Hello all,

I'm new here, and new to Alopecia too.

About 2 weeks ago I noticed a bald spot on the back of my head, went to the doctor who said it was Alopecia areata, probably brought on by the stress of knee surgery which I had on the 12th July. She gave me dermovate cream to use for 4 weeks. The next day I found another spot, much smaller on my front hair line, and a couple of days later another small one on the side of my head. I freaked out, went to another GP at the same surgery and he said exactly the same thing, but sent me for bloods too, which are perfectly normal. Today I noticed a 4th spot, and I've had to stop the cream because my scalp was becoming itchy and getting raised red bumps all over the patches. I'm taking vitamin supplements for hair growth and using caffeine shampoo etc.

I hate this. I've just spent 8 weeks including my summer holiday in a full leg brace 24/7 and I'd do it again in a heartbeat if it meant I could have my hair back. My knee is still in terrible shape and I am in physio constantly for another 3 months still, and the last thing I need on top is my own body turning against me and killing of my own hair. I feel pathetic, as there are so many people worse off than me- (you can't even see the bald spots!) but this is by far the worse thing that i personally have ever dealt with. I feel petty and weak and it's only been 2 weeks, and just when I thought I had got past the emotional distress of it, this new patch has knocked me flat again. Has anyone had similar hair loss following surgery and what was your experience? I am terrified that it will carry on getting worse. I have always had amazing hair- the envy of everyone I know; its thick and wavy and naturally blonde and I used to love it, but now I feel like rubbish every second of the day. Can someone, anyone, help me feel any better about this, because I'm ashamed at how badly I am coping after only 2 weeks.

Thank you :(