Hi jenn,
I am a nurse who lives in Manitoba! I hope you know you are a beautiful accomplished person. It's very hard to see your hair go "down the drain"! It's very normal to grieve, but because you are an upbeat person I am sure you will get to the acceptance stage fairly quickly. know that your hair does not define who you are, you have controle over that. I have found that once I have accepted my condition everyone around me saw that it was okay. If you have any questions pls feel free to ask.
Sincerely, Chantal

Hi there Jenn,
Don't let alopecia get in the way of stopping you doing what you love :) I'm a teacher too, in my first year actually. Alopecia doesn't stop me teaching, i actually consider myself very lucky that it is just alopecia. I have some very special students in my class, who are my heroes, and who make me realise that everyone has bad things happen to them. These kids never complain, and I can take some courage out of their own courage.

I told my principal about my alopecia, and told him that I wanted to shave it off. He was supportive, and said that so long as it didn't stop my teaching, he didnt' have a problem with it :)

For peace of mind, if you feel better, tell your boss. But seriously, just wear headbands, or headscarves,a nd don't worry too much. Kids are honest little creatures and they appreciate honesty in return. So long as they know you are not upset and you are ok, they will be ok with it too. Your class will just be worried and will only care for you, like you do them.

My alopecia is really bad. I'm considering wearing a wig next week, under a headband of course. No one will know :)

It's only a big deal if we make it one.

Take care, and send me a message anytime you like.
xox
PS: what age to do you teach? I have grade 4.

Hello and welcome, Jenn!
I know how hard it can be. I have had alopecia for about 30 years. After I became the spokesperson for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, a lot of women were needing my help and support, so I wrote a book called, "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" It might make you feel better. You can find out more on my page -- and let me know if there's anything else I can do!
LeslieAnn

Hey Jenn, I can't believe this all started for you three weeks ago. I have to say the beginning is hard. So many questions and worries. The least my experience can do is help out my fellow alopecians :) Please let me know if you need any info on local doctors or treatments or just to talk :)

I've been there for the folk festival before! Fun town!

I order my wigs from namebrandwigs.com - but there are some great shops around here and the twin cities area. Aurora Salon is supposed to have the largest selection available in the whole state--

Otherwise if you make it down to the twin cities area, DK International is fantastic.

Gisele's wigs is in Saint Boniface area and she gives you a 80% blue cross discount if you have a Rx from a doctor saying you have alopecia and need a wig( you'll need the Rx because her prices are like 500$ per wig. Her phone number is (204) 254-1300. It's a really nice place to go and try on a few + she gives you tips on how to care for them and how to style them(she has AA). After gaining the knowledge of what looks good on me and what I like as in color etc, under my belt I prefer buying my wigs on
e bay! It's perfect! Just look up "wigs" and the ones that have nice manequins you then go into that seller's store and search your heart out!

It's safe to use, pay by "paypal". That is where I bought all of my wigs shown on my site! They get delivered to my house and they usually only cost approx, 40$. I prefer synthetic short cuts because then synthetic always goes back to it's good shape after a wash, and shot cuts are way more natural looking then long. Long wigs need alot of movement to appear like real hair (not even long humain hair wigs looks like real hair after a few washes). Good luck!
p.s Gisele's wigs is by appointment only so it's nice and private :)

Hi Jenn !
I understand your fears i've been though the same and there's a lot of similarities between you and me. It takes time to accept this thing so give you time.
But remember that you are the same Jenn...Our innerself is what comes through everyday...I"ve had to shave my hair everyday for the last six years and still do but i'm happy......Keep your head up !!!

hello my name is christina and i wa 1st diagnosied with AA @ 16 (with only one spot) now i am 26 (with yet another spot) i was wondering how your spots appeared ....at the same time or one one day and 2 the next see when i was 16 they told me the cahnce of this happening agian was slim to none and now at 26 i find myself searching for answers such as is this the last time i will get this or with i eventually lose all my hair i am just scared i guess of what could or couldnt be..so i was wondering if you were willing to share your story with me ....i would grately appreciate it thanks a bunch _if this is to personal i understand..and wont bother you agagin. ) but you luv to hear your story if your willing to share..thanks

