Son of a Plug

I am most concerned about making my flight early the next morning and have had bad experiences with cabs not being reliable. I figure I'll sleep ok after dinner but if I can't sleep through the night I may just get an early breakfast somewhere and get on my way to the airport early.

Just wanted to pass along that I was advised from a past Dr Jones patient that renting a car for 2 days may be cheaper than a $35.00 (U.S.) one way cab fare from the airport to Oakville. I just got a quote from Enterprise Rent a Car for $48.09 including tax for 2 days rental (pick up 8 pm day before HT and drop off 6 am day after HT). This is much better than $70.00 round trip plus tip for cab fare, plus I have the freedom to get around. More things to consider when traveling for a HT.

Just wanted to pass along that I was advised from a past Dr Jones patient that renting a car for 2 days may be cheaper than a $35.00 (U.S.) one way cab fare from the airport to Oakville. I just got a quote from Enterprise Rent a Car for $48.09 including tax for 2 days rental (pick up 8 pm day before HT and drop off 6 am day after HT). This is much better than $70.00 round trip plus tip for cab fare, plus I have the freedom to get around. More things to consider when traveling for a HT.

I'm glad I'm not reading any horror stories about post op problems, not that I expected any but just thought I'd poll the readers for any problems that could have been avoided. I'll be off work at least 15 days and that would be if I go back on thursday (if I need more time I can take thurs & fri off and return the next monday). Thanks for the icing tip, I didn't think it sounded correct to be icing recipient sites. I will be leaving Toronto on a very early flight the next day, so I won't be able to get help with my first wash or be examined before I leave. This is really my biggest post op concern, but the airfare was much more if I flew out later or stayed an extra day. I also didn't realize you had to be so careful washing out to 11 days, so thanks for that tip as well. I guess laying flat in bed finally will be one of the most rewarding benefits of healing.

I'm going to Dr Jones in Toronto for approx 2,500 grats via strip. I already received my Graftcyte single patient pack for $135.00 U.S. with free shipping from George Tiemann & Co internet site (great deal!) I'm not sure about how great thier wound care product is though. I guess I'll ask for extra pillows at the hotel for the night after HT so I can prop myself up well. How long before you can lay flat in bed again??? I'm a little afraid of the 1st three days as I've heard of some guys finding grafts in the sink during their 1st wash/rinse. How do you ice the recipient area without knockin those babies loose? Also, if you do use a wound care product on the sutures do you have to wash off the prior application or do you just keep gooping it on over and over? My wife will be able to help once I get back from Toronto so I guess I'll wear a loose hat until I get back to the desert. I've got a nice loose military desert hat (kinda like Gilligan wore but tan in color) which should help from freakin anybody out at the airport

I know that I will receive instructions from the Dr after my HT next week, but I am looking for advice from veterans here that can provide advice on what DID or did NOT work post HT for them. I would also like any advice regarding what some veterans are maybe planning different next time based on past experience. Any and all advice regarding Donor Area Care, Recipient Area Care, Shampooing, What Length Hair Best Conceals the Scar, Removing Scabs, Using Minoxidil Afterward, Sleeping, Hats, How Long Before Exercise, Vitamins for Healing/Growth .... Pretty broad question but I appreciate brainstorming

I know that I will receive instructions from the Dr after my HT next week, but I am looking for advice from veterans here that can provide advice on what DID or did NOT work post HT for them. I would also like any advice regarding what some veterans are maybe planning different next time based on past experience. Any and all advice regarding Donor Area Care, Recipient Area Care, Shampooing, What Length Hair Best Conceals the Scar, Removing Scabs, Using Minoxidil Afterward, Sleeping, Hats, How Long Before Exercise, Vitamins for Healing/Growth .... Pretty broad question but I appreciate brainstorming

Makes sense to me to get another strip if you already have ONE scar. Especially if you need over 1,500 more grafts. I do not plan on getting more than 2 strip HTs since I think the risk of noticable scars would be a risk that even the best HT surgeon could positively avoid.

Just wanted to throw my 2 cents in here if I may.. I called Dr Rob Jones' office on tuesday to speak with the nurse about some new questions I had about what to do and what NOT to do before surgery. They advised she was unavailable at the moment. I said no problem, I just had some routine questions. The receptionist asked me to hold on a second. The phone was picked up by Dr Jones who I chatted with about my questions and then casually told him I was getting anxious about "the big day". He kindly asked if I was having second thoughts or wanted to cancel. I was VERY surprised as he seemed very genuine and NEVER once tried to make me feel silly for being nervous. I explained my nerves were from excitement and the unknown and that I was not thinking of cancelling. As far as a deposit when I scheduled....they asked ME how much I wanted to put down to hold the date. Very low pressure Doc indeed.

