Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sugar on September 4, 2013 at 5:27pm

Hey Melody! Welcome!! Mine is sporadic too... I have it colored dark to keep it looking thicker. I also use the curtage system which seems to help my hair grow back in, but then it falls out again. So I have lots of little tufts of hair especially around sides. They grow in and fall out over and over. My hair seems to get shorter and shorter too. I'm not sure if the weak regrowth will strengthen or not. I do know with mine the coloring and curtage make it look thicker. I have one bald spot on the side which is easy to hide and was actually growing back when I first noticed it. Then my derm gave me the steroid shots.... And it made all those little hairs fall out again and caused that portion of my scalp to sink in. I have also tried lots of vitamins which I continue to take but don't know if they help. My hair has been shedding drastically for a year.... Was just recently diagnosed. Try b-12 shots... Those help my hair shedding. I also started taking Xanax for anxiety which seems to help too. I also noticed the more I obsess and worry... The more hair falls out... I too have lost about half my hair. I haven't resorted to wigs yet, but use different hair pieces like a clip in pony tail which I also bobby pin into a bun. If you can find a holistic doctor in your area I recommend making an appt. I have one here that specializes in hair loss. I won't go back to my derm again. She didn't listen to a word I said and assumed she just knew it all. I think at one point we just have to accept it. We may never have gorgeous thick Hollywood hair, but we have other things that make us beautiful.... On the outside and the inside.

Permalink Reply by MelodyAutumn on September 10, 2013 at 12:16pm

Yeah I've had some weird sinking spots in my scalp and I am nervous to do more injections. Do you know for sure it was the steroids that made your new hair fall out?

I too have tried vitamins and am going to ask my dermatologist about B-shots. I have been given a higher Rx of Zoloft so hopefully that will make things easier to handle altogether.

Thanks for your response!

Permalink Reply by Weston D on January 12, 2014 at 12:07am

Hello Melody!  I'm sorry that your hair lose has been so hard on you.  A lot of alopecians have different responses to cures.  Some grow all their hair back and some lose all their hair.

This isn't advice, because if it was it would be useless, stress seems to play a part in Alopecia.  I've talked to many who had personal loses or trama preside the condition.  Personally my hair growth is on the rise and my life has become more satisfying as I've grown older and stronger in all ways.  Acceptance is a big step forwards.

I also recommend going to the national alopecia arreata foundation's (NAAF's) annual conferences.  You will meet a lot of people with the our condition and it is a place where we all have that in common.  

In any case, welcome, we are here for you, luck in leading a satisfying life.

Permalink Reply by Janis on November 16, 2014 at 1:17pm

Hi Melody,

I am 57 years old, but other than that I could be you. I was recently diagnosed too and didn't think it was the end of the world, which I still don't, but it sure is worse now than a few weeks ago! I have always had very long thick hair and it is a big part of my identity. I sooo relate to your comment, "Slowly my beauty is falling away.' I hate that I am not a big enough person to rise about such vanity, but I guess I'm not, because that is EXACTLY how I feel. Also the hardest thing I have had to except, after a rough childhood and lots of losses as an adult.I have a great life now, but this has totally taken the wind out of my sails and I don't know how to go on like this. I am planning to make a dermatologist appt tomorrow. Was dianosed by my family doctor. I am as frustrated as you are. I pray that a cure is found soon. And that if that doesn't happen, that you, and all of us find a way to accept and be happy with ourselves without normal hair. Best wishes and good luck.
Janis

Permalink Reply by PamFitros@boldlybaldwomen.com on November 18, 2014 at 12:40pm

Melody,

It hurts to look in the mirror and see a stranger looking back at you. It hurts to lose that part of your identity, that method of expression. You are not alone in those feelings and fears. It hurts, and it is frightening and depressing. But, Melody, I promise you it is not the end of your beauty. There are resources for you to tap into so you don't have to go through this by yourself. You have already found one. Here's another.

Please go to www.BoldlyBaldWomen.com to access a free download of Getting Past the Pain - 3 Things You Need to Know.

In the book Boldly Bald Women, there is a story about a woman in your same situation. Her name is Caitlin, and she is one of twenty five women who have shared their journey from pain to triumph. They have so much combined knowledge and wisdom to offer you. And I would be happy to chat with you further if you'd like. You can contact me via the website.

May you find comfort in the knowledge that you are not your hair. Your beauty not only remains, it transforms into something amazing.

Sincerely,
Pam Fitros