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My journey

D

Davidj

member
Like a lot of men, I used Propecia for quiet a few years to control and improve my hair loss, but unfortunately it made me ill. For years while on the medication I suffered groin ache and severe intestinal issues. Finally at 50 years old this was identified by a doctor and I stopped taking the medication and of course my hair loss sped up.
I then spent the next few years upset and moody and final I sat down, spoke to my wife about how I was feeling and why over the last few years my personality had changed. It was such a relief to talk to my wife about it. I explained that I wanted to have a hair transplant and that the clinic I had chosen was the Maitland clinic in Portsmouth.
I had looked at other clinics, but on viewing their web site and reading about what they offered, this was the only clinic that I felt understood me and made me feel comfortable. So I sent in my details and pictures and after an initial zoom call with David Anderson, who is really nice and understanding, I was invited down for an appoint to meet DR Ball and to discuss my options.
During the appointment I felt very comfortable discussing my issue with hair loss and it was explained what could be done and what could not be done.
When I came home, I discussed my decision with my wife and I booked the day for my surgery, I would say money was never my issue, I was more interested in having the best clinic and the best surgeon or could offer the best result and we’re completely honest with me and I felt the Maitland clinic offered me this. I would point out I had contacted other clinics and they never even got back to me.

My surgery was this year in May and on the day I was nervous, but Dr Ball and his team are so nice and made it a very relaxed day for me. Once the numbing injection are done you feeling nothing and I personally didn’t find them to bad. The day seemed to go quite quickly and it was all done, now it was just the recovery.
Again the staff are fantastic, especially Karen who is your aftercare contact. Everything is clearly explained and you are given everything you need.
The recovery is the tiring bit and I was exhausted after about 4 days with little sleep, but now it’s all done I can see the area clearly were the hairs are growing, but I know they’re going to fall out and then it’s just a waiting game.
I also purchased a Theradome PRO LH80 WHICH IS LASER PHOTOTHERAPY. As I pointed out I cannot take Propecia, but I need to do as much as possible to improve my existing hair and to maintain and improve my transplanted hair.
To finish with I would just like to thank Dr Ball and all his staff for helping me with what is a big decision for anyone, so thank you.
 
B

Bobbins

member
Like a lot of men, I used Propecia for quiet a few years to control and improve my hair loss, but unfortunately it made me ill. For years while on the medication I suffered groin ache and severe intestinal issues. Finally at 50 years old this was identified by a doctor and I stoped taking the medication and of course my hair loss sped up.
I then spent the next few years upset and moody and final I sat down, spoke to my wife about how I was feeling and why over the last few years my personality had changed. It was such a relief to talk to my wife about it. I explained that I wanted to have a hair transplant and that the clinic I had chosen was the Maitland clinic in Portsmouth.
I had looked at other clinics, but on viewing their web site and reading about what they offered, this was the only clinic that I felt understood me and made me feel comfortable. So I sent in my details and pictures and after an initial zoom call with David Anderson, who is really nice and understanding, I was invited down for an appoint to meet DR Ball and to discuss my options.
During the appointment I felt very comfortable discussing my issue with hair loss and it was explained what could be done and what could not be done.
When I came home, I discussed my decision with my wife and I booked the day for my surgery, I would say money was never my issue, I was more interested in having the best clinic and the best surgeon or could offer the best result and we’re completely honest with me and I felt the Maitland clinic offered me this. I would point out I had contacted other clinics and they never even got back to me.

My surgery was this year in May and on the day I was nervous, but Dr Ball and his team are so nice and made it a very relaxed day for me. Once the numbing injection are done you feeling nothing and I personally didn’t find them to bad. The day seemed to go quite quickly and it was all done, now it was just the recovery.
Again the staff are fantastic, especially Karen who is your aftercare contact. Everything is clearly explained and you are given everything you need.
The recovery is the tiring bit and I was exhausted after about 4 days with little sleep, but now it’s all done I can see the area clearly were the hairs are growing, but I know they’re going to fall out and then it’s just a waiting game.
I also purchased a Theradome PRO LH80 WHICH IS LASER PHOTOTHERAPY. As I pointed out I cannot take Propecia, but I need to do as much as possible to improve my existing hair and to maintain and improve my transplanted hair.
To finish with I would just like to thank Dr Ball and all his staff for helping me with what is a big decision for anyone, so thank you.
Have you considered using topical medication, which hopefully will have less side effects?
 
