Hey Katie, Talk to your dematologist more about dexamethasone. Its really a kind of a last resort. It's not a cure thats for sure! If you only have a few spots then im not sure if the doctor will prescribe you it?? My doctor only gave it to me becasue I had Alopecia Universalis and she was trying to get just some of my hair to grow back. Many times peoples hair grows in then immediately false right back out. Again talk to your doctor about.

Thanks, you look great too! Im glad you joined the alopecia world. ...Its great knowing others my age who have aa too! Stay Strong!

Hi I'm Katie Jones and have just become a member. I was looking for some new friends to talk to that has something in common with me. Maybe we could talk sometime.

Hi Katie!
It's so great to hear from you. It's so nice to meet women around my age to talk with too! I don't know of any around where i live. It's always nice to talk with anyone who has alopecia but it's especially nice to be able to relate with them and them to you. I would love to chat with you! My head gets so itchy too! I wonder what that's all about. Erg it drives me crazy. I don't have a myspace, but i'm on here quite a bit. Have you ever tried getting cortisone injections for your spots? I've had them several times and they seem to help. Well i'll talk to you!! Take care katie:)
Love zoe

Welcome.

Roger.

Hi Katie, I wanted to welcome you to Alopecia World. I can honestly say that we are a great community here and I hope you enjoy the time you spend with us.

Cheryl
co-founder

Hi Katie! I did get your MySpace message...sorry I didn't get back to you yet! I was just a little bit under the weather last week. :(
Anyway, it's nice to meet you! I'm glad you found this site...It's really great. Do you have any specific questions for me?

I know what you mean when you say you miss your hair. I feel the same way all the time. I miss mine too, but I've learned to make jokes about it. No I don't have a Myspace. :( How old is your little girl ?

yah that's my real hair in most of the pictures but I have a hair piece on in a couple of the pictures. it definitely doesn't look like that right now. it's really thin and stringy right now.

do i think it's because of stress? hmm..
that's a good questions. people always ask me that but i honestly don't ever feel stressed out when my hair falls out. I don't like accepting the fact that "it happens for no reason"

I think that people who have alopecia have that gene in their body and then everyone has different triggers throughout their lives that might cause that gene to come out. For me, i haven't quite discovered what it is. For some people, it is stress, or a traumatic event or a pregnancy or something like that. I like to think that i have alopecia for a reason. I've decided that i got it to learn more about what really matters in life and to bring me down to earth. Right now, i also have this hypothesis that eating too much sugar contributes to my hair loss (although that is totally unaccepted by doctors). But who knows?! I really think that each person is so different.

anyways you're fabulous!

talk to you soon katie:)

Looooove zoe

hey how are you doing? My alopecia started out in spots but it all ended up coming out in less then 6 months. i think most of mine is from my dad.and maybe a little stress but i'm not completly sure. I have stated going to the doctor and getting injections in my head. The first time i got them it wasn't all that bad. but it was when i kept losing my hair that the shots started getting more and more. the last time i went i only had to get 27. but i will talk to you later bye:)

I know it took me a while to figure out how to read messages as well...on the very top of your page screen there is a icon of an envelope...just click on it and you will open the messages inbox....let me know if that doesn't work..but it should!!
ttyl - Nicole :)

Thank you. She gets her wigs from Lari Vreeken. She is a hairdresser in LA that works with a lot of alopecia people. She also does a lot of extensions, and just regular styling and haircuts. Her wigs are amazing and very custom. Her web site is www.larivreeken.com. Let me know if I can help with any other info
Vicktoria

Hi Katie!
How are you doing? Wow you are sooo beautiful! And your baby girl is so so so so so so cute. I love babies and kids. I can't wait to have them...but i'm going to try and wait haha. How is your hair doing? Mine is still falling out. The first couple of months was okay, but now i'm more than ready for it to stop falling out. It's just so damn annoying. Plus, my head it so itchy and gross which makes it worse. Sometimes i just think it would be easier to just shave it all off, but i think i'm going to tough it out for a little bit longer because i'm hoping that it is slowing down. I don't really know anyone that has this either around where I live, but you are definitely not a freak! "What makes us different is what makes us beautiful" :) Usually when I tell people they are really supportive and nice about it, but I know they don't really get what it is so I usually tell them to go wikipedia it. Haha. I've only ever told my close friends and family so I can totally understand how you would be freaked out to tell everyone around you. Sometimes i feel like I'm being weak, or shallow or something if i don't expose my bald spots and tell the whole world that I have alopecia. Because so many people on here are so brave and just bare their bald heads in public and spread the word about alopecia. But, I feel much more comfortable wearing head bands and hats and stuff. I'm glad I can pull them off for now. Anyways i hope that i'll talk to you soon Katie! Have a great great day

Looove zoe

Hey katie one more thing, if you still have a fair amount of hair on your head, you should look in to getting a hair piece instead of a full "wig" ( i hate that word for some reason). I've had one for a while and it's really handy. It just clips into your existing hair at the top of your head and blends in with the rest atthe bottom. It looks really real and it's easy to style. I'm wearing mine in the last couple photos that i have. okay talk to you soon:)

