Major Stressor Following Hair Transplant-outcome?

[Joey1975]

Hi Community,

 

Unfortunately about 3.5-4 weeks after my transplant (starting to shed) I experienced some very bad news regarding my business. Long story short it caused a major stressor to the point where I was having some distinct and sustained panic attacks over the last couple of weeks. There has been a tremendous lack of sleep and I have lost some weight, but with all things, thigs too shall pass (I have grabbed a few xanax to see my through the worst)

 

Having thought about it, I guess my concern is this type of stress relatively early in the process. Yes, for three weeks things were fine in the critical early post-op period. But now, for example, there were have been surges in adrenalin (fight/fight) that have been knocking me about, rapid heart beat, etc.. I believe adrenalin constricts blood flow etc. etc. and I wonder if I have done harm to my transplant outcome. I always read about smokers who might do the same for similar reasons, but I assume this is not quite the same physiological point of view.

 

I would welcome opinions on this (yes, I know, one has to wait and see to a certain extent but surely some doctors and others might comment). Thanks.

[gillenator]

Joey,

 

So sorry to hear about your situation and the related stress associated with it. Listen my friend. IMHO, anyone having the elevated symptoms and physical attacks like you are describing, should really see your PCP as soon as possible. Get those treated first and then things will fall back in place t where you will be able to function and move forward.

 

Your hair should be fine as long as you get help. There is such a condition known as stress alopecia which is caused by long uninterrupted periods of high stress and eventually cause many of your hair follicles to begin retreating into the telogen (resting) phase.

 

Did you have a fair amount of exisiting natural hair in the recipient area to begin with? Your level of stress can potentially advance or trigger the level of shockloss already imputed with trauma from the recipient incisions.

 

Again, I encourage you to do your best to get psychological help for the srtess level you are describing.

[Joey1975]

Thanks Gillenator,

 

I did not have too much existing hair although some in parts. I realize this may advance shockloss and I hope that can be avoided. And I agree, it is important to get help on all fronts.

 

I am more worried that somehow all of this has injured the new grafts. Would the grafts be considered secure? Wouldn't the grafts be already heading into the resting phase at 3.5-4 weeks? Thanks

[aaron1234]

I think the grafts should be fine - as long as they have the blood flow to keep them alive. Shedding sucks around this period regardless of any external factors.

[gillenator]

aaron is correct. Your grafts are fine and won't be damaged from the excessive worry and related stress. And yes, for most patients, a higher percent of their transplanted grafts go into the resting phase at 3-6 weeks post-op.

 

As far as I understand, stress alopecia is temporary whereby something like traction alopecia is permanent.