Hair, Scalp and Skin 'Itchies'

[Helyn]

Hi all.  I just wanted to say that if you are using Nioxin products and are not liking the high cost, and if you have a decent relationship with your hairdresser, ask that person if they would get you the larger sizes (usually litres) at THEIR prices.  The prices they pay at the restricted-to-only-licensed-persons shops are much lower.  If they sell it at the salon, this may be difficult for them to do - to get you lower prices.  If they don't sell it, I'd bet they'd do it for you.  My hairdresser certainly knows I am having a problem (tons less hair, but I told her it is menopause and meds I am taking) and she is very sympathetic and had no problem doing this for me.  I use their shampoo and cream conditioners in the fall and winter, and their shampoo and light spray in conditioner (called Glee) in the summer.  I hate their hairspray so I use the lightest touch of another non aerosol spray but not enough to get my scalp coated.  One other recommendation to help save money is that if you use the Aveeno cream in the large tube - you can purchase the same product in the "baby" version and it is less expensive.  Don't ask me why.  I didn't believe it either when someone gave me the tip. Anyway, with all the other costs we are incurring with tx, I am always glad when I can save some bucks, especially coming into colder weather when skin and scalp itchies are bound to start up/get worse for us again.  Best wishes.........Helyn

[oldhippiechick67]

OH my gawd, I am itching like MAD!!! I have been taking my dogs benadryl cuz Im too tired and weak to go to the store!! lol, my husband goes "dont do that" I am so dang mad at everyone for not thinking this low hemaglobin isnt a big deal, gads, I get outta breath trying to get dressed, and I feel so badly for him cuz he works outside 10 hrs a day, in the heat.  And I am laying around all day feeling like ****.  But he expects me to make him dinner, and I wish he would jus supprize me with taco bell or something.  **** I am in a really "poor me"  pity party.
Well friends, I just had to vent!   OHC

[Galen]

Sorry, but having been a hairdresser for almost 30 years, self-employed for 15, unless your hairdresser is a personal friend, please don't ask her/him to do that.  Yes, we do pay less than you for product.  We also pay shipping charges, pay for extra space in the salon to have shelves of space for retail product, and have to fill out paper work monthly for taxes.  We are ofetn required to carry entire lines of product even though only a few of them sell well. This is a really high overhead business and the retail sales help cover costs.  If a particular product is a special order, the overhead is even higher because shipping charges don't drop much for small orders.  If your hairdresser is an employee, he/she would be stealing from their employer for you. Would you ask your plumber, electrician, doctor, waitress, or sales clerk at the department store to sell to you at their cost?  
I'm on week 48 of tx and have worked the whole time.  Would you take money out of my pocket?  What do you do for a living?

[Steve']

I've discovered a great tip for everyone on Tx concerning itchy dry skin ....

Here Goes ....

I recently started using those shower gels instead of good ol soap & oh boy the benefits are great ... You use a big fluffy nylon type thing that you use instead of a face washer a sponge will do, you pour a bit on & scrub softly all over your body it does wonders even removing any dead skin etc ... after you finished & get your pyjamas on you feel revitalised ... I put baby oil on after showering sometimes that gives your thirsty skin a drink LOL smells good too ... good luck all be strong minded ... ~~~Steve~~~

[harley dude]

I'm sure glad your close to finishing up your tx, you sure have been grouchy lately, my wife asked her hair dresser the same thing and she was glad to do it for us, my wife has been putting money in her pocket for 25 years+ you think getting my wife a few bottles of nioxin at cost is going to hurt her-NOT, I bet my wife has spent 50 grand there in the past 25 years, It's called friendship. Good luck with your ending of tx-- HD

[scoutdill]

I read it that this person was asking their stylist to pick up the stuff when they were at the beauty supply place. And that it would be hard if it was sold at the business. Read the whole comment before you go off one of your tangents. Knock off the woe is me ****. Dill

[DH Bill]

Galen, have you taken your last shot and pills yet? How are you feeling? Looking forward to my 12 week test. One day at a time.