Hi Katie!!
How long has your hair been falling out for anyways? Has it slowed down at all? The percentage of people that lose all their hair is actually quite low, so that usually reassures me. My dermatologist says that she has tons of alopecia patients and only two of them have universalisis. It often stops and regrows. I honestly think that the more attention you pay to it, the worse it gets. The first time i had alopecia, i didn't even notice until it has stopped falling out and it didn't bother me at all because i had no idea what it was. I don't think i even shead a single tear. The second tiem was the worst because i knew exactly what it was and so i had a freak out, and sure enough, it was a lot worse than the first time. This time, i got my friends and my sisters and my mom to brush my hair, that way i wouldn't have to see all the hair falling out which i think is the worst part. That's exactly what i think is the worst part!! I just want to knowwwww!!! Because if it is all going to fall out i want to shave it off RIGHT NOW, but if it's going to stay, then i can chill out for a while. And when i ask people: Do you think its all going to fall out? I just want them to say of course not. But they always say I don't know. which is true, but i'd just rather them say it's not going to. haha. I got my hair piece from a lady in Victoria B.C. (not much help to you i guess) But if it's almost stopped falling out that's a great sign Katie! Believe me, it will grow back and as soon as the bald spots fill in you can't tell at all. Even if they're less than 1cm long, it fills in and looks totally normal again. I can totally understand the panicking. That's why, as hard as it is, it's best just to ignore it. Slap on a hat or whatever and focus on all the amazing things about your life and try not to worry about your spots because you're a hot babe no matter what! Don't worry abotu crying though, it's good to let it all out! You're not weak or vain Katie. Alopecia will only make you stronger and teach you to understand other people better. It will show you who your true friends are and make your beauty shine stronger from the inside:) And plus, these people on here have been coping with alopecia for a long time and it's taken them time to adjust adnd be so open and strong about it. You'll definitely get used to it eventually. Man, i'm on my fourth time with it and it's STILL not easy! (I guess that wasn't exactly encouraging haha) And KATIEE...of course your husband doesn't think that your ugly!! HELLO!?! He married you..which means that you guys will get old and saggy and wrinkly together. I'm sure he married you for being you not because of your hair. Anyways...i lovve chatting with you!! Take care katie bear!
Loooove Zoe

Hey Katie. I saw some of your comments on Zoe's wall and I feel the exact same way you do! I have most of my hair and can easily cover up the spots that I have, but I am constantly worried that someone is going to see a spot or that it's going to get worse. Then I see people on here that have it much worse than I do, and I get so mad at myself for being upset. I am "lucky". It's amazing how brave a lot of people are- I wish that I could be. Everytime I think about it or see my spots, I feel like such a freak. And I never want my boyfriend to look at me and think so too. I am glad we have this website where we can support and encourage each other. I am here for ya if you have to vent!! By the way- wicked adorable pic of you and your daughter in your sunglasses!!

Hey! Sorry it took me so long I have been busy and not on here but trying to check it more haha. This site is so sweet to. Anyway yeah thanks! I think over the years I learned how to make my wigs look fairly normal usually, and usually I just don't care. haha. So have A.A? you look fantastic as well.. do yuo wear wigs then? Well lets keep in touch.. I do have myspace too.. I just need to remember what my address is haha..

Hi, nice to meet you. Your daughter is so cute! We can talk anytime. Do you have AA or your daughter?

I'm glad the hair loss has slowed down! Mine has too and some little stubbly hairs have started to grow in. Very exciting. Don't worry about the little spots..they will fill in soon! And you will be amazed at how full your hair looks once they fill in. even if the hair is only .0004 cm long it still looks full! It's actually quite amazing. Eurgh i know what you mean about the itching. Gee i wonder why that is. Do you have a dry scalp too? Well i'll tlak to you soon!!
-Zoe

Hi there, I lost my hair after having my son in 2006. It was extremely traumatic for me but now I have come to accept it and I never thought I'd say this, but I have fun with the wigs. I just bought one that looks like Katie Holms. I love her look! Anyway, my son is 22 month and is a busy body! :) So where are you in the hairloss process? Do you think having your little angel made your hairloss worse? My story is gong to be in a book and I also wrote Oprah. I think you would enjoy reading it but it is too long to put on your page. I would have to email it to you. Would love to chat with you. Take Care, Jenn

Hi Katiebug!
I've had AA for many, many years. Now I have AU, so no hair anywhere! I have been through everything, and talked to so many people...and wrote a book. It might help you feel better about what's going on with you. If you're interested, go to my page and click on my web site. Good luck!
LeslieAnn

I didn't have spots for awhile until I started having kids. Then it got really bad. I think the hormones have a lot to do with it. Mine would always grow back, it would take like a year and then it would grow back?

Hi Katie,
The synthetics from Rene of Paris look very good! I have some of those, but also some human hair (European -- they look the best). With human hair you have to be sure you have a good stylist. That makes all the difference in whether it looks fake or not!
LeslieAnn

The more I meet people on here. The more I realize that my parents handled my situation soooo good. They always made it seem not a big deal. "Oh We'll if you loose your hair we'll but you a really nice wig." And I always grew up thinking, that would be fun to have a lot of different wigs. I would act like that with my kids too. "Oh, mommy lost her hair, its no big deal. There is nothing wrong with me, I just have to wear a wig." Not to freak them out, you know?

