they get to enjoy the fruits of their bold decision in the prime of their life. All the best and looking forward to seeing your blog. Kman - older and further down the alphabet too!
  12. I know it's been discussed before but I can't remember the consensus. I would prefer to take 1mg propecia tablet every other day. I have been taking it every day for approx 18 months now. The main reason for EOD being concern over sides(psychological or not) and the fact that I don't like taking any drug unless absolutely necessary. I will continue with 5% minox 2xday. Does anyone know if the drug still has a benefit if taken eod and what the percentage of effect might be? Thanks.
  13. I've been doing some reading on the subject of propecia for other concerns not related to pregnancy/conception issues. What I read seemed to indicate to me that there is no ralistically measurable risk to the fetus from your sperm while taking propecia, as long as your wife does not handle or ingest the drug herself. She should not handle it at all, just to be safe. Just like your wife shouldn't change a litter box while pregnant...or did my wife play me with that one? As far as trying to conceive, what I read quoted studies showing somewhat reduced motility of sperm(20%) and slightly reduced volume of sperm in the ejaculate. That was not shown to inhibit pregnancy but you could see how some people might think you're possibly hurting your chances. Not the case, apparently. If you are having problems getting pregnant I would talk to your doctor but otherwise, if you follow the script, i would say you and baby are safe.
  14. I believe her number is 1 900... No offence nurse Neena. Wow, I could kick myself for missing such a great party. Pat, Bill, how come you guys didn't tell me about the girls? JK. If I went to your party I might not have met my Russian princess. Yeah, I know, I'm married. Nothing happened, but a guy can still talk to a good looking girl, right? Guys? Anyways, you guys sure know how to throw a party.
  15. Well, I just returned from my annual trip to Montreal where I saw friends who hadn't seen me since last year. We always have fun as a group but this year I was wondering if anyone would razz me on my hair. First off, i had a buzzcut, which I don't normally sport, plus there was no thinning like before my HT in March. I did get some razzing on the short hair and some joked if I was taking propecia but no one went beyond that. I really think HT's today are so undetectable that most people wouldn't assume you had one, even if you have more hair the next time they see you. Still, with all the goodnatured ribbing that went on, I was glad I decided to keep my HT a secret. Hope you guys that went to the party in Mtl had fun! Wish I could have made it.
  16. buccap, I think you are just seeing some shockloss so don't stress too much. It will continue for a few more weeks likely. Even when the newly planted hairs start coming in you will likely see uneven growth initially. Not to worry tho as things will fill in more evenly as the HT matures. As far as the scabs go, you should follow up on badger's advice to review Bill's instructions. They're pretty detailed and should answer most of your questions. Btw, I also had some shedding on my first month and the hairs would be attached to some skin(fatty substance) but this was not a graft. I had a graft come off around day 3 or 4 and it hurt and bled and looked like a graft. The loss of other hairs with "some" skin attached did not hurt, nor did it bleed. So, unless it hurts and bleeds after, you are fine. All the best.
  17. Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm leaning towards not telling anyone besides those who already know, for now. I too think that if I confirm to anyone else that I had a HT, word WOULD get out. Secrets are like that. My closest buddies would tell their spouses and so on, and so on...until someone comes up to me and says "I heard you have plugs!". No thanks. I'm sure some people suspect because of my thicker hair now and when my scar was visible(no longer visible), but suspicion is NOT proof. I can always say I'm taking propecia and blame the scar on something else. Any friend who seriously inquires about help, I will tell him to google for the "hair transplant network" and follow up with him afterwards. As long as I don't come out and admit to it I can still deny i had one...or i can choose to just smile, and leave them wondering. Btw, when I had my first HT(NOT Rahal) I was in the middle of the procedure and the doc "name drops" another person in my local "industry" who he also did an HT for. I was startled to hear this but thought maybe this person had given the doc permission to reveal this. I knew this person though, and never suspected he had an HT, not even rumors about one. I wasn't going to call him up and ask, but now I wonder if this doc also told his patients about me. I realize that would be a major breach of ethics so I suspect he had permission and don't want to unfairly accuse him. Although, during procedures maybe he should not be name dropping unless he clarifies the guy said it's OK...so patients don't wonder. Just my own feelings on it.