Steve, as far as sides go itching, headaches and upper body pain. The worst is FATIGUE. I have had to give up mt biking for now which is my passion. I took my dog Bailey (he is my riding partner)for a hike and had to stop every 50 yards or less. I couldn't even wash my truck today with out stopping a lot. This is very hard for me as I am a very active person. I've lost 26 lbs so far. At this rate it could be double that by the time I'm done. I don't have much of a appetite. My spirits are good. I think the effexor has something to do with it. Friends and family have commented on how I have changed for the better. I know I was sinking into a deep depression before tx when I had no hope of having a full life. Another thing, I will talk to my doc about my blood pressure which is up do to the meds. 140 on the hi side. Normaly 110 or so.
Bill

[AK - Hepper]

I guess I have to say it again; YOU KIDS PLAY NICE, NOW :-)HEEHEE

[Galen]

Hey HD, if you reread my post, you will see where I said that unless your hairdresser is 'personal' friend.....  I've been in this business for almost 30 years and yes, many clients feel like an extended part of my family.  However, selling retail is part of what pays MY bills.  If I give stuff away at my cost (and by the way, the fact that I do not pay tax at the wholesale level for retail product shows up on my tax return.  Lots of people in my business get audited because it is a high cash business) and/or give away my services, I can't pay my expenses, including the very expensive insurance which allows me to do tx.  I don't think that is being grouchy.  I am a professional and I am offended by the number of people who don't think that what I do for a living (and have spent vast sums of money to learn and years of experience) is somehow not really work.  How many of you are asked to provide services to business friends at no cost?
What I said to Helyn was directed to everyone who thinks that it's a great idea to ask their hairdresser to provide free service.  I do that for my family and personal friends, but there is no way I can afford to do so for the 250 clients who I am friendly with, and it is not fair to put your hairdresser on the spot by asking for bargains.  If they know you are hard up for money and offer that is different.
Sorry if that sounds grouchy, but this is my "profession" and it would be nice to be treated as any other professional you would not ask such thing.

[MajNeni]

Scoutdill,
Cut the ****.  You still haven't posted one thing about Hepatitis on this message board, neither asking a question nor offering information and support.  
As far as your vandetta against any one individual, that is out of place here.  Go to a local bar or street corner and pick on someone your own size.  Maybe when you can't hide behind the anonymity of the board, someone will punch your lights out and you'll stop picking fights.
Be nice.  This is an information and support message board.
Maj Neni

[terriri]

Scoutdill, I really don’t understand your insecurity. You obviously have a problem with strong intelligent women. If you crave to be in the limelight you are going about it in the wrong way. You cannot blame other people on this board for your personal failures & unhappiness. Don’t get me wrong, we all have disagreements at times, but you seem to have an unusual amount of hate toward one individual in particular. You really will be much happier if you do something to get rid of all the negativity in your head. Read boulders post further down for ideas. All my best to you on a healthier outlook on life!

[pearse]

I agree with you on this, i do central air, plumbing, and elec. I get asked to do "favors" all the time. At first i used to help,after awhile you have to charge for your time, then all of a sudden your an ass****. No more jobs for free, only family.
scoutdull, why don't you shut the f*** up!and get a life. people like you make me sick!

[DH Bill]

Hey! I do heating and air for a living. I'm also a licensed electrician but an idiot when it comes to plumbing. I too got tired of favors asked of me. I now only do it for family. Are you on tx.

