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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

Comment Wall:

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MOLLY

Hey my name is Molly... kims daughter. tat is so cool that u got a wig. i went to go look @ wigs one time but i felt very uncomfortable there so i never got one. anyways i wanted to say that u are vry brave for shaving your hair... i would of been scared to death. i hope to be frands wit u and get to know u bettr. [=[=[=[=

Jun 7, 2009
maryc

Sorry i havent spoke to u in a while......i have had my lace wig for about a month...i very much enjoy it...im still learning how to style...but im having fun...hope to talk to u soon

Jun 13, 2009
maryc

Very exciting....GOOD LUCK.....and congrats.

Jun 13, 2009
Samantha

I just saw your friend request..it's been a while since I've been on here. I hear you about the running. I have been running my entire life and it keeps me going too. Unfortunately, due to a knee injury, I haven't ran in 6 months! I attempted a brief one yesterday without any pain, so that is hopeful. How did your half-marathon go?

Jun 24, 2009
Heather Teachworth

Hey Natalie, My name is Heather Teachworth. I met you in DC at the American History Museum. I would love to see your new wig when you get it. I really enjoyed talking to you. It is the first time that I have met someone else who suffers from Alopecia. It felt great to actually meet someone who is going thru the same thing. Hope to talk to you soon.

Jun 30, 2009
NiCKoLe

hey natalie,
how are you doing.- good ole milwaukee. home of the milwaukee brewers woohoo!!!! neways i am hoping this site can help me cope with whats going on with me more.-it all started june 26th. when i went to the drs. she told me i have AA.- after lookin at a bald spot in my head.0- so that day i got a shot. of the steriod to help it stop falling out.-which we just noticed the hair is growin back.-as of now!!!!!!! i got excited well then yesterday i noticed when i was doing my hair nd i looked in the mirror that.i am thining out in the side of my head.- only my left side tho.- then this morning i noticed im thining out in the front of my head so now i have to go back into see the dr in the morning and more then likely get another set of steriod in my head.this is very depression and stressful on me.how did you deal with it i need help seriously no one around me has ever heard of alopecia Areada.- so no one can help me out. so i found this site in hopes to help with it.- thanks

Jul 6, 2009
spaganya

well welcome to DC - you will love it here. definitely unique :) if you need help deciding on locations and whatnot (i.e. whats safe, close to metro, etc) let me know :) and i will keep my ears open for any possible roomies!

And i went from AA to AU all in the span of about 4-5 months, with my body hair going first, then head hair, then finally my eyebrows and eyelashes. of all of it what i miss the most are the eyelashes and eyebrows - mostly during allergy season!

i use beauti-FULL brows temporary tattoos- they last 4-6 days at a time and are pretty easy to have so no worries there. My lack of eyelashes i cover up with revlon eyeliner, its waterproof and stays on pretty well, and is somewaht natural looking. ive been looking into getting fake lashes, but we will see, that will be after i finally get a full lace wig lol.

when you get here maybe we can meet up and trade beauty tips :)
later girlie!
ak@}-}---

Jul 18, 2009
traci

Hi Natalie, thanks for the friend request! I'm glad you're keeping a positive attitude! I see from your About Me section that you're a Business Marketing and Poli Sci major - that sounds really interesting! What are you doing now post-graduation? I also see that you're getting a vacuum wig soon. Those are really great!

Hope you're having a good weekend~

Jul 19, 2009
Tasha Dingler

Natalie I was just reading thru old posting and came across yours! Whenyou asked me if any of sierras relatives had it. I have now learned that 1 in every 50 people in the us have some sort of alopecia and 1 out of every of those 5 caase affects more then one family member. Just though i woulf share the info with you! take care hun!!!!

Aug 14, 2009
Veronica

Hi Natalie, I just logged in and saw your request. I am glad to hear there's someone in WI that I can connect with. Reading your profile brought back a lot of memories from when I lost my hair 15 yrs ago. I can't believe it's been that long!!! but I admire you take on the situation. I lost my hair when I was 12 and got it back when I was 17. Then I started losing it again a couple of yrs later and that's when I decided to shaved my head. It was an easy and liberating experience! Last year I started wearing wigs which I think it was more difficult than shaving my head. Now I feel more comfortable with the wigs but I would like to get a vacuum wig at some point. Maybe we can plan to meet up for lunch sometime since MKE it's like 1.5 hrs from me. Take care and keep the good attitude. I think God allow us to go through these experiences because we are meant to help others.

