I agree that it's either a design defect or an installation issue. The drain lines are wrapped with heat tape and pipe insulation, and the heat tape is working (it's warm). The drain lines are also sloped, I don't see any sections where water can pool in the lines. Based on what the technician said, I suspect the issue is where the drain line exits the heater itself. The unit is in our attic, and it does get quite cold up there. It's possible the heaters are designed to be in a more temperature-controlled environment, where they aren't exposed to sub-freezing temperatures.

The heater heater may be the best, and simplest solution. I plan to get a thermostatically controlled power outlet and a heat lamp. Although the space heater is working, if the fan fails the unit could freeze up again. With no moving parts, a heat lamp may be a better choice.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

My dad had a CT scan Friday, and it was forwarded to his doctor. No diagnosis yet.

There is one more thing I've been wanting to do for a few years, one more procedure which may help rid me of the ghost I occasionally see in the mirror. On Tuesday, I have an appointment with my primary care doctor to get medical clearance. Unless something unexpected pops up, on 7 February I'll be having a hair restoration procedure with Dr. Lam in Plano, TX.

In addition to one of our current members who mentioned him, I found photos of a good friend (I'll call her 'T') in Dr. Lam's 'before and after' gallery. I met with 'T' many times, and I never noticed any hair issues. Her 'before' photos look similar to the hair issues I have, and the 'after' photos look great! Compared to all of the other procedures I've had, this one should be easy.

I had a consultation with Dr. Lam on 10 January. He thinks one session should be enough to correct my hairline, cover the scar from my scalp advance, and increase the hair density on my crown. I expect it will be uncomfortable for a few days, but that's a small price to pay for the chance to put my ghost to rest.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

The CT scan showed a lesion. My dad is now waiting for a needle biopsy to be scheduled.

I visited my local electrologist today. Several people had canceled their scheduled sessions due to weather, so I was able to go earlier and stay a little longer. He only found a few hairs on my face and neck, and no dark ones. Most of the 1.5hr session was spent on my arms and legs.

Tomorrow is my doctor appointment for a clearance letter. I shouldn't be worried about it, but I am anxious. I will feel better once the paperwork is out of the way and my path is clear. I'm really looking forward to the procedure.

The language therapy class starts up again on Wednesday. A whole new class of students, and a few new clients. Most of the clients from the previous session are returning. The first three meetings are student orientation. I'll have to miss the third orientation session, but that is the one they don't really need me for anyway.

Susan and I received an invitation to a baby shower today, for a shower on Saturday! A little more notice would have been nice. It's for a niece we haven't seen in about two years, and she's one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Outside of Susan and our daughters, she is the first family member I came out to. Her mom won't be able to attend, so Susan and I may be the only relatives who can make it. Other than our niece, we probably won't know anyone else there. I guess we'll be doing some shopping soon.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on January 22, 2024, 07:15:29 PMThe CT scan showed a lesion.

Sending comfort while you wait...

Quote from: Moonflower on January 23, 2024, 04:20:47 PMSending comfort while you wait...

Thanks @Moonflower ! I know my dad is concerned, but he understands there isn't much anyone can do until the biopsy. He seems to be doing OK for now.

I visited my doctor this afternoon. A thirty-five mile drive (one way) through heavy rain isn't usually my idea of a good day, but it was a good day. I gave my doctor the last two boxes of estradiol patches I had stashed away (I switched to injections), and she smiled. She has several patients who can't afford HRT, so they will be 'free samples' to someone who needs them. She gave me a check-up and took an EKG, then we discussed the procedure I was planning on. She said the EKG looked good and unless something odd turned up in the blood tests, she would send the clearance to Dr. Lam on Wednesday. Only two weeks to go!

It's been raining since Monday, nearly six inches so far. At least it has warmed up to the mid-40's and most of the snow has melted. Now we just have to deal with potholes.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Fingers crossed.  My Da's plates frequently showed shadows ultimately called "artifacts."  How nerve wracking for you!  Keep us posted.

I have been a bit slow catching up on this blog and see you have been busy. I liked the memory acronyms. When I worked for a defence company WORN was mentioned a lot lol.

I hope all goes well with your dad, I have my fingers crossed and send you hugs.

Oh and the flashlights, you can never have too few of them lol

Hugs
Jessica xxx 

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on January 23, 2024, 05:11:44 PMI gave my doctor the last two boxes of estradiol patches I had stashed away (I switched to injections), and she smiled. She has several patients who can't afford HRT, so they will be 'free samples' to someone who needs them.

You are so thoughtful! That's great that she will pass them on.

Quoteshe would send the clearance to Dr. Lam on Wednesday. Only two weeks to go!

Yes!

QuoteIt's been raining since Monday, nearly six inches so far.

Wow!

Thanks D'Amalie, Jessica_K and Moonflower!

My doctor appointment on Tuesday went well. She asked what I was going to have done, and she seemed relieved that it was hair restoration. The test results came back this morning, but I realized she had not ordered a CBC test (Complete Blood Count). I didn't want to spend 90 minutes on the road to visit her office, and then I discovered that LabCorp allows you to order your own blood tests. For $29, I ordered a CBC test and set up an appointment at their local office, which was only about 10 minutes away. Hopefully I'll have the results on Monday.

