Alopecia World
Natalie
38, Female
Arlington, VA
United States
Profile Information:
- Relationship Status:
- Married
- About Me:
- Hi my name is Natalie! I am 31 years-old and work for a non-profit organization in downtown Washington, DC. My professional and personal goals in life are to make the world a better place for others!
I've had alopecia since I was 14; for the first five or six years I would only lose one or two small patches at a time and they would grow back themselves within a few months. As I got older, more hair started falling out. I have tried everything from monthly cortisone injections to oral steroids to steroid creams and ointments. I also received Reiki therapy for two years. Reiki is an ancient Asian form of healing that helps one to channel their own energy for the positive; it essentially aids one in healing themselves and growing. Although it didn't help my hair grow back, it certainly helped me deal with stress and brought me to the realization that I hold the key to success in my own life. Anyways, around Jan. 09, my hair began falling out to the point where I had an extremely difficult time hiding it anymore. After much thought, many tears, and years of varying treatments, I decided to shave it all off! It was amazingly liberating and has been the best thing that I have done so far in this crazy alopecia journey of mine. I feel like healthy, happy, lively ME again! I just got my second Freedom vacuum wig and am couldn't be happier! It is insanely comfortable and the hair is extremely high-quality. Additionally, I have lots of fun with my bald head and the many options I now have (bald head, wig, scarf, hat, bandana!)
My favorite things to do are: reading, canoeing, running, riding my bike, cooking, shopping, or camping. I have been running since high school, and it is has become my main source of "therapy." Running has always been the best way for me to find my inner strength and keep smiling. In a world where we often find ourselves not in control (such as having alopecia), running is something that I do have control over, and it makes me feel both physically and mentally strong. I have completed 6 half marathons and one full marathon and can't wait to begin training for another one!
And last, but not least, I have an amazing family who has been supportive from day one as well as a great group of friends. My husband is also amazingly supportive and is such a rock in my life. He never fails to make me laugh, and he always tells me how beautiful I am- with or without hair. This is a great website for support; I am so happy to have found it! Feel free to ask me any questions regarding alopecia or life in general :) - Do you have alopecia?
- Alopecia universalis
- Are you age 18 or older?
- Yes - I am 18 or older
Ashley
Apr 12, 2009
Shannon
Apr 13, 2009
uncomfortably numb
every newbie needs some encouragement, so was playing the motivator.
Bangalore, I must say its an amazing city, and its highly cosmopolitan..therefore one easily gels with the city's atmosphere. It really is the IT hub of India, almost all the big names have their shops here. Weather wise too, Bangalore I would rate as one of the best places amongst the other metros.
Work brought me to Bangalore, I was brought up in a Calcutta, an author called it the city of joy:).
Here's the story, completed my bachelor's in engineering from Calcutta and got a job in Bangalore..so its been like 3.5 years in Bangalore now. My siblings stay here as well, so its like a home away from home.
India, is so vibrant and so diverse, am sure you would be left awestruck and it would be an exhilarating experience for you. I guess it would be your first visit to India, I so very wish you good times here *g*.
I had been to Germany almost a year ago, our company has its HQ in Walldorf, a small town in Baden Wuttermberg. I went to Mainz, Frankfurt and St. Leon Rot, Mannhiem, Heidelberg..also some adjoining cities, which I dont remember. Best part of the trip was traveling to Bratislava from Frankfurt and then hitting Wien(Vienna). One of my cousin stays in Vienna, so it was fun going there and meeting his friends and so on. I did some wine tasting in Germany, a place called St. Martin's...and that was something exotic.
Super, du sprachen deutsch ? Ich bin lernen deutsch. - You know what, I speak a little bit of Deutsch :p, I was taking german lessons at my workplace. So you have roots attached to germany? Thats kool, I have a lot of German friends..it would be nice to know more about germany from you. So where all have you been in Germany?
Hey I tried several types of beer; Dunkel, Hiefe Wizen, Vetter 33(world's strongest beer..)..and loads more, am a big time beer fan:o).
I wish you a very happy Easter, have fun.
Cheers,
Shekhar
Apr 13, 2009
uncomfortably numb
I am a self proclaimed globe trotter and a foodie :o), how I wish I were in the shoes of Anthony Bourdain. I think nothing beats traveling across the globe and exploring cultures.