Hello...its a Freedom Wig...thank you

thank you for not only taking the time to read my long drwan out email but to respond...it means alot!! i know in my heart that it is just hair and hey everybody fake now days...lol. so whats the big deal right? but for some reason it is a big deal i have thoght about seeking mental help for this but i have never been the type to need anyone or want anyone in my business i have always been a private person and well i always thought of my self as a strong individual and oh yeah a control freak!!! (and thats putting it lightly) i am over complosive and think everything has to be perfect... you can imagine what this is doing to me..to know i have no control over this is driving me crazy to know that this can happen at anytime scares me and to thik of what other people will think when they know and lets not forget how i feel when i look at myself. all the feeling are new to me and i am doing the best i can coipng with them. my family and hubbs are great and very supportive but no one can tell you its goingt o be ok noone knows that for sure and i just dont think they understand what it feels like. i know i am blessed to have 2 wonderful kiddos and a great husband and family but i find my self sinking into depression anyway...(self pitty i guess) but this disorder has taken me on a world wind and well to be honest i am not sure where all of this will end.(but wwho does with this guessing game?) i find hearng other stories from people make it eaiser to deal with but i still find my self crying sometime (like thats going to regrow my hair right..lol) i have realized that i am not as strong as i once thought i hope the strong person i knew within my self will return but right now i just feel weak. i want to thank you for your kind words and please know they did give me a lil peace of mind. i want to thank you agin and please keep me posted on how your doing i would luv to have someone to share things with.thanks again!

oh no i am not...lol...dealing with it is a severe understatmente!! i am a basket case but dont tell noone i told you..lol. i find some days i am fine and able to cope and others its like i feel like alice in wonderland falling thru the rabbit whole. i guess exceptance comes with time but i am at the point now that i just want control....i have been considering just shaving it off getting a wig and just learn to live without hair i mean it cant be worse than this wait and see game...my hubby and family just tell me to wait and see if the treatment is going to work but its the waiting that is the worst! i dont know i guess i am just having a negative day i am sure i will get over at least i hope so..lol well thanks again and sorry to talk your ear off ..well keep me posted on whats going on with you i would luv to saty in touch and share experiences...take care

Hi Jenn...I see you're online...Wanna chat?

Thanks for the comment. You have a beautiful family!

Well thats good to know!! It seems as though she is as ther is no support, however Im trying to form a group so it will be nice to meet others I just hope there are other children out there so Brittany can have kids her age around her. We should meet, I'm sure it would be comforting for her to meet ANYONE with Alopecia anyways!

Where abotus do you live? I live in the Maples, on Blechner Dr.

My email is tfisherthegreat@hotmail.com or alopeciaisbeauty@live.ca

Huby has the van during the week butmaybe some weekend soon! Look forward to meeting you!

Welcome Jenn!! As a fellow teacher, it was very hard at times to stand up in front of a classroom and teach. I have 7th graders so they are definitely not the nicest. I've had spots that I was able to hide for the most part, but last summer this condition got the best of me. I now have to wear a wig(which I call wigilicious ) and while I am coping with that I do miss having "bad hair days" My co-workers know, but I didn't tell my students though I'm sure they know--no hair at the end of the school year then I start this year with a full head of hair. I know this is a hard condition to have, I go through times when I think I can accept it to moments when I get so mad, depressed. If you ever need anyone to talk to or vent I'm here!! Good luck and take care. Stephanie

I am so sorry you had such a bad day! I am now trying to figure out when these flare ups occur. I had about an inch of hair, but then I got a flare up and i lost it all. It lasted about 2 weeks now I have little hairs growing again. Go figure. I hope tomorrow's a better day. I'm always here for you!!

WELL HELLO..MELTDOWN HUH? YEAH I HAVE THOSE DAYS!! WELL THINGS HERE ARE OK I GUESS.MY SON MADE ME LAUGH THE OTHER DAY HE SAID MOMMY DONT WORRY ABOUT YOUR HAIR IT WILL BE OK...AND I SAID IT WILL HE SADI YES MOM YOU WILL HAVE A WHOLE MUCH HAIR WHEN YOU GET BIGGER..LOL. THOSE LIL MOMMENTS GOTTA LUV EM. WELL AS FOR AN UPDATE...I WENT TO THE DERMO..I THINK I TOLD YOU SHE GAVE ME SOME MOUSE (STEROID) THAT I RUBB ON THE SPOT AS I LIKE TO CALL THEM AND YOU DO IT FOR 2 WEEKS ON AND THEN ONE WEEK OFF TILL YOU GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT..(I AM THINKING AS SHE IS TELLING EM THIS THE RESULT I WANT....LOL..I WANT A CURE ..I WANT NOT TO HAVE THIS DISORDER...SO THE RESULTI WANT REALLY I CANT GET). MY MOM AND HUBBY HAVE BEEN SOOO SUPPORTIVE THEY HAVE BEEN TRYING TO MAKE THIS EASY ON ME BUT I THINK ITS ALL IN MY HEAD YOU KNOW..I MEAN I KNOW HAIR COMES AND GOES AND YES THERE ARE WAYS OF DEALING AND COVERING IT UP BUT ME BEING A CONTROL FREAK I THINK IT IS THE UNPREDICTABLITY OF THIS THAT IS DRIVING ME CRAZY. I AM JUST TRYING TO COPE EVERYDAY IS DIFFERENT...BUT IT HELPS TO KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE MELTING DOWN OVER THIS.. YOUKNOW WHATS CRAZY THEY SAY THIS IT PREVOKED BY STRESS..AND NOT TO STRESS AS MUCH IS REALLY THE ONLY THING THAT HELPS THIS DISORDER BUT HELLO LOSSING YOUR HAIR IS STRESSFUL AND EMOTIONAL...LOL. THIS DISORDER IS JUST ONE BIG CONTRADICTION...LOL. IT HELPS TO PLAY WITH MY KIDDOS AND OF COURSE NOT TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR. BUT HEY WE ARE ONLY HUMAN SO A MELTDOWN HERE AND THERE IS NORMAL..ONLY FOR US IT COSTS OUR HAIR. WELL IWISH YOU THE BEST IN DEALING WITH THIS AND I HOPE YOUR FAM IS AS SUPPORTIVE AS MINE AND HEY KEEP YOUR HEAD UP YOUR NOT ALON...AFTER ALL I AM HERE..:). HEY AND THANKS FOR CHECKING IN ON ME..IT MEANS ALOT! I HOPE YOU HAVE A BETTER DAY TODAY..DAM HORMONES!!!LOL. TAKE CARE AND PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH.