[harley dude]

Well I guess everyone is different, I do welding and cutting jobs on the side for buisiness and alot of favors, If I know someone or sometimes I don't even have to know someone I will not even charge them, I was brought up with the belief if you give you shall recieve, and right now in my life I need to recieve. I also cut trees on the side and sometimes I charge a little and alot of times I won't charge, I feel blessed with what I have in my life and I am just a firm believer in doing things for others, sorry If I offended you'll, like I said everyone is different --I hope you'll have a side free weekend. --  HD

[casdan]

GO GALEN! My sentiments exactly. One of the many reasons why I no longer am in the business. Family and "friends" being the worst offenders. I am finally somewhat out of the twilight zone and am beginning to feel better after not responding to the tx. I believe I was another person for the last 3 months and would rather wait for better treatments than to go through that again. I have nothing but admiration and respect for you for the long haul that you have been on and the many supportive moments you have shared with me to try to keep me goin. I would have stayed on because of you if the **** would have worked. Anyway don't let any  yahoo on this board ruin your very wonderful giving and caring ways. If you need ANYTHING right now I can be there in 20 minutes.   1 week after stopping is a good thing to look toward.    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

[terriri]

Hi all, I know what you mean about the overhead costs. It’s almost impossible for the little guy to have a business these days. If you don’t have a chain covering several different seasonal & economical areas your chances of making it are slim. My husband & I had an up-scale restaurant for four years but finally had to pack it up. The overhead was killing us. It’s as though family, friends & employees thought a food & drink fairy dropped off all the supplies for free. On the same property we also had a late night nightclub, ohhh my god ----- pictures taken right off the walls, carpet replaced all the time because people couldn’t figure out what ashtrays were for. In the dinning room customers thought nothing of walking with the candle holders, martini glasses, pepper grinders, steak knifes & pulling flowers out of the very expensive flower arrangement at the podium. It’s not so much that any one person went crazy ripping the place off, it’s more of all the little things adding up to big $$$$$. The funny thing is that everyone I caught personally got defensive & actually thought they deserved what they took. We wanted to keep our food prices lower & create a nice higher end dinning experience for people. But, the overhead got in the way. My husband had run & managed restaurants & clubs for years... Whole different ball game when it’s your own place. On top of everything else we were in an expensive area & were subjected to all the professional con artists who hit high-end establishments. The people who come in with the fake designer bags, claim the waiter spilled red wine on it & want three hundred dollars, law suits from people who claim they fell over on the property but there was no record or reservations of them ever being there. Oh, and the guy siting in his apartment in New York sending $7.00 dry cleaning bills out to restaurants all over the U.S over a supposed stain on a shirt by a clumsy waiter, he got caught, but not before becoming a multimillionaire. Ok, I think I have rambled enough.

[pearse]

Hey, another hvac man. I used to love helping folks, after awhile people just take you for granted. Yes, i am on tx. I have one more week!!!!! A total of 52. I applyed for fmla at work and took the days as i needed them, some days i was to tired to do the work. I also work with some really nice people, they took care of me. Hope tx is not to hard on you!
I'm 1a, cleared at 24 weeks

[DH Bill]

I'm 1b on shot #7 pegasys. I'm doin pretty good except very tired. I started out fuzzin duct and worked my way up to commercial estimator (some days I would prefer fuzzin).
Did they test you at wk 12 and cleared or just at wk 24?
Very happy to hear you cleared and are almost done.
What part of the country do you live in? I'm in Spokane WA.
The economy has not been good to us here.

[casdan]

I have a thing I do for the itches. My whole entire body broke out in a rash the day after I stopped treatment. Started a little before but this last week has been awful.I have a grip on it now and this is how I did it. Someone needs to help you. Take a bowl of water and a bowl of baking soda. Dip hand in each and rub it in hard if it makes you feel better. Leave on for a few minutes or longer you may burn a little from scratching. Shower. Put Bag Balm over that and rub rub rub. Than take a towel and wipe off. Do a lot of wiping because the towel helps with the balm to slough off the cells that are hanging on for dear life.Put a little more balm on,Put on a cotton t shirt and forget about it for awhile. It worked for me. Good luck.Bag Balm can be found at Wal Mart for about 3 bucks.

