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Cold Cap severe side effects

ToxicTommy
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Hi,

Last week I had my first EC combined Chemo session and I decided that I wanted to try and have a go at the Cold Cap.  I consider myself quite a tough woman but I am in two minds whether to repeat wearing it again due to how I felt following the treatment. 
I took as guided 2 paracetamols prior to putting it on.  It was bearable up to the point of 2 hours into wearing it.  After this time I started to feel mentally slower, becoming increasingly dizzy and a migraine brewing.   By the time I got home at 4pm I felt utterly dreadful, the bedroom would not stop spinning with experiencing a migraine like I've never felt before.  It took me until 48 hours later to start shifting what my head was feeling.  It was so incredibly intense that together with the nauseous and stomach cramps I had I am finding it difficult to pinpoint if my symptoms were a result of the Chemo drugs or that of the cap!   I would be disheartened to do away with the cap and still find myself with the same set of symptoms each time only then it be too late to try and save my hair.  I don't wish to put anyone off using it as it may just be the fact I am also on blood thinners and they didn't agree!  Any feedback at all is very much welcomed.  Many thanks, Sarah 

Parents

  • Hello Sarah and thanks for your post

    Scalp cooling can be effective in preventing or reducing hair loss in some people. Unfortunately there are some side effects associated with scalp cooling which you can read about here.

    As you can see headaches and dizziness can occur and some people are mildly affected by this, where as others can be more affected by these side effects. Before you have your next treatment, there are some useful tips for helping you cope with scalp cooling that you might find helpful.

    Do ask for some painkillers before you have scalp cooling to reduce the risk of developing a headache. Bring extra layers of clothing with you to put on and bring or ask for a blanket to help you keep warm. Also drinking hot drinks can make you feel warmer. 

    Hopefully some of our forum users will come along soon and share their experiences with you , as support like this can be invaluable. But it's important to remember that everyone's experience will be unique to them.

    I hope this helps. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Celene

Reply

  • Hello Sarah and thanks for your post

    Scalp cooling can be effective in preventing or reducing hair loss in some people. Unfortunately there are some side effects associated with scalp cooling which you can read about here.

    As you can see headaches and dizziness can occur and some people are mildly affected by this, where as others can be more affected by these side effects. Before you have your next treatment, there are some useful tips for helping you cope with scalp cooling that you might find helpful.

    Do ask for some painkillers before you have scalp cooling to reduce the risk of developing a headache. Bring extra layers of clothing with you to put on and bring or ask for a blanket to help you keep warm. Also drinking hot drinks can make you feel warmer. 

    Hopefully some of our forum users will come along soon and share their experiences with you , as support like this can be invaluable. But it's important to remember that everyone's experience will be unique to them.

    I hope this helps. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Celene

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