Aug 15, 2009
Ashley Garrett

Thanks you for commenting on my blog! it helped out alot. where did your your hair from? was it expensive? lol more?'s!

Aug 25, 2009
Ashley Garrett

What kind of tape do you use?

Aug 25, 2009
Ashley Garrett

Thanks Natalie!!!! Im definatley going to use the tape after hearing the horror stories about glue lol. btw you have helped me alot!!!

Aug 26, 2009
Dee Connelly

HI there, I hope you are having a great day!

Aug 30, 2009
Donna DeHoog

Hey Natalie! Your hair is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!! I am kinda new to this whole alopecia thing....my hair has been falling out slowly for the last 9 months. It is quickly reaching the point where I am going to need to make a decision :(. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! :)

Sep 11, 2009
Donna DeHoog

Thanks Natalie! I do have a few questions :). Where did you get your wig from? Is it lace or vacuum? Does it feel secure?

Sep 11, 2009
Heather L

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATALIE!

Hope it is a wonderful day!! Enjoy~

Heather

Sep 12, 2009
Natasha Gehrke

I hate to say it but I'm actually a cubs fan. lol I grew up in chicago and i moved here at 13. Wisconsin is a beautiful place and there are so many great people. I'm sure my kids will grow up to be Brewer fans though lol I hope your having a great day :)

Sep 22, 2009
Heather Teachworth

Hey Natalie, I see that you actually moved to DC. Good for you!!! Good Luck with Law School!!! i would love to see some pics of your Freedom Wig when you get it. Take care. Heather

Sep 23, 2009
Clayton

Hey, Natalie. I just stopped by because I haven't heard anything from you in a while and was wondering how things are going? From the look of your page, you moved right in and made yourself comfortable, great!

I was just checking in on a few friends I hadn't seen or herd from for a while, no big deal. If you ever need to talk, you can always click on me, I'll get back asap.

Be kind to yourself, Clayton

Sep 30, 2009
Shannon

Hi Natalie,
I was just curious as to how you're adjusting to the lace wig. I've ordered my transition one from Debbie Fuller and then I will do the head shave and wait. I'm very worried about the security of the tape, and irritation to the scalp. I'm also wondering how often I'll have to shave and what's the best method for that? I have a very similar pattern of loss to yours and I have lost the hair on the lower halves of my legs. I wonder how long until eyebrows and eyelashes follow. I was also curious about how you knew where to get your wig styled and how to tell them to cut it. It looks great, by the way. Shannon

Oct 6, 2009
andrea

natalie your freedom piece looks BEAUTIFUL!!! oh wow i'm so excited now for mine to arrive....so glad you are loving life w/ it.

PS...jeffrey segal is amazing for Eyebrows. i absolutely love the work he did on me. they look so natural and real...he is truly an artist and i'm not surprised he has come to highly recommended. i'm going to post pictures this week so stay tuned.

Oct 26, 2009
Jennifer Krahn

Hey Natalie,
Gorgeous hair!! How is it feeling compared to your other wig. Looking to start the investment into the freedom wig.
Your looking fabulous!

Oct 26, 2009
Shannon

Thanks for your responses, Natalie. It's great to see that there are great stylists out there for wigs and eyebrows. I think that makes a huge difference. I'll be sure to get some names when I'm at that place. Thanks, Shannon

Oct 27, 2009
Donna DeHoog

Hi Natalie! I love your new wig!!!!!!! You look amazing!!!!!!!!!! :)

Oct 27, 2009
Donna DeHoog

I am so glad that you love your wig! I am sure I will be there soon! Oh Natalie...I am so sorry about your lashes....UGH! This disease stinks!!!!!!!! Do you still have you eyebrows? I am looking into getting my eyebrows tatooed on. Probably going to make an appt with Jeff Segal. I keep hearing wonderful things about him! I hope you find some eyelashes soon. Let me know what you find too. Take care and ttys :)

Oct 27, 2009
Jennifer Krahn

Hey natailie,
Well I'm AU now. Lost the brows and the lashes in the summer. It sucks...but life could be MUCH worse. i continue to become an artiste at the brows and no one can tell until I tell them. Which cap did you get for the wig. I will be setting up an appointment with Karen soon...you sold me!!! It's the comfort thing that I look most forward to. Looks fantastic!!!!