[harley dude]

It depends on your Doc when he will test to see if your cleared. My Doc tests at 24 weeks, if I'm cleared I continue on with my tx for another 24 weeks, If I'm not cleared at 24 weeks- he stops tx immediately. Some Doc's test as early as 24 hours, than at 1 month, than 4 months ect. My Doc says that's a waste of time and money. I guess all Doc's have their way of doing things.-- Good Luck-- HD

[Galen]

There is a really interesting and informative video at Medscape you might like to see.  You need to join the site to view it, but it is a great site originally restricted to physicians.  The address is
http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/2234

Sorry, but each time someone explains how to make a clickable link, severe brain fog sets in.

[DH Bill]

Thanks man! I'm scheduled for CBC, TSH, liver panel, HCV RNA Quant BD NA at 12 weeks 10/28/03????????????????????
The same for 24 weeks and 48. This must mean they are testing for it. I'm very fortunate to have a good hepatologist that I trust so I don't always ask a lot but he is always very patient and takes the time when I do.
Hey! Did you just post you live in La or LA Ca?

[CARUU]

I wouldn't dream of asking my hairdresser for discounted products or services.  Her profession is a valid and important one.  I believe she should be paid fairly for her work (as all people should be).  I've never used Nioxin, but I looked it up on the net and there are LOTS of places that sell it like Cost Cutters and other outlets.  Galen, you've been here supporting and sharing knowledge since my first day on this site and I appreciate you a lot.  I'm happy for you being so close to the end of tx.  I'm starting in about 3 weeks and hope I can offer even a fraction of what Galen has for me and the others here. caruu

[harley dude]

I found and joined the site you recommended, as for as the video, you better direct me to it. There is a million things on that site, I got dizzy (or lets say dizzier) looking for that whatever video, Thanks for the site, it is very informative, You know I can't wait for the day when I can just STOP looking for things about hcv, I'm so sick of it. Let me know more info about the video-- Thank's -- HD

[harley dude]

I got off the computer, rested my eyes and nerves for awhile and went back and found it, really good stuff- (as for as hcv stuff goes), I tell you what, the longer your on this tx stuff the easier it gets as for as doing other things to take your mind off of it. I remember at first all I did was think of hcv **** 24/7, now I'm finally going back to the stuff I use to enjoy, I guess I'm getting over the initial shock of it all, It was so overwhelming in the beginning, it was like a bad nightmare, Well it's almost 11 pm here, I'm going take my ambien and go knock out- thank's again for the site-- HD

[harley dude]

Louisiana, I think that's how you spell it. Have a good week-- HD

[Helyn]

Wow.  All I can say is that I just got off the phone with my hairdresser, after reading all this, and asked her whether she had any problem whatsoever with my request of her (something I also ask her each and every time I have asked her for Nioxin) and she said - absolutely not.  She said that helping friends with appropriate requests would never put her our of business and furthermore, she would never allow it to adversley affect her business.  She doesn't sell the stuff in her salon, she charges me the sales tax so that her salon doesn't incur any cost on my behalf and, she is happy to help me.  And I am grateful and give her salon all of my business in addition to the referral of a dozen more faithful clients, to someone I do respect as both a great hairdresser and a decent human being.  All your other stuff about respect, etc. is certainly your own issue.  

Since I was diagnosed well over a year ago(and on my second round of treatment with lots and lots of complications), I have turned to this forum (lurking) to get both big and small tips for how to cope with treatment.  I have learned a great deal here that has made a significant difference in my interactions with my doctor and my choices, let alone the many great solutions to the awful every day things we go through on treatment.  Where else would a person be able to go to get this great concentrated resource - but to we who are doing the stuff.  To me, doing favors and helping people is part of being a human being, and I don't waste my time sitting around thinking about how many good things I have done for my friends and co-workers.  And I don't believe that what goes around, comes around.  It just wouldn't be a good life for me if I looked at things the way you do.  Certainly if people are asking too much of you or others who have responded here, it is necessary to have limits.  I am sorry you are having so many difficulties that would prompt you to write such a response.  Best wishes...........Helyn

