Socialdrinker's Dr. Cooley Consultation 6/17/04

Robert_ · June 17, 2004

Hi, all. I just returned how from my "face-to-face" consultation with Dr. Cooley and his staff in Charlotte, NC. It's only an hour and a half drive for me so I decided not to stay overnight.

As soon as I walked into his office I was greeted with a pleasant, professional environment. Even though I was early, Ailene came and got me almost immediately. This has to be one of the nicest ladies I've ever met. Before anything at all was said about the business at hand (and before I even took off my cap), we sat and chatted for at least ten minutes. Finally she said, "Ok, let me see."

For any of you that wear a ball cap EVERYDAY like I do, it's a rare moment to take off your hat in public and it feels very weird. Her professional demeanor quickly put me at ease and it was a very liberating feeling to actually talk about my hair loss with a living, breathing human that handles it on a daily basis and is so knowledgeable.

We then went through a photo album of Dr. Cooley's past patients. Again, I was impressed at not only the results, but of her knowledge and the professionalism in which this took place. Not once did I feel the need to hesitate to ask a question and was allowed to freely browse the album and look at the pictures with all of the scrutiny the naked eye will allow. Of course those who have looked at pictures of HT's can probably attest along with me that we look more at patients with similar progression and age.

It wasn't long before Dr. Cooley, himself came in and introduced himself. I was extremely comforted in his relaxed, personable disposition and his willingness to speak to me in "laymen's" terms. I know that I'm not the only one who's been in a doctor's office and have them speak medical jargon, or even condescendingly to me.

After carefully scrutinizing my so-called present hairline and every where else, he told me the news that I was so anxious to hear: There is no reason that I wouldn't be a good candidate. He then asked about my personal goals and expectations. I didn't feel that I had any unreasonable ones, since I am fairly used to having a slightly higher hairline by now. He agreed and proceeded to "map out a game plan" (my words for a lack of more suitable terminology, not his).

This part of the consultation was the most exciting. Watching him sketch and "map out a game plan" for my new hair was thrilling. Again, there was never a time when I didn't feel that I every opportunity to ask a question. Nothing was left out and I was feeling very positive about the experience. (How could I not???)

After all of this and going over what to expect from the procedure, he asked if I had any questions. I had about three days beforehand to deliberate on this and, boy! did I ever have a list! Most of them, I found that he had already answered and some were probably a bit superficial for me to ask, but he fielded each one of them seriously.

I can honestly say that, yes, there is a plethora of great information to be found on the internet and on this site, but to have someone sit and discuss it with you is, by far, a huge comfort.

I want to add that just the day before, Dr. Cooley, himself, took the time to call me (after I had already spoke with Ailene for no less than thirty minutes asking questions and giving medical history.) to personally congratulate me and to let me know that even though this procedure will cost me nothing, that he will ensure that I will receive no less than a commitment to my satisfaction just like that of a regular paying customer. Again, at the "face-to-face" consultation, he assured me that I was to be treated exactly the same as a paying customer. I didn't really have any hesitations about this before, but it comforted me to know that he had thought of this.

So after the lines were drawn, the "plan of attack" (again, the words in parentheses are mine for lack of better terminology) was established, and my slew of questions were answered, he asked if I was comfortable taking pictures.

Yup, I was ready. I know that under "normal" circumstances someone would rather not have pictures done, but 1) I'm pretty sure most of these pictures were for their reference and for the "in-house" files and 2) the ones that are designated for the site, I'm also really proud of, because it is the absolute least that I can do in receipt of this opportunity.

After all this, I'm still in a state of shock. On the way back to Columbia, It dawned on me that "I'm really getting a hair transplant tomorrow."

I look forward to posting my progress (at least every couple of days for the first few weeks on here) and from what I hear, there will be some video shot of the procedure, so if that's posted, all the better.

Thanks a lot, everyone!

P.S. I was thinking...maybe in the next 6 months or so, Ill have to change from "socialdrinker" to "hairydrinker"...whadya think?

Robert_ · June 17, 2004