new thread
Hi everyone,
Thought I would make this a dual-purpose post. First of all, Jason changed my avatar photo. Looks like some progress has been made! Secondly, I went to a Urology appointment at my local VA hospital today. I saw about 5 long haired guys of all different lengths. Made my day for sure! One guy even had a feather adorned ponytail holder. A great day all around!
Off topic: I am trying to get the Urologist to remove my other kidney since it has taken over my whole abdomen. It is causing many problems and much discomfort. I am not looking forward to the recovery process, but it makes me feel so much better! Here's to good health for you all! Please be well! And don't forget to notice the new avatar pic please!
Ted
Hey Ted, as of this post, I still see your old avatar, looking forward to the new one!
Wishing and praying for a good recovery for you..
Take Care! The Spaf Man
Hi Spaf Man,
Thanks so kindly for the well wishes my friend! I will get through it and come out just fine I know! About the avatar pic...I realized the page has to be refreshed to see it. Thanks for suggesting I update it!
Ted
Great looking hair, Ted, and it's getting LONG!
Bill
Hi Bill,
Thanks so much for your very kind words my friend! As they say, I'm moving up in the world! Or maybe that should be down! Also, thanks a bunch for your contributions to this awesome site! Be well my friend!
Ted
Hi Ted,
Love the new avatar, which I was able to see by refreshing the page.Looks so different from the older one it replaced:)
As for the current state of your health I wish you the very best in achieving a full recovery and a normal life again.Keeping the faith my friend. ;)Cheers
Mârk
Your hair is looking great. You do have to refresh the page to
see the new avatar.
Hi LHIA,
Thanks very much for the kind words my friend! With the inspiration of everyone here I shall attain my minimum waist-length goal! Please be well!
Ted
Hi Mark,
I really appreciate your very kind remarks my friend! You are correct, it looks much different now! Can't believe I have come this far! How could I not with all the inspiration here? My goal still remains waist length. At least 2 years out I'm sure.
Yes, I have full faith and confidence I will return to good health one day! Hopefully I can get a kidney transplant within 5 years or so. Thanks so much for keeping the faith! Means a lot to me my friend! Please be well!
Ted
Wow you have made progress! You should be able to do a decent
ponytail now.
I wish you the best of luck with your health!
Hi MG,
Thank you so kindly for the very nice comments my friend! Yes, I can make a fairly nice tail now. It's still not thick enough to the ends though. But at least I can keep it under control until it all sits behind the shoulders. That will be a happy day for me! I do appreciate the concern for my health! I will conquer these bumps in the road! Please be well!
Ted
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Wow, thats a difference.
Your hair frames your face very well, it's definitely an inspiration, keep growing and (in your case literally) flowing.
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I wish you all the best for your health, some day you'll look back and tell a story about what you've been through.
Stay positive and everything will be fine.
- Christian
Hi Christian,
I thank you kindly for your very nice comments my friend! I am definitely enjoying the journey! It is interesting how my hair stays more to the sides instead of falling forward. But it always does that when I don't want it to! I'm wondering what it will be like at waist length.
As far as the health issues, I see no other way to be but positive! We have to just take things one day at a time and it makes it easier. But it definitely makes life interesting sometimes! Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
Great pic, You hair is supreme, The wave it carries is wonderful and indeed, it frames your hair wonderfully
I wish you well on the health issues. take care and stay strong. You have support, here and elsewhere.
Hi Jason,
I much appreciate your very nice remarks my friend! I am getting happier with it the longer it grows! I just have to break that sitting on the shoulders point! Sometimes I don't like the wave so much. But it does add some character I must say! You do know I draw much inspiration from your hair which I admire!
Yes, I will just keep plugging along with my health. It can be worked with as long as I stay positive! I do know the members here support me in my fight. Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
Congratulations on the new avatar....lookin' goodw
Prayers go with you on your medical issues......Take Care
Walter
Hi Walter,
Thanks so much for your very kind words my friend! I am having fun on the longhair journey! Slowly but surely getting there!
Your prayers are certainly appreciated! I shall prevail over these minor setbacks and get back to normal! Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
Hi Ted,
Well, you were definitely due for an avatar update. It's cool to see the amount of progress between the photos.
I'm sorry to hear that you're also suffering problems with your other remaining kidney and that you feel its removal will actually help you. It must be tough to be patient while waiting for the kidney transplant. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time and I look forward to celebrating your return to good health once the transplant is complete.