My best wishes on your internship talks. Lets me know the outcome.
Mecklenburg..ah the north east part, didnt get a chance to explore, am sure there's much to be seen.
Honestly speaking, had I been in your place I would have been very inquisitive to visit Germany and scroll through the pages of history..maybe you should try to dig the past a little bit, am sure it would be fun.
Well, adopting Indian culture would be fun as well, its so diverse, you'd find yourself fascinated for sure:).
Its nice that you get to see your sister often, we are the lucky lots I must say.
Well, I have been to Rajasthan and heard of Kota but never got a chance to visit the place. I basically hail from a Marwari family, with roots attached to Rajasthan. Rajasthan is extremely beautiful, its a must visit.
I havent been to the US yet, maybe post GMAT, my first pref would be an American B-school..US, I have heard quite a lot of Washington DC, would love to visit the city sometime.
Hey, congrats on your new Wig..I wish it fits you perfectly well.
Cheers and have fun,
Shekhar
Apr 13, 2009
Jude
I am also thinking of getting a Freedom wig soon. Let me know how it goes.
Apr 13, 2009
Heather L
Bentley is 13 too! The kayaking I do is with flat bottom kayaks so it is very much like canoeing. I like to canoe as well- I did a week long canoe trip and we went along the coastal MD area- I did enjoy it. BUT learned I NEED a hotel room (a shower, bed and electricity!!) at the end of the day! I will not be doing that again. :)
That is so great you and father are doing the marathon together- sounds like fun.
Hope you had a Happy Easter
Heather
Apr 13, 2009
Shannon
interesting how similar our stories are, huh? i wonder what the future will hold for us and our aa. luckily i don't let it bother me one way or the other. i am actually at the point where i feel blessed to have aa because i have learned so much about myself and how i define myself, define beauty, and understand others. and guess what? my hair is growing back. in fact, if it keeps up at the rate that it has been the past two months, i'd say i'd have a full head of black hair in another month. but who knows. i just had a baby, he was premature, spent 4 weeks in the hospital, so i have been going through a lot emotionally and physically, so that might have a negative impact. i don't know...
regarding head scarves...i make my own because i could never find any either. do you want me to make you some? i was going to start my own business selling them but i don't have time so now i just give them to people when i meet somebody that needs/wants some. i like having lots of options depending on whatever i feel like that day.
well, let me know how things go saturday. you won't be alone when you shave your head, will you? shaving my head this last time was liberating on one hand but also extremely emotional and more difficult than i expected and i should have had my sisters with me like i did the first time for moral support.
best of luck!!!!
Apr 13, 2009
Frank
I am very interested to learn more about Reiki. Any good books or websites you can offer up?
Frank
Apr 14, 2009
Erica
I'm definitely with you that exercise (especially running) is the best way to combat stress. I've been missing out on it for a while and you've just reminded me that I need to get back out there and run my stresses away!
Thanks!
Apr 14, 2009
François
Apr 14, 2009
lidia
I am wearing a human hair wig... lace... you tape it to your scalp. The borders are made of special material wher you put your double stick tape. Its not for everyone but i feel very secure with it... I would love to try a vacuum wig but would not even know where to look for it in montreal. I should ask around. My wig costs 1400$... lasts me about 16months...pushing it. Good luck... ask anything you want...
bye bye
Apr 14, 2009
lidia
I hope that you will be happy with your wig. I use to wear just regular wigs and let me tell you... when it was windy outside i stayed in. Now because of the taped wig... bring it on... love it.
Apr 14, 2009
Erica
I'm only down to do one 10k this year and that's all I've really been doing for the past few years. In 2004 I ran a marathon and a half marathon and decided I wouldn't run a marathon again. However, I'm beginning to think that a half-marathon would be a good idea again so I think I'll go for that next year. It will definitely take the pounds off me again. Which marathon are you signed up to do?