OH, and I was thinking also I woudn't have more kids because of my hair. But what exactly am I calling "my hair" anyways A bunch of bald spots and strands of hair with a bunch of extensions. ????? I would never let that stop you from having kids! I LOVE my kids more than anything. Waaaaaaaayyyyy more than my hair. The more older my 1 year old gets, the more I think that maybe I do want 1 more???? I woudn't let my hair stop that anymore, its soo bad anyways!

I think it depends on what you need but they are expensive. Katya had a mold done of her head so her wig fits perfectly and does not need tape unless she is sleeping, swimming or some other type of sports. It is not a vacuum. I think it's the custom elite on the web site. We got 2 wigs and they both looks as good as when we first got them. Both are European human hair. They get washed a lot and are somewhat abused with the pool and ocean. She is only 12. I would call Lari for prices based on what you need. I would hate to tell you a price and have it be completely off. I do have to say that Lari and how well she worked with my daughter, is definately one of the reasons Katya has been so well adjusted despite loosing her hair.

Hi Katie. I'm new to this, too. AA started the beginning of this month for me. If you would ever like to talk, I am here!

Hugs,
Mandy

Hey! I have had AA for about 3 and a half years. I have been aware of it for about 2 and a half years (I did not know what it was for awhile. I thought my bald spot was caused by my hairdryer or the way I was laying on my pillows). My treatments have always been successful. I pay attention to all of my spots and get the new ones treated right away. My boyfriend also takes pictures of my head every week. This was VERY hard at first- I hated looking at the pictures- I felt so ugly and I hated to have him see my "freakishness" (if that is even a word). I would break down and cry everytime. Now, I am extremely happy that we have tracked my progress and regression. I bring them to all of my doctor appts- they really help my doctor keep track of my condition. They give me hope too- I see how far I have come. This disease is such a rollercoaster of emotions. Stay strong and stress-free!! <3

hey! yeah i rarely get on here these days haha.. so i am sorry it took me so long as well! As for how to explain I am not so sure haha, I have had this since I was 15 so he has always known me like this. usually bald with a bandanda at home and then different hair when we are out. haha he is even used to the blonde one second and black the next. But he does notice a bit, he will talk about how he has hair , how everyone does but I don't. There was a time he thought girls didn't really have hair haha but boys did. And then sometimes he would try to pull ppls hair off.. but once he is older and asking questions I will try to explain that I lost mine when I was younger and that it's ok and that I'm still the same and hair is not that important... it could be a good life lesson, especially for your daughter, being a girl and all, to show her there is so much more important things!

Hi Katie,
How are things with the AA? I hope that it is not bothering you. That last photo of you and your daughter is so beautiful! Did your AA start after you gave birth? I was just wondering because mine really flared up after.
Shannon

Hey Katie,
I haven't talked to you in a while. I was just going to say hey. I hope everything is going good with you. I'll talk with you later on.
-Katie

Hey Katie,

thanks for your comment:-) you're so beautiful!! I just saw that you live in CO. I love Colorado, and I have really good friends there (in Lone Tree). I was just there for 2 months with my son. It was great.

My wig is an Ellen Wille wig and iit's called Marusha. They have them in the UK. www.wigsworld.co.uk
I also like http://www.wigsalon.com. I'm thinking about getting a wig there. I like the brand Noriko and those wigs feel better on my head. I don't really feel dressed up with my wig. At the beginning I did since my own hair had gotten really thin and the wig felt like a turban on my head. Now I love my wigs and I think they are so perfect. My own hair has never been as perfect as my wigs. What kind of brand do you wear? Is that your real hair in the pics?

Hi Katie,
Thanks for the sweet picture comment. :o) Wearing the wig out definitely makes me feel pretty and "normal." I like the way it makes me look and feel. But I'm not gonna lie...I think it's uncomfortable. I didn't give it much of a chance before decided I'd prefer bandanas to the wig. It was hot and just uncomfortable to me...felt like I was wearing a hat and I hate hats! I totally still wear it out when I want to feel pretty like when I go out to dinner with friends and such. But most of the time I just wear bandanas. They feel more like me. ;o)

Hugs,
Mandy

Oh and to answer your other question...my wig is a synthetic. Raquel Welch - Sheer Indulgence line. I definitely recommend Raquel Welch. For a wig, it is very comfortable and I have NO fear of it falling off, that's for sure. It has a monofilament top, so I can part it any way I want, which is cool. I got it from a local shop. For your first wig, I'd recommend finding a wig shop instead of buying online. That way they can help you find the perfect one and they can style it for you, etc.

Hi! How are you doing? Thanks for the comment! The wig I have on in the pictures I got from a wig shop in Arkansas. It worked great for my wedding, but I am having problems with it now. I don't know what type of human hair it is, so I'm thinking it wasn't the highest quality since I'm having major tangling problems with it. I think I'm going to have to get a new one soon. Do you wear a wig? Your pictures are really cute! See ya! :)