D

Davidj

member
Hi there,
I originally used Regain, but unfortunately this made my scalp dry and itchy, but hopefully something else will come along. As soon as it does I’ll give it a try, fingers crossed the laser phototherapy will help.
 
B

Bobbins

member
Hi there,
I originally used Regain, but unfortunately this made my scalp dry and itchy, but hopefully something else will come along. As soon as it does I’ll give it a try, fingers crossed the laser phototherapy will help.
I was more meaning topical finasteride, since it proved effective before you got sides.
 
D

Davidj

member
Dr Ball has mentioned this and they are going to keep me informed. I might have more luck as it absorbed into the blood stream and not through the intestinal lining. If you have any info on products I would like to take a look.
 
B

Bobbins

member
Dr Ball has mentioned this and they are going to keep me informed. I might have more luck as it absorbed into the blood stream and not through the intestinal lining. If you have any info on products I would like to take a look.
Here’s one paper on topical vs oral finasteride - www[.]ishrs-htforum[.]org/content/28/3/112

There are plenty of finasteride and minoxidil topical sprays but solely finasteride seem more difficult to come by.
 
NZK Medical

NZK Medical

Valued member
The National Library of Medicine has an abstract on the safety of topical finasteride. if you google the title it should come up. Titled - Topical finasteride for male and female pattern hair loss: Is it a safe and effective alternative?
 
Eugenix Hair Sciences

Eugenix Hair Sciences

Valued member
Like a lot of men, I used Propecia for quiet a few years to control and improve my hair loss, but unfortunately it made me ill. For years while on the medication I suffered groin ache and severe intestinal issues. Finally at 50 years old this was identified by a doctor and I stoped taking the medication and of course my hair loss sped up.
I then spent the next few years upset and moody and final I sat down, spoke to my wife about how I was feeling and why over the last few years my personality had changed. It was such a relief to talk to my wife about it. I explained that I wanted to have a hair transplant and that the clinic I had chosen was the Maitland clinic in Portsmouth.
I had looked at other clinics, but on viewing their web site and reading about what they offered, this was the only clinic that I felt understood me and made me feel comfortable. So I sent in my details and pictures and after an initial zoom call with David Anderson, who is really nice and understanding, I was invited down for an appoint to meet DR Ball and to discuss my options.
During the appointment I felt very comfortable discussing my issue with hair loss and it was explained what could be done and what could not be done.
When I came home, I discussed my decision with my wife and I booked the day for my surgery, I would say money was never my issue, I was more interested in having the best clinic and the best surgeon or could offer the best result and we’re completely honest with me and I felt the Maitland clinic offered me this. I would point out I had contacted other clinics and they never even got back to me.

My surgery was this year in May and on the day I was nervous, but Dr Ball and his team are so nice and made it a very relaxed day for me. Once the numbing injection are done you feeling nothing and I personally didn’t find them to bad. The day seemed to go quite quickly and it was all done, now it was just the recovery.
Again the staff are fantastic, especially Karen who is your aftercare contact. Everything is clearly explained and you are given everything you need.
The recovery is the tiring bit and I was exhausted after about 4 days with little sleep, but now it’s all done I can see the area clearly were the hairs are growing, but I know they’re going to fall out and then it’s just a waiting game.
I also purchased a Theradome PRO LH80 WHICH IS LASER PHOTOTHERAPY. As I pointed out I cannot take Propecia, but I need to do as much as possible to improve my existing hair and to maintain and improve my transplanted hair.
To finish with I would just like to thank Dr Ball and all his staff for helping me with what is a big decision for anyone, so thank you.
Wish you the best of results in the coming months.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
Hi David. Thanks for sharing your story. It would be great if you’re comfortable sharing some pictures. It’s good to hear you were able to speak to your wife about hair loss and then receive support from her. It’s a shame you suffered sides from Finasteride, I trust all is ok now you’ve stopped. The othef options are reduced dosage, topical versions or minoxidil. I’m pretty sure Dr Ball will have gone through everything with you as I know he is very thorough.
All the best with growth.
 
D

Davidj

member
Once I’ve seen the full results, in approx. 11months I will post some before and after pictures for people to help make their minds up on their own journey.
 
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