In most of my pictures you can see my bio hair. I still have quite a lot of it, thankfully on the top. I'll need to take some pictures of my patches though so the pictures explain my hairloss. The pictures of me in my wigs are the ones where I'm sitting down holding a cup (of honey vodka oddly enough) and the one where I'm in a blue dress with my boyfriend. The drinking one is Samantha by Rene of Paris and the other is another brand but I don't like it as much. They are both synthetic as I can get those on prescription over here (a mere pittance at £5 a wig) and as I don't wear them all the time, I haven't wanted to spend lots of money on them. When I went to get them to start with, I was worried that the Samantha looked too wiggy as it seemed like lots of hair but as I started to wear them, having lots of hair was what I wanted and they seem to settle into your head a little so that they don't look so poofy. I also don't worry about them looking wiggy anymore - I think they just look like you have fantastic hair that you've recently had coloured. I agree with Lidia though - the wind is your enemy when you wear wigs the way I do. However, if you shave your head then you can wear toupee tape to keep them on which I think would be good, once you get used to it. Whether you go for human hair or acrylic, remember to get one with a mono-filament top to it. That allows you to style your hair on the top to one side or the other without the wiggy bits showing through!
Apr 15, 2009
Jenn
Apr 15, 2009
Kat
Good luck for today, it will empower and liberate you, remember how it makes you feel and that you are in control!! Let us know how you get on?
Kat x
Apr 17, 2009
Heather L
Heather
Apr 19, 2009
Heather L
I LOVE your buddy story. It did make me laugh- mostly b/c I've said a time or two when I've walked Bentley to far from home that I wished I had a stroller! I bet buddy was quite the show stopper. --you should get a picture of that! Do you remember that sitcom "Coach" -the character Luther who always pulled his Basset Hound in a little red radio flyer wagon??? that always made me smile.
Have a great day!
Heather
Apr 20, 2009
Melinda
Just read your blog and i have to say it has made me feel so much better... i am fast approaching the stage where i have more scalp than hair and i'm considering a vacuum wig but the thought of shaving off whats left does scare me. Your blog was so positive so thank you for sharing it.
Apr 20, 2009
Melinda
Take care, Melinda
Apr 20, 2009
Jenn
Bald girls rock,
Jenn
Apr 22, 2009
Summer
Apr 25, 2009
Ms. Erin
Apr 26, 2009
Melinda
Thanks for the message on my blog. Yeah i think i'm going to look into the new caps... anything that makes it more comfortable has got to be better!
Hope yours doesn't take too long to arrive... i'm sure once i start the process with mine i'll be like a kid waiting for Christmas!
Take care, Melinda
Apr 26, 2009
SHAILENDER SINGH CHAUHAN
Apr 27, 2009
Ms. Erin
Apr 27, 2009
Jennifer Krahn
I just want to thank you for your encouraging words. This last week has been a tough one. False hopes went up when I went for steroid shots...I thought it may stop the whole reaction but it seemed to have hastened it. I thank you for your bravery in showing your head shave. I can understand the relief it must be...along with being empowering. You look absolutely fabulous in your profile picture!! My plan is to get a freedom wig from Karen as well, who is the dealer for my area. I have been in contact with her and she seems great. I'm still waiting for the final outcome of this AA. It seems so quick. I know strength will come. It's funny I feel almost better once I'm in public than in the process of getting out into the public...if that made any sense. Please continue to share your attitude and story with everyone it helps alot. You're a definite role model!
Apr 27, 2009
maryc
Apr 28, 2009
SHAILENDER SINGH CHAUHAN
yes you did spelled every word correctly. really that was surprising for me to get reply back in hindi. anyways i liked that..........thanks for adding me.................
take care
bye
Apr 28, 2009
uncomfortably numb
Apr 28, 2009
maryc
Apr 28, 2009
Jenn
Apr 29, 2009
Jenn
I am gearing up to start wearing the wig. I am getting my hair cut Saturday, probably pretty short in the back, so that it will be more comfortable. But you are so right when you say that there's a tiny part that does care about what others think.
Oh Im so excited that you're coming to visit!! I live right near Raymond James. The weather? Yeah...hot. ITs been about 85 degrees and really sunny. Its good you're coming in May... the summer storms don't usually start until June. Then almost every day like clockwork around 4 pm we get thunderstorms and rainstorms. Its crazy! I bet its still cold up there. I'd love it. I'm from NJ originally, and as I said in my blog I'm naturally hot to begin with so its in my long-range plans to move from here eventually. But I'm sure you'll love it for a vacation, its perfect for you! Its so fun to travel! My boyfriend and I haven't been anywhere in a long time. We don't want to charge a vacation so its saving and waiting.