One of Dr. Lam's nurses called me this morning, and she let me know that my doctor had provided everything they needed, except the CBC test and my medical history. They were going to contact her for my history, and I'll send them the results of the CBC test as soon as it's available. I also paid the remainder of the restoration fee. Unless something unexpected pops up, everything should be set for my procedure.

The speech therapy class went well. We have ten new students, and several clients are returning from last semester. I'm not sure how much help I am, but I do bring snacks for everyone! It's also nice to be in a room full of people who are all supportive of each other.

My dad will be having his biopsy sometime this next week.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

I spoke with one of Dr. Lam's nurses on Friday, and she asked about my schedule of estradiol injections. They want me to stop taking it a week before the procedure. Since the procedure is on a Wednesday, and I do my injections Wednesday night, I may not have to skip any. I got the results of my CBC test Saturday morning, and I sent it to Dr. Lam.

Saturday, Susan and I drove up to Conway AR for the baby shower. I think there were 15 women, plus the husband of the mom-to-be. The new mom is my niece (let's call her 'R'). Outside of my wife and daughters, she is the first family member I came out to. She and her husband ('B') are awesome people. They are naming the baby after my mom, and my dad is overjoyed (well, as happy as I have seen him in a really long time).

Susan and I had a great time, and I even won one of the games. They brought a roll of crepe paper around, asking everyone to guess R's waistline. They measured R's waist, and used that strip to find who guessed the closest. Most people guessed 10 - 12 inches too big, but I was exactly right! Susan was only off by an inch or so.

My dad will be having a biopsy Tuesday morning, but it may be a few days before we get the result.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

It required a few emails and phone calls, but Dr. Lam finally has all of the required paperwork. Now I can relax a bit.

I do feel a bit guilty though. It seems quite a few of the steps I've taken have occurred close to Susan's birthday, so events in my life seem to overshadow hers. We will be on the way home from my procedure on Susan's birthday, and it will probably be a week or two before I'll feel comfortable going out to dinner. I guess we'll need to celebrate a little early this year.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

I have caught up with your story too, Jessica.

That's very cheap for a blood test. Last private one I had (E and T) cost £50 and I had to get someone to draw it or it was another £49. Luckily I have a nurse in the family and they did it.

Great news about the baby shower and it sounded like a fun party.

Yes do make sure your lovely wife gets some pampering on her birthday even if it's a week early. Hugs to both of you..

Hugs
Xxx

Thanks for dropping by @Jessica_K ! That fee was for a CBC test (Complete Blood Count), their hormone tests are $69 each. The prices include drawing, that is something I would never try at home!

No word yet on my dad's biopsy.

At our last speech therapy class, our instructor said they were going to try to have a guest speaker for one of our sessions -- Miss Major. She was an active participant at Stonewall, and is still a staunch transgender advocate. She lives in Little Rock. I can't give her the space she deserves in a short post, so do a quick search if you want to learn more.

I knew it would happen eventually. This last Wednesday, I tried a slightly different spot for my weekly estradiol injection. I didn't look closely enough and pierced a vein. I didn't notice it until I pulled the needle out. I had a tissue handy, and I didn't make too much of a mess. I now have a bruise to remind me to be more careful next time.

Susan and I are packing today. Tomorrow morning we will be heading to the Dallas, TX area (Plano) for my hair restoration on Wednesday. I have a pre-op Tuesday, the procedure will be all day Wednesday, and post-up Thursday. We plan to return home on Friday. I bought a large, soft, floppy hat to help hide my hairline for a while, and I have a warm hooded jacket I can also use. I expect I'll be a bit of a hermit for the first 7 - 10 days after the procedure, after that I should be a bit more presentable.

There are two main types of restoration procedures. There are pros and cons to each version, I will have FUT:
FUE: Follicle Unit Extraction. Individual follicle units (usually 1 - 4 hairs) are removed from the donor area using a punch tool, then implanted in the recipient area.

FUT: Follicle Unit Transplantation. Under sedation, a strip of scalp is harvested from the back of your head and the wound is stitched closed. The follicle units are removed from the strip using dissection, then transplanted to the recipient area.

The FUE procedure often requires having your hair cut exceptionally short. With the FUT procedure, only hair in the donor area is trimmed. The transplanted hair often sheds within the first 3-6 weeks, with new hair growth starting 3-4 months after the procedure. Patience is definitely required.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Susan and I arrived safely at our hotel around 2:00pm. After unpacking, we drove to a local mall for a bit of shopping before having supper at Maggiano's Little Italy. Susan had pasta with mushrooms, and I had some lasagna. The food and service were excellent. Once we got back to the car, it began complaining that the battery in my key fob was low, so we stopped by Target to get a fresh battery before heading back to our hotel.

We did hear from my dad today, and it was not good news. His biopsy indicated cancer, he was hoping for 'squamous cell' because that one is treatable. Unfortunately, it was not squamous cell. They are planning to do a PET scan next week which should provide more details.