I am using 5% Minoxidil for the 4 weeks before my HT and plan to use it for the following 8 weeks after the HT. I have already been on Proscar for 9 months and hope that the combination will help minimize shock loss and provide a better environment in the recipient area. Of course I already purchased my "single patient pack" of Graftcyte for use immediately after the HT. After the Minoxidil I may try a bottle of Folligen spray to continue to promote growth and healing, but expect that after 6 months I will be back to Proscar ONLY. Hey....at least I have a plan I guess.

Dr Jones recommended that I start using minoxidil before having the HT and then to restart shortly after the HT to defend against shock loss. I've been on Proscar for 9 months already and plan to also keep using minoxidil for at least 3 months following HT. (Proscar for "ever" though.) I know there is no way to ensure no shock loss will occur, however I am gonna try to avoid as much as possible.

I have been wondering if any multiple HT patients have noticed less shock fallout while on Propecia/Proscar. So, if you had a HT but were NOT on any drug, did you notice more shock fallout than after the next HT when you were taking Propecia/Proscar? I have been looking for any evidence that peole taking Minoxidil and Propecia/Proscar routinely experience less shock fallout. Does anyone know?

After I posted this thread I read a post from Dec 2002 where you had a consult gone bad with Dr Friedman of MHR. I was just following-up on a recommendation from John Vincent of the hairconsultant web site. For some reason Vincent is a big supporter of Dr Friedman. Thought for a minute I had overlooked an "exception" in the MHR practice.

I came across Dr Friedman while reading information on the hairconsultant forum. I have not heard many praises for "hair mills" in general but wanted to at least ask if anyone knew of Dr Friedman or seen any of his patients' results. I live in AZ and would very much appreciate ANY info on MHR and/or Dr Friedman. Thanks very much for replies

I came across Dr Friedman while reading information on the hairconsultant forum. I have not heard many praises for "hair mills" in general but wanted to at least ask if anyone knew of Dr Friedman or seen any of his patients' results. I live in AZ and would very much appreciate ANY info on MHR and/or Dr Friedman. Thanks very much for replies

Yes, it does seem that the higher density Dr would surely wind up doing a much smaller area than the other three Drs. Density is not my #1 concern for my first HT. I believe that for my first HT finding a highly skilled Dr with a plan for the future of my hair loss and restoration is my #1 goal. I posted this scenario for first timers like me that started out here thinking there was a "one pass" HT for a NW 5 that would restore density and coverage with 3,000 grafts. If you ARE really concerned with density, I suggest having the Dr measure the area of coverage in cm/2 and then multiplying that measurement by the density promised. Do this calculation BEFORE the total number of grafts is estimated. It's amazing how little "ground" is covered when the density goes way up.

I just wanted to present a thought I have regarding the "D" word... After receiving four consultations (three via e-mailed photos) I happily received recommendations all concurring that I needed approx 2,500 grafts for my first HT. (Not happy that i need 2,500 grafts, just happy they all independently agreed) However when it came to Density, one Dr advised I would get 25 per cm/2, two advised I would get at least 35 per cm/2, and then the last Dr advised I would get packed at close to 60 per cm/2. Remember....all four Drs agreed I was going to be getting 2,500 grafts. So my question is; If i need approximately 100 cm/2 of surface area covered with these 2,500 grafts and Dr #4 plans to pack at 60 per cm/2, is he only going to cover HALF the surface area of the other Drs? If so, which direction do you all recommend I flip my hair to cover the remaining bald half?

I just wanted to present a thought I have regarding the "D" word... After receiving four consultations (three via e-mailed photos) I happily received recommendations all concurring that I needed approx 2,500 grafts for my first HT. (Not happy that i need 2,500 grafts, just happy they all independently agreed) However when it came to Density, one Dr advised I would get 25 per cm/2, two advised I would get at least 35 per cm/2, and then the last Dr advised I would get packed at close to 60 per cm/2. Remember....all four Drs agreed I was going to be getting 2,500 grafts. So my question is; If i need approximately 100 cm/2 of surface area covered with these 2,500 grafts and Dr #4 plans to pack at 60 per cm/2, is he only going to cover HALF the surface area of the other Drs? If so, which direction do you all recommend I flip my hair to cover the remaining bald half?

