Hair Loss & Anniversary.: I was taken off... - Kidney Transplant

Kidney Transplant

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Hair Loss & Anniversary.

29 Replies

I was taken off Calcitriol months ago and found the old meds when I was cleaning out my trial and error meds box. I started squeezing a capsule in with my regular generic shampoo. I noticed my hair started growing faster and little sprouts where new hair is growing in. It took about a month. I am very excited and hope this helps everyone with this issue. Also, yesterday was my 39th Kidney Transplant Anniversary. I ate two Zero bars.

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29 Replies
Cookup60 profile image
Cookup60

39 years!! Congratulations!!! Did you have a live donor or a cadaver Kidney! That is amazing!!

in reply toCookup60

Thank you. I had a living donor.

LavenderRabbit profile image
LavenderRabbit

What made you put Calcitriol in your shampoo? Is it a known side effect?

I don't like to waste anything. Several of my trial and error medications have ended up back at the pharmacy for disposal. I like to experiment with anything that can possibly help my hair. It is a vitamin D analog. Vitamin D helps hair. I asked nephrology about it and they told me it is probably active/inactive ingredients in the medication. That is possible. They did acknowledge the regrowth. I don't have many left and obviously not going to refill it so I can stick it in my shampoo. It is going to be a short experiment. I will send a picture when I am finished.

LisaSnow profile image
LisaSnow in reply to

In animal studies where scientists modeled hair loss from chemotherapy, they did find data that suggest a potential benefit of calcitrial on hair(fur) regrowth.

in reply toLisaSnow

Interesting. To bad it doesn't work on hair taken as directed.

LisaSnow profile image
LisaSnow in reply to

🤣 I know right?

LisaSnow profile image
LisaSnow in reply to

Have you been on the same transplant organ for 39 years? Do you still have to take medications that affect your hair?

in reply toLisaSnow

Yes. The same one. My hair has taken a hit. It falls out and becomes very thin and then grows back and then repeats.

LisaSnow profile image
LisaSnow in reply to

I remember you said you are taking 2.5mg Prednisone every other day and one 250mg cellcept ? Neither of your medications especially at that low dose should be causing the hair fallout. Have you had your hormones checked?

in reply toLisaSnow

Yes. Hormones, thyroid and tests for vitamin deficiency. All normal. I did experiment with B12 shots at the PCP's office. No difference in hair or energy levels. Imuran was rough on my hair. Then I was switched to Mycophenolate for a different reason then hair. It did get somewhat better. After the transplant it practically all fell out. Then grew in better then it was. Currently, it gets worse and never really came back the way it was originally. I found more in the meds closet. Interesting, because I take Pericalcitriol a generic version for Zemplar for an elevated PTH level. I think it is some of the meds I take. I have some idea, but am not really sure.

LisaSnow profile image
LisaSnow in reply to

Be careful and let your doctor know before you try anything. Transdermal application gets the active compounds absorbed in your system and you want to avoid harmful drug by drug interactions.

in reply toLisaSnow

I know. They are a bit perplexed by some of the stuff I come up with.

LavenderRabbit profile image
LavenderRabbit in reply to

Wow! I would like to see the pictures. Thanks.

in reply toLavenderRabbit

I decided I am going to have it colored and have some blue in it while it is healthy. Then, I can check that off the list.

LavenderRabbit profile image
LavenderRabbit in reply to

I admire you for having the gusto for going blue. I was only planning to knit a hat that looked like dreadlocks with blue or lavender yarn!

in reply toLavenderRabbit

Wow. You are talented. Hair is really a sore subject with nephrology. They hear complaints all the time. I get it. However, I want the transplant to work and at the same time, don't want any adverse reactions. I want my kidney and my hair too!

LavenderRabbit profile image
LavenderRabbit in reply to

Amen to that!

I don’t think hair is to much to ask for. Everyone has it.

in reply toLavenderRabbit

I agree!

LisaSnow profile image
LisaSnow in reply to

I am happy with my hair right now but if it falls again in the future, I would invest in expensive and beautiful wigs.

LisaSnow profile image
LisaSnow in reply to

Did you have the same transplant for all these years?

in reply toLisaSnow

Yes. The actual transplant is in its 80's. I am 59. Long time.

anne627 profile image
anne627

Congratulations on 39 years. Yesterday was my 27th.

LisaSnow profile image
LisaSnow in reply toanne627

Congratulations! What anti-rejection medication, if any, do you still take this far out?

anne627 profile image
anne627 in reply toLisaSnow

Thank you, Lisa. I take Gengraf, which is cyclosporine, Mycophenolate and Prednisone. I had a 6 Antiguan match with a deceased donor.

LisaSnow profile image
LisaSnow in reply toanne627

That's a blessing to have the longevity you have. May you enjoy many many more years of great health and happiness with the precious gift.

anne627 profile image
anne627 in reply toLisaSnow

Thank you. I wish you good health for many years too.

in reply toanne627

Thank you and great news for you too.

anne627 profile image
anne627

Thanks!

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