Hi Jenn,
It was so great to speak with you yesterday. I hung up the phone feeling very enlightened. You are the first person I have talked to that is going through this. Us talking yesterday, helped me realize that I am really not alone in this and that all the feelings I have seem to be completely normal. Once again, thank you for your compliaments...even if I don't always believe them...ha ha ha. You know what I mean! Last night I was looking on my head...and noticed the second patch on my head has hair growing in it...woohoo. It's much finer than my normal hair...but I'll take it.
So...if they say that it can take 3-6 months for regrowth...I seem to be falling right into that. I feel for your situation...perhaps this was sent to you as a wake up call...Did you take some time out for yourself last night? I ended up washing my face in peace...lol...and went to bed. How exciting is my life eh??
I hope you have an amazing day!

Thanks for getting back to me. Talking to you helped me confirm my decision about stopping the use of that cream...although I prefer it over the injections...for the reasons we discussed...I decided to let my body do what it needs to do, naturally. Since I made that decision...I have noticed more hair..shocked! I don't get my hopes up though...I don't think I'll ever fully trust that my hair will stay around...but I don't want to stress over it either. I believe that stress is one of the biggest factors in this condition...but I will "rise above it"....I have had to stop and assess my life - similar to the way you have. This has changed my life, and it's up to me if I make it a good change or a negative one...I choose positivity...all the way!!I once thought...I won't let anyone get in my way of happiness...no man or woman would ever take that from me... so why am I letting my hair do it? It's all up to me...isn't that exciting to know that we all hold the key to our own happiness??? I'm thrilled!!
I hope you have a terrific day Jenn!

Jenn,
After reading your profile I noticed you said that you are having diffuse loss. The same thing is happening with my daughter, Genevieve, 6yrs. She started out with one spot at the beginning of Dec. and now has about 7-8 spots all over her head. We use wide headbands to cover it, but her loss is pretty diffuse and she still has a lot of hair. I have been trying to get some information from others that seem to have more of the diffuse loss because it doesn't seem to be the more common type. I struggle everyday with seeing Genevieve's hair fall out. I hate it. I can only imagine how much you hate losing your own hair in this way. What type of prognosis did your dr. give you--or is it still too early to tell?

Melani

I'm doing good thanks. I hope your results turn out ok. But on the other hand maybe that is the problem and it can be fixed. I actually got my results through a trichologist. I am taking natural supplements and I have seen a little improvement. I had a spot starting in January before I started taking them, I started them in Feb and that spot is gone now. Coincidence? I don't know. I have several other very large spots that I haven't noticed anything but some small white hairs. I have noticed some eyelashes returning also. I'm very excited about it though. Just yesterday I purchased some X-Fusion hair fibers, that you sprinkle on your hair to help cover and make your hair look fuller. I love it so far. I'm holding off on other alternatives for now. I will give this a try for a while. I have also noticed not as much hair falling out when I wash or brush it. Check out the website for X-fusion hair fibers. See what you think. Hope that helped a little, please keep me posted with your findings. Good luck to you.

Hii Jenn !! thank you for being your friend =) !! How are you doing ?? Just want to stop and say "helllooo" to all family ^^!!

happy shopping jenn! you should take pictures and post them if you get something. and i'm with your daughter - go pink!

hi jenn! thanks for adding me as a friend. it looks like we have a lot in common.
i loved your photos. you are beautiful and your family is darling. i look forward to getting to know you better.

Hi Jenn,
You would contact Karen Peterik. She lives in Chicago and handles your area. Her phone number is 630-887-7083. Her website is www.newlifehair.com
She's great!!