Too bad we don't register each member's HT profile to include which Drs they used and when. That way WE could contact them by e-mail when we want to check up on their progess. I believe that once a lot of the HT patients in our community get beyond 6 months they fade off from the forum and go about their life enjoying the HT results. Just because a patient doesn't hang aroung singing their Dr's praises does not necessarily mean they are not happy with their results. In fact I think no news would be good news. We are all pretty obsessive, that's why we're here, so don't you think that if we were unhappy with the results from Drs recommended here we'd come back and let everyone know where NOT to go? I fully intend to post MY results with Dr Jones (HT in late June '03) but I also plan on living my life and trying not to obsess over my hair loss for a while. So if you don't hear from me for a while please don't think I am dissatified. Hey....if I am satified I will tell ya just as fast as if I am dissatisfied....that's a promise!! "Tucson to Toronto"

I will be traveling to Toronto from the U.S. in June for my HT. Any past U.S. patients have any suggestions in making the experience smooth "out and back"? For instance: I don't have a passport, so would my drivers license and birth certificate work? Also, is it easier to convert U.S. to Can $$, or just use credit cards for everything? I have an early flight out the next morning, how much lead time do I need at the airport? How about suggestions for making the plane ride comfortable the next morning after the HT? No matter how trivial....I'll take the advice on making the trek as easy as possible!! Thanks

I will be traveling to Toronto from the U.S. in June for my HT. Any past U.S. patients have any suggestions in making the experience smooth "out and back"? For instance: I don't have a passport, so would my drivers license and birth certificate work? Also, is it easier to convert U.S. to Can $$, or just use credit cards for everything? I have an early flight out the next morning, how much lead time do I need at the airport? How about suggestions for making the plane ride comfortable the next morning after the HT? No matter how trivial....I'll take the advice on making the trek as easy as possible!! Thanks

I'm preparing for the "after care" of my FU's following my HT in June. I have read a LOT about Graftcyte and how it helps speed the recovery and safely shed scabs. I also have read that it may not be necessary. I also read that many top Docs are recommending the use of Rogaine for 3 months following surgery to help prevent shock loss. Since this is my 1st HT, I want to do it 100% right from start to finish. Is this a wise combo to use after the HT? It would seem that maybe the Graftcyte is best used until scabs are gone and then use the Rogaine....what is the popular opinion of the Docs and experienced HT patienst here???? Thanks!

I'm preparing for the "after care" of my FU's following my HT in June. I have read a LOT about Graftcyte and how it helps speed the recovery and safely shed scabs. I also have read that it may not be necessary. I also read that many top Docs are recommending the use of Rogaine for 3 months following surgery to help prevent shock loss. Since this is my 1st HT, I want to do it 100% right from start to finish. Is this a wise combo to use after the HT? It would seem that maybe the Graftcyte is best used until scabs are gone and then use the Rogaine....what is the popular opinion of the Docs and experienced HT patienst here???? Thanks!

It's kinda funny...when I look in the mirror now at the deep recession on the sides it doesn't bother me one bit after making the appointment for the HT. It's like I know I've only got a limited time left with the ole Squiggy look before it's all filled in I'm not even in a hurry anymore because time will fly by I'm sure. I think I'm more nervous about the trip to Toronto and back than I am the HT!

Well I guess I may become more of a regular around here soon. After 4 years of talking myself into and out of getting a HT I was able to choose the right HT surgeon for ME by reading and posting here. I have spent time on other forums but this forum seems more mature, supportive, and extremely well informed (and very generous with sharing the knowledge!). I went from selecting HT Drs based on location to booking a flight out of the country. Thanks to all here that convinced me that a HT is worth the trip to a Dr that best fits what you desire. I am very excited about having Dr Jones perform my HT since we have spoken on the phone and exchanged e-mails several times already. He is very generous with his time on the phone and on-line. I am sure we will speak/write a few more times before I depart for Toronto. I will be getting over 2,500 FUT via a strip to restore my NW 5. I am 33 yrs old and started to recede at age 23 and on Proscar for 8 months. I have already taken several digital "before" photos and plan to post my results to help those like me that gain so much knowledge and confidence from the photos already posted here. Hopefully after my HT my father will see what a proper HT looks like....not a HT at all!! Maybe he'll book his own appointment to have his 1983 model updated to a 2003. Tucson to Toronto roundtrip !!