Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by brandy mcgraw on August 16, 2010 at 9:13am

Be strong and just encourage her to be as well.. My daughter had had AU for three years now.. Somedays it is a bit difficult and no one can understand exactly how you feel especially as a mother.. we are here to protect our children and create a happy safe environment.. It does get easier and she is an angel no matter what. God Bless you and your daughter and remember the best thing we have to all wear is A SMILE!!

Permalink Reply by Karen Smith on August 16, 2010 at 9:26am

My daughter had AA her freshman year in highschool, she was able to wear headbands and scarves and cover it. It grew back quickly. This past year she developed AU in a matter of a couple of weeks. Watching her beautiful long hair fall out about killed me. I am happy to report that life goes on. Lace wigs were the best answer for her. I am not sure if this is the best idea for a child, I think it depends on your daughter. Watching the hair fall out is really the worst of it. My daughter said that in a way she hopes it doesn't grow back because she knows she can handle what she has now. I drop her off at college this Wed. So, a new phase starts for both of us. Take one day at a time. Most people do not know about Katey's alopecia, she only tells her close friends and the wigs are undetectable. There are several places that you can get free wigs for kids. NAAF has some through celebrity wigs and hair club has them also.

Permalink Reply by Steph on August 17, 2010 at 10:00am

This is really interesting;

"I did try go gluten free only, but that doesn't work---I had to eliminate the other things, too."

Do you think simply touching things with gluten can effect your alopecia? We've been dairy and gluten free for 2 years but this year we have my son in daycare and he is constantly touching playdough, although he does not eat it as some kids do, I'm worried that the expose to the gluten through the skin might set off an episode.

Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on August 16, 2010 at 5:59pm

Hi Evelyn

My heart goes out to you and your daughter. I can very much relate to how you may be feeling at the moment. I also have a daughter with alopecia areata - she was diagnosed when she was 12 (she is now 19). This condition can be challenging for all who are dealing with it. Your whole family will be effected to some extent by the trauma this often causes. I thought it might be helpful to pass on some of the things I did to move onward and upwards.

Communication is very important between you and your daughter. You will know your daughter better than most and I would trust you to care more than all. Talk to her about how she wants to handle her hairloss. What things would make her feel comfortable in the school environment. Contact Naaf and ask for their 'School pack' this is a very good resource for you and your daughter to see what other parents and children have done. Investigate what alterntives are available for your daughter. She may prefer to wear a head covering of some sort - or she may not want to do this. Make her aware that to cover or not is just a choice and with any choice there will be consequences. Help her with the strategies to help her handle this condition and the consequences it may bring. Keep talking the whole time about what she feels she may need, while you keep investigating the alternatives available to her.

I can feel your upset and I can very much relate, but know that you and her are going to be alright. You will find your way through this condition with both of you being empowered by the journey.

If I can help in anyway feel free to pop into my page and say hi.

Take care

Rosy

Permalink Reply by Evelyn (Amanda's Mom) on August 16, 2010 at 7:31pm

Thank You Brandy, Karen, Susan and Rose Marie for sending me your kind words of inspiration and well wishes.
This morning Amanda and I watched the dvd " Why My Hair Falls Out" Although we talk about her AA everyday, I knew she didn't realize that some day most or all of her hair will fall out. Until we saw the dvd. When it was over she was very quiet and visable upset. I asked her, what she's thinking or if she had any questions? She had tears in her eyes and said she had nothing to say. A few minuets later she ran to her room. She was punching her pillow and showing aggression. I sat next to her and asked her if she wanted to talk about it. She didn't answer me. I told her hair or no hair we love her the same. I told her that she can wear different hats or even a wig if she wanted to. She asked who else was going to see the dvd. I told that we can show it to anyone she wanted. I told her that we are going to her school and talk to the principle and her teacher so that let them know about her AA as well as show the dvd to the class or even the school. She didn't have much to say after that, she was quiet. I could tell there were lots of things going on in her little head. I told her that if she wanted to cry it was fine, if she wanted to talk we can talk, if she had any questions or thoughts that we can talk about it whenever she wanted. I reminded her how much we love her amd that would never change. I told her that things were going to be ok.

On the inside I'm falling apart. I have never in my life experianced anything like this. Although I read all the positive blogs and discussions, it's really hard for me to see that things will get better. Even though I know deep inside will they. It's really hard for me to explain. I know one thing for sure, I myself have not come to terms and fully excepted this. So it makes it tougher for me to see the future. I stay positive to the best of my ability when Amanda is with me. I know if she see's me break down it will be determental to her. I am thankful that I found this website because it contains so many beautiful people like you. People that know exactly what I'm going thru.
Evelyn