My pre-op appointment is Tuesday morning. If all goes well, Susan and I will be having supper with Sara tomorrow evening. We're really looking forward to meeting another member of the Susan's Place family!

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on February 05, 2024, 08:39:23 PMSusan and I arrived safely at our hotel around 2:00pm. After unpacking, we drove to a local mall for a bit of shopping before having supper at Maggiano's Little Italy. Susan had pasta with mushrooms, and I had some lasagna. The food and service were excellent. Once we got back to the car, it began complaining that the battery in my key fob was low, so we stopped by Target to get a fresh battery before heading back to our hotel.

We did hear from my dad today, and it was not good news. His biopsy indicated cancer, he was hoping for 'squamous cell' because that one is treatable. Unfortunately, it was not squamous cell. They are planning to do a PET scan next week which should provide more details.

My pre-op appointment is Tuesday morning. If all goes well, Susan and I will be having supper with Sara tomorrow evening. We're really looking forward to meeting another member of the Susan's Place family!

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Wishing you the best outcome on both threads!

Sending warm wishes for a healthy recovery for you dad Jessica Rose!

Warm hugs!
Donica

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on February 05, 2024, 08:39:23 PMWe did hear from my dad today, and it was not good news. His biopsy indicated cancer, he was hoping for 'squamous cell' because that one is treatable. Unfortunately, it was not squamous cell.

I'm really sorry to hear that, Jessica.  I'm hoping for the best.

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on February 05, 2024, 08:39:23 PMMy pre-op appointment is Tuesday morning. If all goes well, Susan and I will be having supper with Sara tomorrow evening. We're really looking forward to meeting another member of the Susan's Place family!

I'm looking forward to it!  See you soon!

~Sara

Thanks D'Amalie. Donica and TXSara!

I know my dad is very concerned and frightened about his future right now. Susan and I are trying to give him as much support as we can. We plan to visit him again on 17 - 18 Feb.

My pre-op went well. Dr. Lam thinks he can meet my goals with a single procedure, but he said there is a chance I may need a second visit. Apparently I'll get a lunch break while they prepare the donor follicles. I already put my order in for lunch tomorrow, a sandwich from jimmyjohn's. I'm not looking forward to being a hermit for a week or two, but I am looking forward to a more feminine hairline.

Susan and I met with TXSara for supper today! It was awesome finally meeting her in person. We talked for about two hours, and somehow still found time to eat. There's always so much ground to cover when meeting a new old friend. I wish we could have stayed longer, but we were all getting tired, and I have some prep to do for tomorrow. I don't want to spill any secrets, so I'll let Sara fill in the blanks if she wants to.

I need to arrive at Dr. Lam's office at 6:30am. There isn't much traffic at that time of the morning, and the office is less than a mile from our hotel. Surgery is scheduled to start around 7:30am.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on February 06, 2024, 08:53:24 PMThanks D'Amalie. Donica and TXSara!

I know my dad is very concerned and frightened about his future right now. Susan and I are trying to give him as much support as we can. We plan to visit him again on 17 - 18 Feb.

My pre-op went well. Dr. Lam thinks he can meet my goals with a single procedure, but he said there is a chance I may need a second visit. Apparently I'll get a lunch break while they prepare the donor follicles. I already put my order in for lunch tomorrow, a sandwich from jimmyjohn's. I'm not looking forward to being a hermit for a week or two, but I am looking forward to a more feminine hairline.

Susan and I met with TXSara for supper today! It was awesome finally meeting her in person. We talked for about two hours, and somehow still found time to eat. There's always so much ground to cover when meeting a new old friend. I wish we could have stayed longer, but we were all getting tired, and I have some prep to do for tomorrow. I don't want to spill any secrets, so I'll let Sara fill in the blanks if she wants to.

I need to arrive at Dr. Lam's office at 6:30am. There isn't much traffic at that time of the morning, and the office is less than a mile from our hotel. Surgery is scheduled to start around 7:30am.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Jess,


I hope all goes well for you tomorrow, and for your father.

Christine

Thanks Christine.

I didn't sleep well last night, there were too many noises. I got out of bed around 4:00am, showered with Hibiclens and washed my hair with it both last night and this morning. After the nurses let me in, Susan went back to the hotel. It took a few tries to get the IV inserted, but after that I was fast asleep. Later, the nurses told me that I was giving them encouragement while I was asleep, telling them that I was fine and they were doing great. I woke up around 12:30pm for lunch, and I was quite hungry, no nausea at all.

After lunch I received a few more pills, and soon I was asleep once again. I woke up occasionally to ask how things were going, and the response was always 'everything is going great'. They finished up around 6:00pm and gave me another set of aftercare instructions. Next we visited the local Walgreens to pick up my prescriptions -- Tramadol and MethylPerdnisolone, then we went back to the hotel.

So far all is well, still no nausea. Just some slight discomfort on the back of my head. I'm really glad I bought that hoodie, my scalp looks quite scary right now (a little like Jadzia Dax from Deep Space 9). If all the bloody spots turn into hair, then I will be really happy. I'll post some photos when I get home on Friday (maybe Saturday).

Love Always -- Jessica Rose