Hair Loss

[pjxak]

To all you veterans of treatment out there especially those with hypothyroidism - Okay, I'm starting to freak out.  When does the hair loss stop?  I've been off treatment now for two months and it's hasn't let up yet!  I've already thinned to about half of what I had.  I'm guessing the problem is compounded by the hypothyroidism.  I've been on Armour Thyroid for that for only a week and a half and I know it takes a couple of months for the TSH levels to normalize but I hope it's not two more months for the hair loss to stop. PJ

Use for other posts too.

[lookin-up]

pjxak, I don't have an answer for your hairloss/thyroid question, and I'm so sorry you have to go thru this, but I would like to encourage you about the hair loss.  Having been thru chemo for breast cancer 3 years ago I had to make the choice to 'have fun' with it, or be sad. Wellllll,  I AM NOT MY HAIR!!!  I was on a mission to find 2 kinds of hats - funky/fun, and then a few to match my church clothes.  Well, I'm on week 14 now with Hep C, so I havn't lost hair yet, and altho I don't want to go thru it again,  I'm first preparing my attitude, then if needed, will dust off the hats.  They can be fun, and people just think you're being "artsy", and if you need any hair-tricks, lemme know!!   I will pray for you.


GOOD NEWS!!!! - Monday, the Dr. used the word UNDETECTABLE!!!!!!!                                        Whatta beautiful word!  

Have y'all seen the irritating commercial that keeps stating "I've lowered my cholesteral"?  Well --- that's me - "I'm UNDETECTABLE" ---"I'm UNDETECTABLE!!!!"

34 more to go, and I can DO it and God is good!!!!!
Just-a lookin' up---
Penny

[scruffy]

Things are definitely lookin-up. congratulations and do a little dance!

[jamit_a]

Great news :-) congratz to you!

God bless,

Jamit_a

[pjxak]

First --- oh happy day! You are UNDETECTABLE!!!  I'm thrilled for you and can understand totally your joy.  How sweet it is to hear those words.  

And thanks for the pep talk.  I really do understand and practice `lookin-up'.  I just got frustrated when I looked into the sink today and noticed I'm still losing a lot more hair than I normally would.  I've been very lucky I don't have a lot of other problems. I have a loving, supportive husband and a great family and I count my blessings every day.  Didn't mean to sound whiney, just wondering when the hair loss generally stops.  My husband suggested I get into wearing hats too. Maybe I'll just do that, hair or no hair.  

Prayers to you too for a side-free and successful treatment.
PJ

[baby4cakes]

GREAT NEWS UNDETECTABLE.I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU.I DID SHOT # 2 TODAY I FEEL OK 46 MORE TO GO.I HOPE TO BE USING THAT GREAT WORD UNDETECTABLE SOMEDAY.AS FAR AS THE HAIR THING I LOST MY MOTHER TO LUNG CANCER SHE LOST HER HAIR (THINNING)SHE WENT OUT WITH IT JUST LIKE THAT SHE EVEN HAD IT CUT ALL OFF SO IT WOULD BE EVEN. WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY NOBODY PAYS YOUR BILLS NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO SAY A WORD. YOU DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. NOT JANE NEXT DOOR OR JOE DOWN THE STREET DO YOU GET WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY.
  
                  GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU
                            ROSE

[Tallblonde]

I love your positive atttitude, Penny.  Congratulations on your great news!

Susan

[meandhepc]

Congrats to you !!!!!!!
I tip my dusty Ol' hat to you !!!

[LvdByGod]

CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LIKE MUSIC TO THE EAR. SANDI

[layla]

Penny, Congrats. Great news. Hope it's smooth sailing now.

PJ. My friends took drugs for hypothyriodism and lost some of her hair but it's growing back now after about 6 months. I was losing mine at the same time , what a pair we were. lol LL

[lackalustre]

im nearly 3 months post tx. and the hair loss seems to about stopping. it should lessen more and more for u.  i had a hair cut last week and the beautician said when she was cutting my hair in the back  said there are many new "shoots" of new hair coming out -all about the same length.  i figure i lost nearly half my hair. fortunately i had a lot to start with.  but its different having such thin hair. was especially hard hit on the sides and crown area.  ha thats where men seem to go bald too.  i only did 7 months of tx.  so i may have lost more if i had gone longer like many of u.

congratulations on the undetectable virus.  that is such a good feeling to progress to 0 virus.  i remember the good news.

[britgirl]

I don't want to be discouraging, but I finished tx well over a year ago and my hair is still about half what I used to have. I have been told this is not so much due to the tx but to the hypothyroidism it caused. I take 75 mg of thyroxine (synthroid) a day, have tried acupuncture, natural gels, I take loads of Vitamin E and B but have had no luck so far. Actually, I have given up! People said the hair would grow back when I was on the right dose of thyroxine, but it hasn't.  I am just pleased that the tx worked.... i would have been one very fed up person otherwise!