[Galen]

Please do not assume that because I object to you counseling everyone here to ask for freebies from their hairdressers that I am having "difficulties".  That is insulting to me.
While it is nice for you that your hairdresser does not mind helping you out, I sincerely doubt she would appreciate you telling all your friends to do the same.
Not that it is any of your business, but I have a huge family I do for free and get product at my cost.  I also have friends I give discounts to and help out when they are in need.  I also volunteer my services to fundraisers such, the Susan B Komen, the spousal abuse center, and donate services and gift certificates to worthy causes throughout the year.  I also cut and style wigs for clients going through chemo.
Your hairdresser is a good friend?  Good for you. Please do not counsel others to ask me and other professionals to give stuff away.  If we choose to do so, that is our concern.

[Helyn]

Those who know me would be quite surprised that I'm not responding with how I really feel about your comments, but I feel sorry for you, and how troubled you must be.  Best wishes.  Helyn

[harley dude]

ATTENTION: DO TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES THIS POST IS NOW CLOSED!

[Indiana]

Psssttt....hey Steve.....commeere. I'm worried about you. The sides we get from these meds are many and varied. It wouldn't surprise me if one of em was that it MAY turn some folks gay. You're talking funny now....using loofa sponges and pretty smelly stuff to keep that skin soft. That's just NOT manly.

I think you need to soak yourself in motor oil now and go shave the neighbors cat and glue the fur onto your chest. Get a girly magazine and try not to look at them for how soft they look. You need intense therapy now to maintain your manhood. Even though we get too tired to use it much on tx, you will want it intact when you finish. Now get out there and "Cat- Call". Remember your roots man!

[willing]

ahh.. the care, concern and advice on this forum just makes you want to cry sometimes..don't know were we'd be without it...(good to see your posts Indiana, I was starting to worry I'd offended you with that pro-badger line).

[Indiana]

Offend ME??  HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA    That just ain't possible! If anything, I am the one who is the most likely to offend some people around here. I talk a LOT....sometimes too much. Over the years I have made some off-handed remarks about almost everything and everyone you can imagine. All in the name of fun but sometimes SOME folks might not see the jokes. I have put down every ethnic group, every state, every country, both genders,all kinds of physical attributes, and even many animals. Nothing is sacred when it comes to what I might say. The only thing is that I am NEVER mean about anything and everyone has a right to their own opinion as long as they aren't mean or hurtful. If I see something I don't like....I ignore it usually.
So, don't ever worry about offending ME.
I'm still trying to figure out if you're a guy or a gal. That name is NO help. All I know is that you like the numbers and statistics. It really doesn't matter except that I have to avoid calling you HE or SHE....so as not to offend YOU, of course.

[willing]

good to know .. you sure know how to make people laugh. I was a guy before I startex tx and, to tell the truth, am kind of hoping that doesn't change along with everything else. I picked "willing" from the Little Feat song - reminded me of tx. (my name's Alastair, 49)


I been warped by the rain, driven by the snow
I'm drunk and dirty, don't ya know,
And I'm still

Willin'.

Out on the road late at night,
I seen my pretty Alice in every head light
Alice, Dallas Alice

I've been from Tucson to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonapah
I've driven every kind of rig that's ever been made
Driven the back roads so I wouldn't get weighed
And if you give me weed, whites, and wine
And you show me a sign
I'll be willin'

To be movin'.

I've been kicked by the wind, robbed by the sleet
Had my head stoved in, but I'm still on my feet
And I'm still
Willin

Smuggled some smokes and folks from Mexico
Baked by the sun, every time I go to Mexico
And I'm still

I've been from Tucson to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonapah
Driven every kind of rig that's ever been made
Driven the back roads so I wouldn't get weighed
And if you give me weed, whites, and wine
and you show me a sign
I'll be willin'

To be movin'

[giddyup]

I often wondered if that was how you chose your name but never asked.Thanks for the lyrics and of course all of the research and posting you do.