Best,
Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you kindly for your very nice comments my friend! I can't believe how much progress I have made! I just can't wait to get all of the hair to lay behind my shoulders! But I am happy with it so far. Of course, your hair has always been a major inspiration to me!
My health continues to challenge me sometimes. I have been on dialysis going on 3 years now. I have been to Nashville twice to be evaluated to stay on the transplant list. The VA considers me an ideal candidate for a transplant. But yes, the Urologist told me I should have the remaining kidney removed so it doesn't cause any more issues. It is no longer functioning. Waiting for a transplant requires much patience-like growing hair! Your thoughts are truly heartfelt and appreciated! Please be well!
Ted
Dear Ted,
Please be assured of my prayers and good wishes, so that you get a new kidney as soon as possible and regain your full health.
Anthony
* * *
Hi Anthony,
I must apologize for my late reply! I truly thank you for your prayers and wishes for my health! I know with all my friends praying for me I will prevail over my issues! I do believe life is also what we make of it. Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
I'm sorry when I read that you're having kidney problems. Mine got damaged during an autoimmune condition I had for several years beginning in 2006, but now finally going into remission. So far my kidneys are functioning but the lab reports say not that well. I don't feel anything different from it though. I saw my kidney doctor today. He said so far it's been stable, though performance may gradually decline as I get older. One good bit of news; he took me off blood pressure meds because the high blood pressure I got in 2006 has finally gone away. I'm always happy to go off a med!
The autoimmune condition left me with several systems weakened. I walked the three miles home from the doctor's today. Ten years ago I could have done in in an hour. It took me closer to two. But it was a beautiful day, and I am happy to still be here!
Wishing you the best,
Bill
Hi Bill,
I apologize for my late reply! I sure hope you stay well and do not have any more issues arise! Just keep an eye on that blood work. My disease is Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The cysts begin forming on the kidneys as an infant. I did not notice discomfort until 2009 (age 43). I went to the kidney doctor and she ordered an ultrasound. This confirmed the disease. She said my kidneys looked like Swiss cheese.
So I started going to the VA where the Urologist suggested I have the kidneys removed. They only removed one because the right one was tangled with the arteries and such. As soon as they removed the kidney, I was placed on dialysis 3 days a week. Of course, before the kidney was removed, I was prepared for dialysis with an access in my arm and a catheter in my chest. they use the catheter until the access is matured enough to handle the blood flow of the dialysis machine.
I am very happy to hear you are off the B.P. meds! You are correct! Always great to stop a med! I am also happy to hear you can still do that damn walk! Every day is a gift-that's why we call it the present! And heck yeah, I am overjoyed you're still here! There is a reason my friend! And I absolutely wish you continued good health my friend! And thanks very much for your well wishes!
Ted
Hi Ted,
Good idea on updating the avatar photo, since it now shows the real longhair that you've become.
I think of your struggles with kidney disease and the thrown-around acronym, YOLO (i.e. you only live once). Facing a mortal threat as you have makes that very real.
Chris
Hi Chris,
My apologies for the late reply! I really do appreciate your very kind words my friend! I am enjoying the growing journey, but can't wait to get to waist length!
Yes, serious health issues force us to put things into perspective! I live each day differently now that's for sure! But I try not to let it bother me too much. Sometimes I even forget I have to go to dialysis! I assure you I always come to my senses though! Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
Hi Ted,
Yes, you are making progress, wonderful progress in fact, and cheers on the new avatar!
Naturally, I am sorry about the kidney and health issues, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take care,
David
Hi David,
My apologies to you for the late reply! Thanks so much for your very kind remarks my friend! Slowly but surely I am getting some decent length. Patience brings great things!
Your thoughts and prayers are truly appreciated! I will prevail over these trials! I see no other way to look at it! Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
Hey Ted, I noticed this yesterday and it is a huge difference! Congrats!
Hopefully your name will be called on the list soon! Positivity is great medicine though, keep it up.
-Tommy
Hi Tommy,
I apologize for the late reply! Yes, I must say it is a huge difference! I didn't realize it until I compared them! Thanks a bunch for the very nice compliments my friend!
Thanks also for the good wishes for my health! You are absolutely correct about positivity! I really don't have room in my life for such stuff! Every day is a gift-that's why we call it the present! Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
Hi Ted :-)
Amazing and yes, progress indeed. How absolutely wonderful that your hair is now this length and it is looking great! More Men with long hair around my area as well.