  18. Just read that some study indicated that the efficacy of an oral drug is reduced when taken with grapefruit juice, and orange and apple juice as well. I don't know the science behind it but i just thought I'd pass it along, in case you were popping your propecia with a glass of OJ in the morning. I was. Maybe now I can go to every other day dosage with water and get the same benefits as every day with OJ....until some study comes along to indicate water is bad for you now.
  19. Just read that some study indicated that the efficacy of an oral drug is reduced when taken with grapefruit juice, and orange and apple juice as well. I don't know the science behind it but i just thought I'd pass it along, in case you were popping your propecia with a glass of OJ in the morning. I was. Maybe now I can go to every other day dosage with water and get the same benefits as every day with OJ....until some study comes along to indicate water is bad for you now.
  20. As far as I know, the only people who know about my HT are my wife and my physician(who refills my propecia scrip), plus Rahal and his team, of course. Ok, Visa would too and my bank...possibly the government...but I digress. Anyway, just curious about how secretive some of you have been with friends, family, etc about this. Obviously going from NW5 or 6 to hairy is hard to hide but In my case I was a diffuse thinner and could hide the hairloss until just recently. I keep thinking one of these days I'll "come clean" as several of my balding friends may get intrigued and decide to "go for it" themselves. I'm sure most people still think of "doll's hair" or "plugs" when they think of HT's...and it's a shame as there is help for most balding people now. For now though, I'm keeping it private.
  21. Hi dippy, Male pattern baldness may be at work here or the culprit could be stress. Has your crazy work/professional demands eased up? If the stressors are gone and you still see hairloss, then it might be MPB. I would get on meds such as propecia(or proscar) and minoxidil as this can slow down your hairloss and even grow hair back in the crown area. Initially(1-3 months) these meds will cause additional shedding, but then you should begin to see improvement over the next 12 months or so, at least as far as further hairloss goes. Many people also experience hair regrowth in the crown with these meds, so it's definately worthwhile trying. If you decide to go with a hair transplant I would start your research of doctors on here now so you can make an educated decision down the road. I'm not sure how many grafts you require(maybe 3000?) and that would cost around $10,000 - $15,000 dollars. It can take over a year for transplanted hairs to grow to maturity on your scalp. Since you are 27 and just started experiencing hairloss in the last few years, I would recommend the meds as your first recourse and see how that works(give it a year at least). Then in a few years look at hair restoration surgery if you haven't seen the results from meds. Good luck! Btw, I'm curious what type of profession works you that hard. I'm guessing either a soldier in Iraq, someone in residency or lawyer trying to make partner. Hope your making some time for yourself.
  22. From what I read on here and from my own experience, swelling normally happens around day 3 and lasts for a few days only. It was not painful but I did look funny until the swelling subsided. My doctor gave me some post op meds and one of these were pills to help alleviate some of the swelling. You'll probably get the same from your HT doc. Unless you can stay until the swelling goes away(approx 5 days) the better plan is to leave for home on the very next day after surgury. That way you should get home before the swelling starts. You may want to check with your HT physician to see what he recommends. All the best with your HT!
  23. Hey Omviki, Since you just had your transplant 2 days ago I think what you're experiencing is typical post op swelling. I experienced something similar with my ears on the 3rd day post op. The swelling and ear "sticking out" should subside in a few days. All the best.
  24. If it were me, I would not want to drive that distance a day after the op. I had to fly as the clinic I went to was too far to drive. I saw my doc the next day and he removed the rediculous "Shriners looking" hat, cleaned things up and wrapped a bandage around my head to protect the donor area and i placed a clean ballcap over that. The ballcap didn't hide the bandage much, but it looked decent and anyone looking probably thought I banged my head or had some sort of accident. Good luck with your HT.
  25. Nah, she's cool, in fact we'll be celebrating this October. I just give her a hard time to keep her on her toes. LOL Truth be told, she's got an ass like J(el)LO. I'm gonna pay for that one! Sometimes I wonder why she puts up with me. I say to all you single guy(by choice, that is), the love of a good woman is all a man really needs. There, that should put me back in her good books. Bill, just in case I can sneak away when I'm in Montreal, where is the party?
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