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People who have refused treatment
I was diagnosed, with Alopecia Areata, a couple of weeks ago. I saw a dermatologist who prescribed steroid cream, followed by injections if necessary. I then saw my primary physician who recommended the same course of action. I, however, don't want treatment. I can't quite explain why, but it doesn't feel like the right decision.
My primary has Alopecia patients who experience regrowth from treatment and who get steroid injections for each new/reoccurring bald spot. I don't feel that reoccurring steroid use, that doesn't treat the cause, is something I want to participate in. I normally don't go against my physician's opinion, but it feel like I'm being pressed into treatment.
I hope that some of you may have refused treatment. If so, I would appreciate you sharing your decision and experience with me.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by LC on
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I apologize for the misunderstanding. I meant that I was hoping to connect with people who also have refused treatment, not that I want people to refuse treatment. I support everyone choosing what is best for them, which is why I am posting about my concern of being pressured into treatment. I wasn't not trying to influence people to refuse treatment for themselves. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.
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Permalink Reply by justincase1004 on
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Got it. I think you're right about people that will either do anything and have unrealistic expectations. I was fortunate to one: being a male that could just shave his hair off. I pretty much figured it was going to all fall out. I have no idea how I would react if I was a female. Like you, I was just tired of treatments not working and gotten used to a bald head. Then my eyebrows started falling out and I felt like crap. I was lucky. Very lucky. If the DPCP didn't work, I think--like you--I would've been done with treatments.
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Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I am a vegan, so I plan to monitor my nutrition extra closely. I also am going to began a multivitamin. I feel positive, knowing that I am improving my health in the process of trying to treat my hair loss.
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Okay, I will look into the supplement. Health reasons is definitely a big factor in my choice to be Vegan. I hope that my bald spot will improve, as I continue to improve my health. I was curious about the possible role that my birth control may play in this, so I will look more into that too. I really appreciate you being so helpful!
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Permalink Reply by Rhoda Miller on
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Don't do it. Cortisone has damaging long-term effects such as non-age related osteoporosis. It is not a cure in any event. Apparently many doctors are only interested in treating symptoms and catering to the pharmaceutical industry.
Rhoda
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Eh, listen to the doctor. To assume that a doctor is interested in other factors is wrong. Cortisone has worked for me and others as well.
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My primary doctor was frank with me when I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata. He said there was no good treatment yet. He suggested I could go through steroid shots and creams, but that their regrowth stats were not much better than doing nothing. I have seen the damage steroids do. I decided not to go that route. I focused my money and efforts on improving my life. I started eating very carefully, focusing on healthy diet. I spent money on a supplement specialist who gave me a regimen to follow. I joined exercise classes I hadn't made time for before. My logic- worst case scenario, I'd be bald with a rockin' body. Turns out, I got hair regrowth and the body I had always wanted. My hair is thin, but not remarkably, and I don't really care. I am happier with myself and my life after my alopecia diagnosis. Bottom line- Love yourself- make your well being a priority what ever other decisions you make in treatment.
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Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I plan to focus on my health, in similar ways that you have. It feels better to improve my health in efforts to improve my hair loss, rather than put medicine into my body, knowing it could potentially cause negative side effects.
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Permalink Reply by Fiona on
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I first got AA when i was about 27. I have had it on and off over the years. Usually i would get a couple of patches and would get the treatment of injections and shampoos etc. After a few months the hair would regrow and that would be it for 3 or 4 years. Then I would get more patches. Last year the same thing happened and I got the usual treatment and the hair started to regrow and then suddenly it did a vicious u-turn about July and I have lost all my hair and am now AU. No eyebrows, no eye lashes etc. Why it took this turn when it was growing in nicely I have no idea. At this point I have given up on treatment as its impossible to get injections in your whole scalp. If it were just a few spots you bet I would be getting the treatment. I dance 3 nights a week and show dogs and don't want this hair loss. However, now that it is so widespread and there is nothing I can do about it I am learning to accept it. I have 2 wigs I use, one for everyday use and one for dancing. I use steroid foam on my scalp before I put on my wig to go dancing as I use double sided sticky tape to keep it on and that irritates my scalp. In my experience the injections do work (but I guess that is not the same for everyone), and as someone else said, it is only in the small area of the bald patches. My advice to you is to do what is the least stressful thing. Stress is a huge factor from all accounts. So doing something that stresses you out is counter productive. Do be aware that if you choose not to treat, it could be that your bald spots take a long time to regrow, or maybe do not regrow hair. If you are ok with that, then that is a factor in your choice. Don't let anyone pressure you into something you do not feel is right. Take the least stressful route you can
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Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I want to do everything I can to keep my long, thick hair but I think I need to focus on more natural approaches. Choosing treatment would cause access stress, considering that I don't feel it is the right choice for me. Unfortunately, I am generally stressed with the new diagnosis. I appreciate your opinion.
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Permalink Reply by Lori on
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When I was first diagnosed with Alopecia my dermatologist started me on a steroid cream. In less than 6 months my Alopecia has progressed from areata to unversalis so he started me on steroid injections; which I got in my arm not my head. In about 6 months my hair grew out about 1 inch and in a matter of months fell out. I was told by my Dr. I would have to take time off from the injections but could start again later. I refused based on why should I get my hopes up once again only to be kicked in the gut.
I have been bald since 2007 and not only have I embraced my baldness but have determined I will not be defined or allow others to define me by my hair.
I may have Alopecia, but Alopecia DOES NOT have me.
Best advice do what your heart and mind tell you.
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Thank you for your input, Lori. I fear the process of getting my hopes up, which I think treatment would enhance. I'm inspired by your acceptance of the outcome. Your words, "I may have Alopecia, but Alopecia does not have me," and "Best advice do what your heart and mind tell you," mean a lot to me.
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