I'm Happy to answer any questions

[AndrewT]

Dear All,

I have noticed, of late, a number of Questions/ Comments, and Anniversaries😀, of Transplants. Some have been Requesting Information, others asking more 'Personal' questions.

If anyone wants, or wishes, to ask me- now nearly Ten Years Post Transplant (July 2013)- any Questions, either on here, or via a P(rivate) M(essage), I am more than Happy to help. Even if it is just some Re-assurance or help understanding, the 'Barrages' of Information, that Comes All At Once.

Finally Congratulations (and Celebrations🎵) to everyone, once again.

AndrewT

[Ynnep]

Hi Andrew,

So nice that someone is willing to answer questions.

This is not an attempt to sound ungrateful.

I had a kidney transplant a little over 4 years ago. I'm doing well but I'd like to know when my hair will regenerate. I used to have very nice hair and now I have fuzz.

Is it bad that I want my hair back?

Thanks,

[peregrin in reply to Ynnep]

My once-thick hair has gotten very thin. It's caused by one of the immunosuppressants

[AndrewT in reply to peregrin]

Dear peregrin and Ynnep,

I'm going to answer, as best I can, Both of you Together. Yes Hair IS Affected by, either the New Kidney, or The Drugs That You Need To Take- actually Probably Both.

Personally speaking my Head Hair has Thinned, somewhat erratically- I have 'Thick & Thin' areas- and my Body Hair has- in places- gone 'Crazy'. My Eyebrows, in particular, now 'produce' different Thicknesses, Colours and Textures. I'm 'forever' Puling them out and, as a result, it's all getting A Bit Thin up there.

You can try the Caffeine Shampoos, if you wish, (notwithstanding any contrary advice from, your own Doctors.) or there are, can I say, Quite A Few Other Products..... NONE of which I Touch! (Maybe a 'Word' with your 'Dermy' might be Worth While here.)

Others have tried, with Varying Levels of Success, Electrical Stimulation (for example TENS Machines), Head Creams/ Ointments, Head Massage, Shiatsu even Acupuncture.

However, without being Rude- or Dismissive- having had a Transplant, and no longer needing Dialysis...... Is a 'bit' of Hair Loss REALLY a Problem?

Enjoy your new Kidneys, you two, and CONGRATULATIONS by the way.

AndrewT

[peregrin in reply to AndrewT]

I can't think of any reason why a new kidney should affect one's hair.

Caffeine shampoo is a scam.

And hair loss can be a problem, especially for women.

Ask your doctor whether minoxidil would be appropriate for you.

[AndrewT in reply to peregrin]

I actually agree, with you, here peregrin- for the most Part anyway.

I wasn't Suggesting that the New Kidney would/ could 'Directly' affect Hair Loss.... only that the Major Surgery- coupled with a Suppressive Drug regime- might.

I appreciate that Hair Loss IS 'More Of A Problem', for women BUT my comment(s) still Stand.

As Regards Caffeine Shampoo, rather like (pro) Vitamin, JoJo Oil and So On Shampoos.... Well IF it 'Works' For you!

Yes see your Doctors/ Consultants for any Prescription/ New Drug.

AndrewT

[LisaSnow]

Hair loss is in fact a serious and destressing event, both for men and women, even if it isn't for you Andrew. Not all transplant patients recover the initial significant hair loss from surgery induced telogen effluvium, but most do to certain degree. I think the question asked is referring to methods that may help improve the chance of a greater recovery, and it is a valid question. I would never dismiss that as an unimportant issue, with or without having a transplant.

[AndrewT in reply to LisaSnow]

Dear Lisa,

I have, very clearly, Offended you- which was Never My Intention. I, honestly DO, understand that Hair Loss CAN be a 'Issue' to some..... I was simply trying to Put This Into An Overall Context.

As I said, to begin with, I intended No Offence Lisa and, reading back my own post, perhaps I WAS rather 'Flippant'.

Sorry again

AndrewT

[LisaSnow in reply to AndrewT]

Thank you for your kind reply and I assure you that I was not offended personally. I simply wanted to point out that hair-loss is not as insignificant as you think, and the question about hair regrowth is a serious and important one for the transplant community. It affects the drug compliance rate; in addition to self-esteem and wellness of the patients. After all, the goal of the community is to help ensure everyone not only accepts and copes well with unpleasant side effects during those times, but also knows many side effects may improve with time.