I got up this morning, got a shower and tried to style my hair like have have done my whole life, only to end up in tears when I tried to blow dry what is left of my pathetically thin hair. I finally gave up trying to style basically nothing, and plopped on my topper to hide the stringy mess. I just don't know how I am going to face the rest of my life with this condition. It seems like there are no treatments that work and very few success stories once AA had reached an advanced state. I just feel like crawling under a rock and disappearing. Sorry for being so depressing, I just feel so blue today.

Views: 560

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Well....remember you are going through a process of grief. which can take time and has its ups and downs. I still have moments when I wish I had my soft comforting hair back, yes. however, the pain of loss gets less and less. There are also times when I like being bald (like when it is super hot) and when I feel sexy with the new look. I am one of the 5% I have read about that start with patches and lose pretty much all of their hair. So pretty sure I am not getting it back. I have come to terms with that for the most part. You, however, might not lose it all. Which in some respect might make the journey more difficult because you have that emotional weight of not knowing hanging over you. Keep reaching out, talking helps.

You are so right. The uncertainty is agonizing. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Starshine...I had some of the thickest hair ever....my mom couldn't brush it all when I was young, lol...when I was in hs I remember having a period when I thought my hair was thinning (so I stopped taking accutane, and I changed my gel)....then it seemed better so out of sight out of mind....I know my hair thinned a bit over the years but nothing trmendous then when I hit 28 I cut it in a funky style short black fro with a long blue front and I noticed an actual bald spot in the back....I went into a panic and it all started falling out at a rapid pace in a year and a half I went from an adequate head of hair to just straggles....it sucks how in the beginning you think it'll be an easy fix, take a pill or uncover medical a problem and viola ....not so, I've trid meds I've seen 20 doctors or more...a few months ago I came to terms with things (so I thought), then a doctor told me I had an adrenal condition and I thought problem solved....I got so excited there was hope of getting some o it back....then this past week the sae doctor and a 2nd opinion both told me that they jumped the gun with my diagnosis and it no longer looks like I have the condition....most people would be so excited to hear they were healthy and I actually cried because it meant my hope had been false and I know my loss is so severe if its only androgen related than its far too late to help....having that false hope for the past 3 monhs has made it sooooo much harder to go through the fear and nightmare of the reality aaaallll over again.....so you are soooooo not alone....you and I and many other girls are going to get through this with help from each other :)

it is interesting to me that you were taking acutane, because I was too. I have wondered if that had anything to do with the hair loss as they have correlated it with other autoimmune disorders.

Hi Karma. It heps to know I am not going through this alone, but it is so sad that so many girls have this and doctors cannot give any treatments that really work. Do you know for sure what type of hair loss you have. Do you wear a wig now, I have to wear a topper and am looking into wigs in case things get worse. I guess we are all in this together.

Keep looking up - God is looking down!

Believe me, I have tried many prayers, but I think God has forgotten us poor girls with hair problems.

I have been agonizing over getting a wig for months now. I could not get a topper. My hair loss on the sides and starting on the top now. I could cover it with my own thin hair, but it looked like crap. I went to a wig salon yesterday in Denver and bought two wigs. My husband thought I would not wear it if I bought it. Anyway, I wore it home and loved every minute of it. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted. I wasn't afraid to be in the wind. I wore one to church this morning. I got four compliments at church. People came up and told me they like my hair. My son was shocked how natural it looked and how much better I looked with hair. One person even said I looked gorgeous. I haven't felt gorgeous for months, but today I actually felt great. I don't like the fact I have to wear a wig, but now I can concentrate on getting my hair to grow back. Before I worried about it too much. I could not use any therapy in the morning because it weighted my hair down. Tomorrow I am going to wear it to work for the first time and I even have to conduct a staff meeting. Believe me, I have to ask for strength from the Lord to get through this, but just ask and he will help you. I want to start smiling again. I think I can now that have hair! God Bless.

Hi michelle. I think you are right. Some sort of hair, topper or wig allows you to concentrate on getting better treatments for your own hair. Are you nervous about people noticing at work. I was really nervous when I wore a topper to work the first time but if anyone noticed, they didnt mention it. What kind of wigs did you get, synthetic or human hair, I am loooking into wigs now but it is so hard to decide what is right and they can be so expensive. What treatments are you getting.

I got a synthetic wig to start with. Yes I was very nervous wearing it to work. Everyone liked it and they knew it was a wig because the color was different than I normally wear. I'm lucky to have support coworkers. I told them about my diagnosis immediately.

Right now I am undergoing cortisone injections, had my first ones about 3 weeks ago. I wanted to use Rogaine in the a.m. and p.m. to see if that would help. I am also trying aromatherapy. I wear hats with my own hair or scarves. Some days I don't wear the wig and just try to do the best I can with my own hair.

I bought a Raquel Welch wig. For my first wig I guess it is okay, but my scalp was itching with it. I did not want to spend too much the first time, but maybe it would be worth it if you get something comfortable and that you feel good in. Keep me posted on your journey and God Bless!

I feel your pain. It has been since 2009 and I struggle each day. Why? why me? why this? can people tell? or this wig is wrecked . the money I have spent on wigs is approx $4,000.00 and over 12 wigs later.............Just keep looking and you will find diff ones to try and there are some nice ones. I really miss swimming under water. I do not go out bald, only at home when I have headaches cause wigs hurt your head when you have a headache. I shave my head as It is depressing to see bald spots & then some shadowed hair spots that never grow enough, and you know the whole time that it will not come back and then the fear of ok, if it comes back "could I be in line at the bank and a huge part of it will fall out again?" NOt worth the stress....... I really struggled when my eyebrows and lashes fell out that sucked, but I now wear eyebrow wigs they make me feel better. SO yes today was a bad day, but tomorrow will be better. Hang in there. And remember you are alive and this can be lived with. It is not easy I won't lie but Alopecia is life altering not life threatening this I keep telling myself. It helps me get thru the bad days. I gave up on the shots they hurt too much and made me sick for the whole day. Well Your not alone. :) I wish I could wave a wand and make both of us back to what we use to be...... But I cannot. :) Journal, talk with family and friends but do not keep your feelings in. :) Thinking of you Denise

Hi Denise, thanks for your reply. What type of wig have you found to work best for you. I wear a topper now, but am looking at wigs and it is all so overwhelming and expensive. Like you, I have already invested 2 thousand in toppers only to find I will probably need a wig. Human hair is usually suggested, but it is a lot of work to keep looking nice. Do you prefer human hair or synthetic. Thanks for your kind words. I know it is something I have to accept, but it is just so hard.

RSS

Disclaimer

Any mention of products and services on Alopecia World is for informational purposes only; it does not imply a recommendation or endorsement by Alopecia World. Nor should any statement or representation on this site be construed as professional, medical or expert advice, or as pre-screened or endorsed by Alopecia World. Alopecia World is not responsible or liable for any of the views, opinions or conduct, online or offline, of any user or member of Alopecia World.

© 2024   Created by Alopecia World.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service