my teaching contract for next year has not been renewed. I get this news 1 week before surgery.

Oh bloody hell, Erin! So sorry! Those fuckheads!

Cheers, Beth - the lady in the pharmacy did sell me some damn special offer supplement thing that was supposed to help with this (I was trying to buy 'Regain', which my friend has used and found v. effective - instead of which they sold me 'Pregain', which is a freaking shampoo to complement said product. Ack), but I'm a bit loath to take it - it's all written in Thai, and presently I take one multivitamin and mineral every morning, one capsule of codliver- and evening primrose-oil, one calcium supplement, and one chromium/white kidney bean/a whole shedload of other things supplement that's supposed to encourage ketosis. I'm starting to rattle! And generally I'm not a big fan of popping pills, but I didn't want to mess up my metabolism with the low carbing, so I've been trying to be careful about making time for breakfast and being sure to take my supplements. And occasionally adding flax seeds to things for fibre too.

Ack.

Well, I'm delighted for you good people that nobody else has apparently had this issue crop up - nice one! Just wanted to check with the Hive Mind, but I'm thinking I'll have another crack at buying the Regain, then.

Oh, Erin. Jesus. I'm so sorry, sweetie.

But the link also claims that hair loss is not a reaction to vitamin deficiency but stress. Even if you take zinc and other micro-nutrients specifically related to hair loss (and avoid overdoing A which can increase hair loss) the stress will still cause you to lose hair. Again not vouching for any of this: just the results of quick google. But it does seem that Atkins found ten percent of those on Atkins diet experienced increased hair loss - even if they were getting plenty of veggies and supplements.

So sorry, Erin.

Fay, I've also got PCOS, and the hair loss has me worried, though so far, I don't seem to be actually losing any. I haven't really heard anything that helps, other than that vitamins and taking birth control pills and the other treatment options for PCOS might.

The link claims that it is not just low carb but any weight loss, but I'm not so sure - sounds like a rationalization to me. At any rate vitamins won't neccesarily stop it while weight loss continues. The claim is that if you stick with low-carb until you reach goal weight and then go on low-carb maintenance your hair grows back. I'd look into it further before taking anyone's word for that part.

Ah, maybe. I've heard mutterings of this before, although people I know who have successfully shifted a lot of weight through low carb have mostly found their hair got thicker, rather than the other way round. Most doctors seem to recommend low carb as the best approach for people with PCOS who are trying to shift weight.

Fuck.

And I'd invest in new cookware , Hil. just not the cast iron.

I'm considering it. But pretty much what I need is just one pan, and I can get that fairly cheap. I'm now considering Queer As Folk DVDs, which certain fall toward the non-responsible side of the spectrum, but I figure it's a pretty good deal in terms of hours of entertainment per dollar. It's down to that or sewing machine.

Hil, Brother is a good, economical brand of sewing machine, that just happens to be available through Amazon. One word of advice, if you have any desire to try quilting, get a model with a walking foot. I say this, because when I was looking for my sewing machine, I decided to go with a really basic model that did not include the walking foot, on the grounds that I did not know if I would be using the machine for quilting, and could always get a walking foot from a dealer. I started looking for a walking foot in this area back in December, and still have yet to score one. Of course, the fact that I live in a small town and you live in a major metropolitan area may produce vastly different results.

Erin, that sucks so much for you.

Oh, Erin, that fucking sucks. I am so sorry.

I cannot believe that anyone wouldn't renew the contract of a dedicated, creative teacher like you.

And this. So very much this.

Dammit, Erin, that's shitty news and shitty timing, and... just... you sound like such a great teacher, passionate and deeply connected to your subject and your kids, and I can't believe that the school lucky enough to have you wouldn't pounce on the chance to keep you. I can't believe that. I'm sorry and rageful.

Erin - that's just sucky. I'm so sorry.