Indeed, my heart goes out to you about the medical condition and I am so sorry. I am also very much furious at the fact that we live in a country that spends so much on weapons of mass destruction when 90% of that money could have been, and should have been used for medical research to enrich peoples lives rather than to take peoples lives. How about just staying home and helping to tend to our own for a change.
My best to you Ted and take care-
Justin~
Hi Justin,
My apologies for the late reply! I am very happy with my progress so far! Being patient has served me well! I do really appreciate your very kind compliments my friend! Seeing other guys with long hair surely keeps me inspired!
I can only say that I concur with your comments wholeheartedly! It is truly amazing how things work, isn't it? I have never been a fan of taking lives. I just keep the faith that goods things are in store for me and everyone else waiting for a transplant. Life is good! Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
I'm sorry about your health issue. We can only hope that things get better. Thanks for the good wishes. Right back at you.
Also, awesome new avatar photo.
Hi Michail,
I apologize for the late reply! Thanks so much for your very kind words my friend! I will get through the health issues slowly but surely! I try not to let these things interfere with my life too much. Yes, the new avatar photo is so different from the old one! Can't believe I have grown so much! Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
Congratulations on the updated avatar pic... it looks great and it is great to see it - you have "arrived" man! Every day with the hair it seems to get better and now for you that awkward stage is distant memory.
I'm sorry to hear of your health struggles and need for a transplant. I know this must be a great worry and struggle for you.
My thoughts are with you - I will say a prayer for you.
Fitz
Hi Fitz,
My apologies for the late reply! Thanks so much for your very nice comments my friend! I must say I am very satisfied with my hair so far! I just wish it would all sit behind my shoulders!
Your thoughts and prayers are truly appreciated! I will prevail over my issues and keep on going! Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
Looks superb, Ted!
You've made great progress since you first appeared here.
Godspeed to a better situation with your kidney.
- Oren
Hi Oren,
I apologize for the delayed reply! I do really appreciate your very kind remarks my friend! With the help of the MLHH I am making some great progress towards my goal! Probably about 3-5 years out for a kidney transplant. Thanks for your well wishes and you please be well!
Ted
Hi Teddy = 1stly: I absolutely love your new avatar pic. = wonderful progress & a wonderful smile...
2ndly: it pains me greatly that you are suffering so: many prayers for your healing & recovery ... hugs CEM. :)
Hi CEM,
My apologies for the late reply! I do truly thank you for the very kind words my friend! I thought the latest pic was the best for the new avatar. It's looking very good now and I am happy with it. I used to have a childhood friend who always told me I had "a mouth full of teeth". What's not to smile about?:)
Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated! I have faith that the Good Lord above shall carry me through my trials. Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
Ted, even if you had not said a word about your new avatar pic, I would have noticed -- it's THAT obvious, your hair has grown by leaps & bounds!!! (In fact, your hair is almost falling off the page!)
Lookin' hood there, you are most definitely one EXCELLENT hair farmer!
So sorry to hear about your kidney problems; but hopefully your Dr. will have you back to good health in no time.
Take care -- and keep on with your Hair Farmer's Almanac (LOL)!!
- Ken
Hi Ken,
Thank you so kindly for your very nice compliments my friend! I think i'm finally becoming an accomplished hair farmer! This journey is becoming more and more fun the longer it gets! My first goal length remains waist. When I get there I will be definitely satisfied! Needless to say, your hair always inspires me to keep going! Very nice to see you post again! I always enjoy reading your posts!
As far as my health, I am just taking it day by day. After all, much of life is how we perceive and make it. I can either be pessimistic or optimistic! I take pride in being an optimist! Yes, the VA doctors sent me a notice today informing me to be prepared for surgery on February 27. I will be much better off after kidney is removed. Thanks again for your concern and please be well!
Ted
nice progress
Hi Qiang,
Thanks for your kind words my friend! I am getting there slowly but surely! Hopefully my hair looks as good as yours! Please be well!
Ted
Ted,
Great to see your hair progressing so nicely. I hope things work out with your kidney. PLease keep us posted. I'm still alive and growing, just been so busy I've mainly lurked here.
Tony
Hi Tony,
Thanks so much for your very kind words my friend! I am happy so far with my progress. My first goal is waist length. I will feel much better after the removal of my kidney. It is just taking over my whole abdomen and causing much discomfort. Will keep you updated though. Very glad to hear you're still lurking here even though you are busy! Thanks again and please be well!
Ted