Oct 28, 2009
Megan and Brody

Thanks Natalie, for your comment. I really have so many questions I am driving myself nuts!! =) But I have been talkin w/ Brody's Dr. a bit and that helps. Thanks again, Megan

Oct 29, 2009
Melissa Harris

Thanks Natalie! You are right. I think it goes on a case by case basis and at some point you just decide to take control of your situation. I'm not there yet and still hanging on to a little hope but I'm also very tired of this process. Mine looks a lot like your pics too. Did you have the pattern underneath your head, like along your neckline? This is what I have. Anyways, thanks for the comment. It is nice to know that life does go on and you can still have a good life. Thanks! :) Melissa

Nov 3, 2009
Melissa Harris

Natalie! LOL! You are so RIGHT!! I wish you lived close to me! I would like to actually meet people like yourself that have been through this!! Thanks for all the feedback! How is your life now?? Do you even think about it anymore?? I started this when I was 38 years old, so I think it's been a shock since I read that most people get it when they are younger. But this disease doesn't discriminate! It is a crazy journey! I'm just trying to not drive myself too crazy about it! Thanks again and stay in touch!! :) Melissa

Nov 3, 2009
Jennifer Krahn

Hey Natalie,
I'm flying to Chicago next week and meeting with Karen for a fitting for a hairpiece. So excited. Just wanted to let you know. And may I repeat how fabulous you look. Have a good one.

Nov 3, 2009
Melissa Harris

Thanks Natalie! Good to know that you can get over the fear of this AA and keep living! Did you loose your eyelashes and all that too?? Do you have to shave your head still?? Sorry for all the questions! I'm thinking of all my next steps in this process!!
Melissa

Nov 3, 2009
Melissa Harris

Thanks again Natalie! You gave me a great head start and I appreciate it!! I will let you know how it goes with everything. I still have my eyelashes and eyebrows now, but I think they go last after the scalp hair so we will see! Hope I keep them for now but I like to be prepared! Thanks again! Stay in touch!! Melissa

Nov 5, 2009
Angela

Thanks for accepting the request! Really, that's a wig? It doesn't look like a wig at alll!!! Where can you get freedom wigs from? Was it expensive?

Nov 6, 2009
Jessica

did you get your vac wig yet?? do you have pictures

Nov 7, 2009
Jessica

Wow!!!! That looks great on you. I couldn't tell that's why i asked you if you had any pictures. I am so glad your happy with it. I do like that it's comfortable i do forget to. I just wish i took more time choosing color and texture. My hair is nowhere near what I was used to with my natural hair. I also wish i had taked more time deciding on what cut i wanted. Overall I do like it. Did you get your hair cut by you or out here?

Nov 7, 2009
Angela

Thank you so much for your help! I am not at all at the point to where I need to shave my head, but I want to be prepared when/if I would get there. I pray every day that I don't. How long did it take for you to lose your hair after you were diagnosed?

Nov 8, 2009
Sue Helaine

Hi Natalie, Thanks for responding. I'm trying to build a little support network for myself here! Yes, that is my lab Carmela. She's a sweetie! Good for you on taking that step to have your head shaved. I still haven't crossed that line of bravery yet and continue to wear a hair piece that I combine with what little hair I seem to have less. :( It still looks ok, but I know I'm going to have to take a furhter step soon. Please, keep me posted on your progress. Best of luck with your new "hair" ! :)

Nov 8, 2009
Susan - Jon's Mum

Thank you Natalie
You are beautiful and have a wonderful attitude. Good on you.
How did you cope at school?

