Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Addy on October 18, 2013 at 12:48am

I was diagnosed 2 months ago it's hard but my friends and loved ones have helped me through it. I hope you the best and if you need to talk I'm here

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Permalink Reply by amym on October 18, 2013 at 10:49am

That is one of the frustrations of alopecia, you never can predict what it will do. I'm sorry you've joined our rollercoaster. The first time I had spots was when I was 13, I got the steroid injections and the 3 spots went away and didn't reappear until my mid- 20's. They came and went for many years- and could keep them covered with my existing hair. About age 38 most of it fell out so I shaved. It grew back, fell out, grew back, fell out then once again grew mostly back and now I only have about 20% of my hair left- once again I shave it.

Point of that story is there is hope that it will grow back in. But, also be prepared for the next round. Just be confident and believe in yourself. Keep letting us know how you are doing.

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Permalink Reply by ashley on October 18, 2013 at 6:14pm

Thanks yall!! That made my day!!

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Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on October 19, 2013 at 1:58pm

Hi

Nobody does know what to expect.  I think that is the worst part of alopecia areata.  The hairloss is horrible but the lack of control is worse.

As Aimee has said here most people who present with spots of loss have a very good chance of their hair coming back.

There are some indicators that can suggest your hairloss may go further, but these are not written in stone and everyone that has alopecia has their own prognosis which is often vastly different to anyone else.

These are the things that COULD indicate your alopecia may become more more extensive and ongoing.

1. If you or your family members have other auto immune conditions (eczema, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid conditions, diabetes etc.)

2. If you have lost over 50% of your hair.

3. If you are 30 years old or younger when you first presented with alopecia.

I personally think it may be helpful to think of the positives rather than negatives.....very few people do go on to have the more extreme hairloss conditions (AU and AT).

Take a breath and talk to your doctor then do your very best to become proactive around what you need to do to find your way.

You aren't alone here and many will support you.  Feel free to ask as many questions as you need or even to just vent.

Rosy

 

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Permalink Reply by Mindy on October 25, 2013 at 8:37pm

I feel you!  I was diagnosed a month and a half ago.  Found my first spot 3 1/2 months ago and Now I have no idea how many there are but they are migrating together :(  I just turned 33 so hopefully I go in the over 30 category Rose Marie was talking about.  lol.  Your spots look like mine.  I do have some hair growing back on the top already so that is a good sign.  I hate this wait and see how it goes thing.  It is the worst part!  Do you shave it?  Do you let it go?  Mine is still falling out even with the growth so I guess I will sit here and wait.  Mine went fast too.  I have lost over 1/3 of my hair.  I say almost 1/2 if you put all the spots together.  I am glad you got some good information the responses have helped me out!

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Permalink Reply by buddhaz on October 30, 2013 at 3:21am

hi ash, if it gets worse, do what i did, and break the chains and shave off your hair, u will look fine.. i promise, if u do that then u will feel a sigh of relief.  other then fighting the mirror everyday and seeing each strand of hair fall out and think about it all day and night... its a very stressfull thing to go through, i just shaved my head tonight due to one big spot, i spend my whole 2 week vacation in japan just worrying and seeing more and more hair fallout,,,,  u can email me if u want any help or need a friend that knows what u are going through buddhaz21@yahoo.com

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Permalink Reply by T. Sampson on October 31, 2013 at 3:18pm

Hi Ashley, yes it's very unpredictable. Personally I got it a few years ago, lost about 50% and shaved my head. After maybe half a year it started to grow back except for a small spot on the back of my head. Have had it all back since. Stay strong!

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Permalink Reply by ashley on January 14, 2014 at 8:50pm

Thanks I know it a little late on a reply but yes I have learned to cope with this I havent get brrave enough to shave my head lol but I have had some steroid shots and Im having regrowth :) but I really do appreciate all of the support.

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