stephbg | Testing testing (Reply)

Too tired for the multimedia extravaganza this should be, but hopefully I'll get the basics.

On Friday I took my little hair testing kit, set up the rather clever cardboard scales, read the instructions many times, filled out all the paperwork, then reluctantly took scissors to scalp. I had to collect enough 1 inch sections of near-root growth to tip the little scales, which measured approximately 0.25g. With long hair this meant that most of what I cut would be going to waste.

I carefully sectioned out a small lock from the back of my neck, and cut it at the roots. I then cut the inch at the end on to the little scale. Nothing happened. Repeat, about a dozen times in various spots behind my ears and along my nape. It seemed to take a very long time before the scale tipped, and there was a huge pile of completely wasted hair. Curse the spindly stuff.

There are photos here (waste) and here (final deliverable).

Finished all the labelling and filling and posted it off mid afternoon on Friday where it should arrive in Brisbane before the weekly courier run to the US on Wednesday, where it will take about 2 weeks to see what they can see. I certainly hope they find something useful (i.e. actionable) because I'm going to have to deal with a dozen odd bits of regrowth for many years to come. Unless I do a fund-raising shave in the meantime.

Today Husband took me to West Perth to get a pile o' bloods done. They were able to collect 9-10 vials of my sap for all but one of the tests. Dr NF had said that no prep was required for any of the tests, but one required fasting so it couldn't be done today. Thank heavens that last one can be done at my local collection centre as I didn't fancy another trip into West Perth. It's a 10-12 hour fast (water only, take meds), so I've decided to eat something at midnight and go in at 10am-12pm tomorrow and avoid the crowds of people who've fasted at more sensible times overnight. Also to avoid the school morning rush hour, which creates a small pocket of mayhem between myself and doctor every day. All those stressed Mums in giant 4WDs, no thanks.

Not very exciting, sorry.