[LVLADY]

pjxak:
sorry to hear about your hair loss and it not coming back.  I've been off tx for about 5 months now and it seems to be getting better but I just found out that the dragon also came back so I will probably be going on tx again after the holidays.  It may be hats for me although I've never looked good in hats, guess it's better than a bad hair day!!!

Penny,
Congratulations and undetectable!!  That is terrific news, it make all the stuff you go through worth it.  Continued good luck with everything and I would love to hear some of your info on what to do with hair loss etc and how to deal with it.

In His Hands,
Linda

[cindee]

Sorry to jump in here....but I have a ?????  I did shot 48 oct 31, last friday and since Monday I have had some horrilbe stomach pains....feels really tight and like it's gonna explode. I have also diaherra and some throwing up. I am coming off pain meds...and (klonapin gradually). Do you guys think this is just all the meds coming ouuta me? I only have 5 more caps to take tomorrow...but is it doing any good if it's all coming back "UP" or "OUT"? I just can't wait till I start feeling better. I know, I know, I"M almost there....but GEEEEEEZZZZZZZ LOUISE!!!!!!!! I must have to admit...I'm totally exhausted....I do see my shrink tomorrow...so maybe she can give me some insight. PRAYERS TO pjak and EVERYONE!!!! ~Cindee~

[jonihs]

Does anyone have info on using Rogaine w/ tx. to try to avoid hairloss. I've heard that monoxidal (the main ingredient) may be a carsonigenic. Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks, Joni

[dheana]

I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling bad, I wish you all the best and let us know about you.
I didn't have quite a good day today, crying and crying and feeling sorry for myself...You know the story.
But we'll get at the point when we'll think at this treatment as a bad memory.
Dheana

[MajNeni]

AD2:  I do think all the meds accumulated in you and you are having one last bash together.  Taking the last pills, even if they come up, is like your last punch at the dragon.  Drink a lot to replace the fluids. Try to eat bland stuff; bananas, apple sauce, plain toast, tea, jello...  and if the stomach problems don't settle down, see the doc in a couple of days.
I get like that if I'm stressed... and believe it or not, coming off tx - wonderful as it is - is still a lot of stress.  Your body has to readjust, but that starts after your current doses wear off; your body won't start to realize you're off until the day after tomorrow!  "WHOA!  What is this?  No shot? No pills?  Let's check this out.  Hey, this is cool.  OK, AD2, maybe today we'll be a little less crazy..."

Dheanna, keep checking in, so we know you mean it about the invite to the dragon BBQ!  Are you on the South Island or the North?  I wish our government thought more like yours!  Enjoy the spring.

Maj Neni

[cindee]

Well I did go to the doctor...my shrink today....she says it's probably coming off the pain med. I cried alot this morning too. I really didn't know a Dr. would put you on up to 60 mg. of lortab, then lower it to four 40 mg. and then just take it away the last day of tx? no more pain pills....I'm really glad to get off them! But I somehow thought it wouldn't be so suddenly. Dr. told me to drink plenty of fluids HAHAHA!!!!BEEN DO'IN THAT FOR 48 WKS.!!!! WELL ENOUGH WHINING......."ready for the DANCE"?......DRUM ROLL PLEASE................. TA DA TA DA ..TA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA !!!!! Wouldn't Gene Kelly be proud??????? Well you good people hang in there ...I'll let ya know how I'm feeling....YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING....... ~Cindee~

[cindee]

So I guess ya saw my dance??????? It's almost midnight and I am feeling better than earlier today. First time I ever called hubby home from work in 48wks...so he could drive me an hour to my dr. Really glad I only had to do 48wks. I think the reason you feel so bad in the end...is that you're just so DAMN TIRED...sick n tired of being sick n tired!!!!!! But I'm done..need to change my name huh?    Take care prayers with us all. ~Cindee~

[MajNeni]

I saw your dance, alright!  That was some costume you were wearing... good thing we're only reading words here...
I hope the rumblies have tamed down, and you are now on your way to getting this... this... stuff out of your system.
Maj Neni

[berlynn]

The nurse in my GI's office reccommended Nioxin. I started using it before tx. I'm 21/48 and no loss so far, quick, knock on wood!!!!! I have heard others on this site mention Nioxin as well. Give it a try and Goood Luck!!!!


