YIKES!!! Back in the OR Monday AM!!!

[Julie Marie]

I've had three surgeries in my life, all transition related.  So, yes, I did volunteer.  And I have since avoided any further such "volunteering".

But when I had FFS a small patch of hair went into shock and didn't grow back.  I can hide it pretty easily but I know it's there.  So, while I'm waiting for the next job (employment) I figured I'd call the doc and see if he could take care of it.  (He's also a highly rated hair transplant doctor.)  There's no charge so it hasn't been money, I just didn't want to "volunteer" again.

I emailed him yesterday and he got right back and told me to make a consult appointment so he could determine how long and then we'd set up an appointment to have the work done.  No problem.  I was okay because I still had some time to mentally prepare.

I called today and set up an appointment for the consultation.  So I was okay but still a bit nervous.

Five minutes later I get a call back.  "I talked to Dr. Konior and he said why not just come in Monday morning and we'll do it then."

Me: Okay.  (thinking it was just for the consult)

"It will be the same as before.  Just show up at 6:30AM and we'll do everything then."

Me: You mean do all the work Monday?    (Julie instantly goes into panic mode)

"Yeah, he can do the consult first then go right into doing the work."

  Acting calm I said, "Ok, sure.  I'll be there first thing Monday morning." 

Now my heart's pounding and my head is spinning.  I know it's "just" hair transplants but....  Oh, I don't know...  I'm just freaking out! 

Julie   

[Janet_Girl]

But ... But ... But, isn't that what you wanted, was to have the problem taken care of?  And it is free? 

I can understand the panic mode, but you were looking to have it taken care of.   Just try to relax, Sis.  Enjoy the weekend, panic Sunday night.


Janet

[heatherrose]

From one "op" pro to another, you know everything is
going to be just fine. Just relax, breath as you would
normally and count backwards from one hund..........

[Sandy]

Do Pat and I need to come over and help Julie provide some post op support?  We're veterans at this with you...

Actually that is a serious question. 

-Sandy

[yabby]

Congratulation on the appointment.

but what does "volunteering" mean and how is related with being free?

[Sandy]

but what does "volunteering" mean and how is related with being free?

In her case it means that having this procedure (and all the others she had) was voluntary and not associated with illness or injury.

(Sorry if I spoke out of turn, Julie)

-Sandy

[juliekins]

Do Pat and I need to come over and help Julie provide some post op support?  We're veterans at this with you...

Actually that is a serious question. 

-Sandy

Don't worry Sandy, I'll take good care of nervous Nelly. This time, we're not planning on packing my office up and flying out to Montreal in a week!

This go around, she'll probably request a couple of stiff gin and tonics in place
of the Vicodin! 

She better be careful, though, I might want to steal a few of those hair grafts for myself and my problem areas! 

Julie will be fine, she'll be our hair apparent

ps. It's free because this same doctor did Julie's FFS, and the hair loss was potentially tied to the procedure that he did for her. Nice to see him handle this without any hassles or pleading.

[Ms.Behavin]

HE HE, I was going to mention something about wild hairs.  Julie you are getting so High maintenance LOL,   Don't worry Hon,  It will be a walk in the park after everything else.

Beni

[Sandy]

Take good care of our girl, Julie!  Like I have to say anything!

Pat and I wish her the best, and hope she has a quick recovery!

-Sandy

[juliekins]

Don't, Worry Sandy. Julie will use her head on Monday! 

[Julie Marie]

You two are having a little too much fun with this! 

[Janet_Girl]

We are all giggling at your wigging out about a little trip to the hair dressers.

Sorry, hon.  I could not resist. 


Janet

[Sandy]

We are all giggling at your wigging out about a little trip to the hair dressers.

Sorry, hon.  I could not resist. 


Janet

I can't top that one!!!

-Sandy

[Hannah]

I hope it goes well for you tomorrow and is quick, effective and painless...and I envy the potential vicodins, yummy!

[Ms.Behavin]

Well I hope it's a hair raising good time......Ok Ok I am soo done.  Relax Julie  Have fun.

Beni

[Janet_Girl]

Really best wishes, Julie.  We look forward to your return, in top form. Sorry.  Could not resist.  It was just off the top of my head. ^{Damn, did I type that in my outside voice.}




Janet

[heatherrose]

Damn, did I type that in my outside voice.

Umm...yes you did.

I am sure our headstrong Julie will be able to make much headway in overcoming
her case of the jitters. This is not something that she has rushed headlong into,
she is on the correct heading for this, her quest in becoming the best Julie she can be.
She has already overcome many of the headaches involved in such a heady journey.
Julie, our hats are off to you and we wish a painless and speedy recovery.

[katherine]

Hi Julie!
I was just combing through all the comments here.  Saturday Night Live doesn't have anything on these girls!  Hope all goes well today...

[Sandy]

Well, at least we're not saying:

"All's well that ends well"!

Or:

"It'll all turn out right in the end."

Or the WC Fields line:

"The time has come to grab the bull by the tail and face the situation!"

I could go on, but I think I bottomed out. 

-Sandy(This is really the end)

[Julie Marie]

Well, I'm back.  The surgery is over but it looks grim.  I probably have only a few days to live.  The doctor said it was terminal.  My funeral is already scheduled.  I'm barely able to type.  I'll have Juliekins fill everyone in on the funeral arrangements.  We knew this was a risky operation. 

Really, it was a breeze.  I think he did about 500 grafts.  I was given some Valium during the short consultation.  It kicked in during the procedure and I fell asleep.  I was probably out for an hour.

The first step was taking the donor hair.  I put my head face down on the donut.  They numbed my scalp first using a vibrator to mask the needle pain.  When he started taking the donor section I had no sensation at all, no idea what he was doing.

They told me to flip over so I guessed it was all stitched up back there.  Then they took some pics and covered my eyes.  And the work began.  I didn't even know I dozed off until I woke up.  I immediately hoped I didn't move around too much.  It was probably less than an hour from there until they were done.  The only sensation I felt was itching once in a while.  The worst part was my head was turned to one side the whole time and my neck started to stiffen up.

If anyone is interested I'll post pics and the information about pre and post op care.  At this stage I'd say anyone considering hair grafts should not be afraid of the surgery part of it.  And this comes from a big baby.  Going to the dentist for a cavity is worse.

Thanks for caring.   

Julie