Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mandy on June 4, 2011 at 7:44pm

Hi Liz -
Everyone is different and will react differently from the injections, so the only one who can really make the decision is you. I can tell you that from my experience, the shots were painful, caused the scalp to thin and create what was like divots in my head, and didn't help the hair loss anyways. But again, it works for some people, so don't decide based on just me. Personally, I am okay with my alopecia and have just chosen not to pursue any treatments.

<3
Mandy

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Permalink Reply by jackie ronning on June 5, 2011 at 8:09pm

I am going Tuesday for injections. I have had them once before. I have spotty alopecia. It worked pretty well. It seems to take a lot of time, but I have that! ;)
Good luck to you. My injections are kenelog (spelling). It is a steroid, and I had no side effects except for a minor depression of the skin. That bounced back OK. Everyone is different, so that is the thing to remember.

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Permalink Reply by Tuesday on June 5, 2011 at 11:14pm

would you mean cortisone injections? I had Kenalog (brand name of the drug) injections - 10 years ago. In my case, the patches did start to show regrowth but I had so much shedding elsewhere and I was concerned about side effects ... I stopped shots. I have AU.

I should add ... I've met people, in past 10 years, who have alopecia areata and find the cortisone shots, on a short term basis, help with regrowth.

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Permalink Reply by SarahTormey on June 6, 2011 at 10:01am

All of my hair and eyebrows fell out in high school. I had cortisone shots everywhere every six weeks or so...I had full regrowth. There is no real way to know if it was the shots that helped my hair grow back or if it was just nature. I have several spots again, and I had shots about 4 weeks ago and I am seeing some regrowth already. Once again there is no way to know what caused the regrowth. The shots do not help hair from falling out, but are thought to cause stimulation for it to regrow. Its completely a personal decision.

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Permalink Reply by Violet on June 6, 2011 at 2:59pm

I just had some a week ago myself for the first time on 4 patches. So far, no depression of the skin but I was warned that could be a side effect. I am not sure, and maybe others here could answer this question - how long before you see regrowth if it is to occur? I know all respond differently, but can anyone share how long it took to see the regrowth you experienced? I go back in 6 weeks for a follow up where he can inject again if it's working, or talk about other options.

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Permalink Reply by SarahTormey on June 6, 2011 at 4:52pm

Hi Violet,

Everytime that I have had injections, if the hair decides to come back, I can usually tell by week 4. :)

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Permalink Reply by Violet on June 6, 2011 at 7:33pm

Thanks for that information Sarah, I appreciate it! I thought maybe a week was a little early to see anything, so that helps me alot. :-)

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Permalink Reply by Beetle on June 7, 2011 at 5:51pm

Hello! I have had several of these injections, all with success. I do not know the actual name of the medicine, but I know it is a steroid injection. They will inject the scalp where the bald spot is. It takes a few months to fill in, but you will probably notice hair growth within a week or so. The only unappealing thing is that the steroid thins the skin substantially, so there will be a "dent" that you will be able to feel...but that will eventually go back to normal.

I stopped having injections because I noticed that my hair usually will grow back. It takes awhile, but it is exciting to feel growth. I am dealing with two HUGE bald spots right now, and my hair is really short...so they are visible. Oh well, it gives me a chance to tell people about alopecia when they ask. :)

I hope this helps you! Have a wonderful day :)

Beetle

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Permalink Reply by Lizzie on June 8, 2011 at 2:47pm

Thank you everyone! Your responses are great!!! been to see the GP today, she has given me some steroid cream, and if nothing happens she said she will refer me t a specialist at the hospital to discuss injections :) fingers crossed something will happen!! xxx

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