Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stephanie on June 30, 2012 at 5:36pm

I felt exactly the same way. So sorry! Don't be afraid to comb your hair as what comes out actually already is detached and just sort of sitting there. It is itchy anyway, or at least for me it was. In the shower tip your head back and imagine you are under a waterfall and don't look at the hair that has come off your head. Sounds like you have a good attitude and it will make this experience much more bearable. Post a picture with your scarf and flower. I'm sure it would be an inspiration for others on this site. :) Stephanie

Permalink Reply by Jaclyn on June 30, 2012 at 7:58pm

Hi Jackie! Welcome to the group - so sorry to hear your AA is progressing as quickly as it is. I had one small bald spot when I was diagnosed in early March - by May 11th I had lost SO much that I knew it was time to shave my head. Until that point, I'd collected a bunch of scarves, and totally made it "my look". People didn't know I was having hair issues unless I told them - they just thought I was stylish. :) When I finally decided to shave my head, I was a MESS. But somehow, getting rid of the remaining hair on my OWN terms was the best choice *I* could have made. I really think it's intensely personal, just like the decision to wear a wig or not. (I have chosen not to.) If it helps, I have several scarf-tying techniques collected on Pinterest here: http://pinterest.com/jacster/head-coverings/

I hope you find some great support here. It's important to connect with other people who really have "walked a mile in our shoes".

Permalink Reply by Catia on May 28, 2013 at 10:20am

Thanks jackie!!!!!!! i'm new in this world, my first big bald spot was on March and now i have more 3 medium ones, in the midway i lost around 50% of my hair,... yesterday i bought headscarfs, today will be the first day working with it... i'm a mess, thanks for the link it will help me felling better and like you... " stlylish".
Cátia

Permalink Reply by AndreaB on June 30, 2012 at 8:44pm

I was just diagnosed five days ago, so I know all too well how you feel. I have always had amazing thick hair and have even been known to complain that I had too much hair. (Those words will never come out of my mouth again.) My mom found 3 bald spots on my head and I have been too scared to look again. I am also scared to brush my hair and it kills me to wash my hair and to see how much gets caught in the drain.

I totally know how you feel about emotionally being up and down. I have been swinging from being in denial to emotionally a mess. I have found it hard to talk to friends/family... I have found it easier to discuss feelings on-line. I have decided to keep a smile on my face and take it day-by-day!

P.S. I live in northern VA... we just might have to start a support group!

Permalink Reply by Angie on June 30, 2012 at 11:53pm

Hi Ms. E

Just because you just started does not say it will not end tomorrow; the beginning could quickly be the ends. Some people get three spots and it's over. I use to do the scarf wraps also; I hate wigs! I have a few, but never wore them, maybe in the winter. I'm retired so it's easy to put a hat or scarf on now and keep moving. I keep my hair cut low and wear large earrings. There are hard after almost three years, but know we are here for each other. :-)

Permalink Reply by Cheryl, Co-founder on July 17, 2012 at 2:50pm

Hi Jackie, I think that it is great that you are already experimenting with hats and scarves. The fact that you already were the type of person to "style" yourself, means that you will also be able to rock some unique looks. You already have the creative gene ;).

But I also wanted to mention that the fact that you have alopecia and are wearing scarves and hats means that you will have to come to terms with other people knowing. The day will come that someone will ask and being prepared for that question would be a good idea. Most people I have come across have always felt best when they were able to answer while they were in control and knew basically what they were going to say. Meaning not being caught of guard,but at the same time being positive.