Let's see. In St Pete, some of the cool stuff is on Central Ave. Lots of very good restaurants. And you'll want to visit Beach Drive, where Vinoy Park is by the water. There is an AMAZING gelato shop there: http://www.paciugo.com/html/locations/location_details.php?store=16
Check out this website for our local event paper Creative Loafing http://www2.tampa.creativeloafing.com/
There's lots of ideas about restaurants and other things in there, and local events will be listed too. I'm not sure what kind of food you like; there are plenty of Thai , Indian, and Sushi places that are great, and there are 2 Ethiopian restaurants in Tampa that I've read are very good! (I haven't been yet, but I really want to go). The other good local paper that has lots of events and stuff is the tbt (Tampa Bay Times): http://www.tampabay.com/tbt/
For an overview, here's a website of the whole St Pete area: http://www.discoverdowntown.com/
Have fun planning!
Apr 29, 2009
maryc
Apr 29, 2009
Erin
Apr 30, 2009
uncomfortably numb
its always nice to see your long and comprehensive scraps:), sadly am not great at writing...
Well congratulations on the new wig, glad that it fits you well.
Yep, indeed..every sector is badly hit by recession, so it wouldnt be that easy to get job calls, having said that, IT industry would always be hungry for manpwower with the right skill sets. So best wishes on the job hunt !!
Half marathon sounds really exciting, I've run a couple of them in Bangalore:), its fun.
I had a hell of a time last two weeks, had been to Calcutta to visit my folks..met my siblings as well, got myself pampered with all kinds of SPA, good food, and lazed around.
Am back in Bangalore, the weather here is slowly doing justice to me..it might rain today(are the Rain Gods' reading ??)
Its an extended weekend so am kinddah pretty excited, might hit some place with friends..tomorrow am going to visit my sister's place...to have some free and home made food:-) unless she has other plans.
Ales klar !! Keep in touch.
Cheers,
Shekhar
May 1, 2009
Sarah
May 1, 2009
Ally
May 2, 2009
Jennifer Krahn
I haven't met with Karen yet. I have just purchased a human hair wig and getting it cut and styled tomorrow. It has a fine mesh and silicone bands that adhere to the scalp. It allows me to keep my hair and allow for growth underneath (If this happens????!!!). This is my first bout of AA ever. I just want to see if anything is going to change in terms of hair loss/growth within the next few months before I make the purchase of the vacuum. If nothing changes and I lose it all (which it's close!!) I'm shopping for the vacuum wig ASAP. I love the fact that they allow you to do anything and everything. The one I just bought can be worn in the water as well, it's my trial run. Also, I seem to be very sensitive to the mesh of other types of wigs right now. How are you liking your current hairpiece? It looks great! I'm so excited about your freedom wig for you...that would be my first choice. You may be seeing my pics up here soon. Have a good one.
May 5, 2009
Yen
May 5, 2009
Heather L
How are you? I was just thinking about you- wondering now that it's been a little while since you shaved your hair and how you were still adjusting to it. Your pics are great! Hope all is well!!!
Heather
May 5, 2009
Angie, Gracie's mom
May 7, 2009
Shana and Taylor
May 20, 2009
Shana and Taylor
~~taylor~~
May 24, 2009
SHAILENDER SINGH CHAUHAN
kafi din ho gaye tum se baat kar ke. aur hindi classes kaisi chal rahi hain. kaya tum alopecia conference attend kar rahi ho?
May 27, 2009
Salmezan
Take care! Sal xx
May 28, 2009
SHAILENDER SINGH CHAUHAN
yes you got that right. i asked, are you coimg to houston for conference or not? anyway i live in north india in chandigarh- the city beautiful. i love punjabi culture too. congrats for the job..........
stay in touch
take care
bye
May 30, 2009
eva
Jun 1, 2009
eva
Jun 1, 2009
Lizzie
Thanks for your comment!!! Just have to say that you look absolutely beautiful!! and deserve every right to go out without a care in public, you go girl!! :)
x
Jun 3, 2009
Jenn
I read through your "About Me" in your profile, and I saw that you receive Reiki. Its wonderful that you are taking workshops! It is very relaxing and releases a lot of stress. I've taken classes and reached my 2nd attunement some time ago.
Jun 4, 2009