AllmostDone2,
Hang in there!!! Your words of wisdom and experience have been a great help to many, especially myself.  Please keep in touch and let us know how things are going. It really helps to know what's on the other side of the mountain.  God Bless and stay in touch:)
berlynn

[cindee]

Hi family!!! It's fri @ eyedeas has done it again w/ another great fight song. I am day 8....done w/ tx. Thanx for the kind words. I really haven't felt that good....got some energy about 4th day if I remember rite....saw GP yesterday re-ck on upper res. infection...had to treat it for 8wks, but it's gone! Then saw liver dr. last appt. till May @ my 6 months blood test. I KNOW THE DRAGON IS DEAD.....cuz' it's coming outta me!!!!! I know, I know, TOO MUCH INFO but hey what is family for? lol. Liver dr. says things are great and I had 16million v.load @ geno 1 a.  I only think I missed 3pills the whole 48 wks. (I think.... who knows...w/ the brain fog)!!!! But all in all I am getting some strength back each day. Berlynn I hope you are doin' well. You're exactly rite.....THIS IS THE BEST PLACE TO COME TO KEEP YA GOIN'.  Wouldn't it be great if some of the Pharmacy co.'s would have this huge get together on hep c and everybody could meet??????  That would be so cool!!! I just can't say enough times how much everybody here has been such an inspiration to me and kept me goin' when I wanted to quit. Never thought I could ever 'SLAY A DRAGON'.....but I know I have!!!! THANKS EVERYBODY OUT THERE!!!!!MUCH LOVE & MANY PRAYERS!!!~Cindee~

[hellokitty91]

I'm new. I just found out I am Hep C positive. I'm a single mom of 2 small kids, with no family really to  help. They kids are 7 and 11 and I already told them they might need to help mom out if I get really sick. I haven't started treatment yet because I haven't been able to afford the CT Scan my doc wants me to get to see my liver. Anyways, once I get it all straight, ( I do have insurance) and make sure I can cover it..I got some Q's.
I'm just so worried about losing my hair. I dunno why...I have very thin hair already and I'm worried about that, and I'm worried about how sick I will get and wonder if it's possible to take care of kids while on treatment. Any advice? Will I be so sick that I can't even work ? I'm freaking out.

[nygirl7]

"I really didn't know a Dr. would put you on up to 60 mg. of lortab, then lower it to four 40 mg. and then just take it away the last day of tx?"

I'm sorry you are going through this - I know from experience how painful withdrawl can be and I do not wish anyone to ever have to go through it. I was on very heavy med and then one day the doc said "I dont think you need them any longer" - after MONTHS and MONTHS...it was horrible.


Anyway - yes I have hypothyroid from treatment myself.  Started out hyper and then switched over which is most common.  Once the thyroid went my hair came out in buckets. It got so bad I lost about 75 - 80% and I went out and got some wigs from ebay...they weren't all that comfortable but they helped me feel better about MYSELF.

I've been cured of the hcv for almost two years after treating for 72 weeks.  It took a little while for my hair to start growing back but once it did it went crazy and grew like a weed.  It's not about ten inches down my back and filled out. It's not the healthiest hair (because of course I had to start bleaching it again I was so excited to HAVE it I went crazy) but it's thick and getting quite long.

I take SYNTHROID for the hypo - it's done a great job of keeping my numbers right in the perfect range.  I figure it a trade off for getting SVR...

[portann]

Hi HelloKitty,  

I was also freaking out when I found out fourteen years ago but, as hard as it is for you to believe this minute, I eventually put it all on the backburner and didn't think about HCV very much, except for monitoring my liver.

The liver is the biggie here because the virus interacts with and damages it. That said, most people die of other things rather than HCV. So what is crucial is to find out how healthy your liver is now as a result of the virus, which can be done best with a liver biopsy. Then you'll know where you stand and if you even have to rush into treatment. Better treatments may be around the corner.

I wonder why you're not getting a liver biopsy but a scan?  It's painless for most people and is the one test that will tell you how pressing it is to start treatment.

Some of the new trials are showing very promising results for better cure rates and shorter treatment times.

About working on treatment - some people do and some people don't. It could depend on  how you personally react to the medications and the type of job, since a physical one seems tough, although there are people who even do that. There's one woman in this forum I know about who has a physical job and completed treatment.

The old 'hair' thread you brought up is from 2003, so you can see the topic of hair loss is a continuing one. Most women care a lot about their hair. The associated hair thinning  with the HCV drugs is not drastic, like in chemotherapy for cancer.  People on HCV treatment lose hair differently, if at all. I'm four months into treatment and although it's thinned, so far nobody notices except me. I know some people treating lose tons of hair but it eventually grows back. I sure wouldn't like to lose any more but honestly, and speaking as someone whose best feature is her hair, once you're this far into treatment, it doesn't have the same importance, since life really looks different from this side.

It's great that you have insurance to cover the medication. For me, though, a biopsy would be my priority. If I couldn't have one, I wouldn't agree to simply pop the pills in the absence of knowing if my liver might be healthy enough to wait. This would provide you a window to consider your options.