Donating My Hair

The other day I got a well needed haircut. It was a couple inches past my elbows. The last time I got it cut was almost a year to date. Last year, I wrote a post that said that I was going to get 10 inches cut off and donate it to locks of love. It was down to my elbows at that time. Although I ended up just getting 4 ½ inches cut off. This time I got 10 inches cut off and have yet to send it in to locks of love. It will be my fourth time doing it.

The last few times I’ve donated it, my hair afterwards was above my shoulders. This time, my hair was so long that it’s still shortly below my shoulders. It’s so thick and healthy now! It always seems so short once I get it cut, but my hair grows so fast. I always need to remind myself that it’s just hair and it will grow. Also, that I am doing it for a good cause.

Alopecia areata, cancer radiation therapy and severe burns are just some of the reasons why someone could lose their hair. And hair loss is not just a cosmetic concern-it can also seriously affect someone’s mental health. Hair donation gives people a chance of high quality, free, natural hair wig for free. It can also help someone restore emotional balance and regain self-confidence.

Locks of love is just one of the organizations that accept hair for donation. Some places require 12-14 inches or more of hair, but most require a minimum of 10 inches or more. There are some that only require a minimum of 8 inches or more. I like to do at least 10 inches because I have the stylist layer my hair, and when you donate it, they separate the longer and shorter pieces. Locks of love requires 10 inches or more. Also, if you send it in yourself, you get a laminated certificate saying you donated.

Jenni

COVID 19

Now that COVID vaccines are available, I feel more comfortable getting back out into the world. Before, I was so worried about getting the coronavirus, especially in my situation. It’s such a big risk being on a ventilator if I were to get it, that I was avoiding most people, especially crowds. I’ve been staying home most days (except for my daily walk and roles with Brody).

My nurses are still required to wear masks, even if they are fully vaccinated and I am too. My nursing agency is going by the state guidelines and until they hear anything otherwise, N95 masks and shields are required. It will be interesting if, and when they tell people they don’t have to wear masks anymore. I doubt it will be anytime soon though. It’s difficult for me to wear a mask because it’s hard to see my screen on my wheelchair. Also, since I use a sip and puff to drive it, I need to put a hole in it in order to use the straw to drive.

Good news is studies show that at least 50% of eligible Minnesotans have at least one dose of COVID 19 vaccine. And now that the governor has opened it up to 16+, even more people are signing up. It also means that spots are filling up, and there aren’t many appointments available. That’s why I had to get mine done so far away. My second dose is this coming Friday and then I will be fully vaccinated!

Jenni

Update

On Friday I had my first dose of the COVID vaccine. I ended up getting the Pfizer one which is two doses. My next one is scheduled for three weeks from Friday. I set the first appointment up about a month before it, and the only place nearest to me that had availability was regions hospital. Regions is in St. Paul which is about 30 minutes away from me. It’s actually connected to Gillette Children’s Hospital; that is where I spent over five months after my accident. Good thing is I didn’t have any side effects from it.

A couple weeks ago, I ended up with a respiratory infection. The reason I knew I was sick was because I had to constantly be on oxygen (I’m usually on room air). Also, my nurses were suctioning me more frequently and my secretions were colored. They were able to determine that it was 50% staph infection and a mixture of a couple other infections with a sputum culture. I was put on an antibiotic for 10 days and it’s all cleared up now. I’m glad that it wasn’t anything bigger than that being how sick I felt.

One positive thing is that since I’ve been off my seizure medication (Depakote) after my recent hospitalization, I’ve noticed some significant loss of water weight. It’s pretty much everywhere, especially in my face, arms, legs and stomach. My hands are where you can see it the most. They used to be super puffy and have a lot of pitting edema. Pitting edema is something that I had a lot of in my body. It is when a swollen part of your body has a dimple (or pit) after you press on it for a few seconds.

I’m so happy that it’s helping me, and it’s only been a few weeks. I can’t wait to see how much more I will lose down the line. It will be a huge transformation for me. I still have a video appointment with the nephrologist soon to talk to them about how I’m doing since being off the medication. I’ll be glad to report the good news to them.

For Easter today my sister, her boyfriend and my new niece came over to visit. I can’t believe that she is now five months old! My other niece is now seven years old. I love being on an aunt because I get to be the fun one, I get the distinct honor to spoil them, and they can come to me for advice. I’ve also always loved having aunts for the same reasons.

Jenni