Nov 8, 2009
Susan - Jon's Mum

Thanks Natalie for your caring and support.
Jon has isolated himself a bit this year. I shouldn't have let it happen but i did.Didn't realise it at the time. We are trying hard to get him back into doing something. He won't go back to his usual sports but looks like we might succeed in getting him into a youth group. He has organised to go to one with a friend on Friday night so here's hoping that he actually goes through with it!
It appears that he is suffering from depression too and we are trying to get him help. He doesnt see that he has a problem though.
I know that over time he will come to terms with having Alopecia. The only thing that worries me is that by that time he may have missed out on opportunities as he is very bright and has a very good mind - a thinker. Though he is thinking negatively at the moment usually he is very inquisitive.
Anyway, thanks again for your support. Keep up with the positive attitude.
God Bless
Susan

Nov 9, 2009
Angela

That's so crazy that all of this could have started from a pool accident! Do you ever have anger or think about the "what if's" with that accident? Did you get a diagnoses when it was easy to hide or was it that you just started noticing you were losing your hair?

Nov 9, 2009
Angela

You are such a positive, uplifting person and it's wonderful! You are absolutely right, though, many "curses" are actually blessings. I hope that I can find the confidence and strength that you have.

Are you planning on taking your career anywhere that you would be able to help people?

Nov 9, 2009
Angela

Working for that organization would be wonderful! I guarantee those childred value you as much as you value them! That would be rewarding for the both of you!

I'm interested in Clinical Psychology, but I really have no idea what I am going to do with it..I have so many career ideas in mind. Counseling interests me, but so does being an interventionist or working in a hospital.

Nov 9, 2009
Susan - Jon's Mum

Hi Natalie
No unfortunately Jon doesn't participate in this site. I wish he would but he says he doesn't want to. I think it would definitely help him if he could talk to other Alopecia sufferers.
Jon is very much in denial about his emotional state and his alopecia. I'm thinking that he may have to go on medication to help him claw his way out of the situation he is placing himself in.
So you found that the medication helped? DId you have any counselling or such?

Nov 9, 2009
Margarita

Hey Natalie! Thanks for the add - you have a great attitude and gosh, I wish you were here in Cali! Anyway, keep doing what you're doing girl!!!!

Nov 9, 2009
MiNAH

So humerous!
You replied to a blog & I found it so funny.
I was in a store when I was wearing my prosthetic freedomwig.
From www.freedomwigs.com
I hadn't worn wigs in 27 years.
So I really felt uncomfortable...kind of like a Cheat & a Lier.
Reason being, the lady serving me looked again and again at my hair, finally saying
"OH YOU HAVE SUCH BEAUTIFUL HAIR...I LOVE THE COLOR".
"HOW DO YOU GET IT TO SHINE LIKE THAT"
I looked over at my daughters, & they had a grin on their face.
I didn't know what to do...feeling paralyzed!
Then on the way back to the USA I was upgraded to first class.
I said I required a Bulk Head Seat for my cramping legs.
(I have FIBROMYALGIA/CFS)
So the flight manager came back & put me into first class to my suprise!
All the while going on about my beautiful hair.
Then the steward also went on about my beautiful hair saying
"I WISH MY WIFE WOULD WEAR HER HAIR THE WAY YOU HAVE IT"
"CAN I HAVE YOUR HAIRDRESSERS NAME, SO MY WIFE CAN GO THERE"
I went into the toilet and broke out in tears....feeling desperatly sad, because I have never had any man treat me so important because of my looks......"HAIR"
SHALLOW, AS SHALLOW CAN BE!
On my connecting flight from SanFrancisco, I sat next to the body Guard, who works with one of our popular singer entertainers.
Who works with my son in the music entertainment business.
He went on about my hair & how beautiful I looked, how beautiful my hair was.
I told him that I'm bald like the tattoo on his arm.
He shrugged it off and laughed...saying "NO"
Anyway...later on after exchanging our phone numbers, we spoke, and I said
"YOU REMEMBER I TOLD YOU THAT I HAVE NO HAIR"
"IT'S NOT A JOKE....I'M BLAD FOR REAL"
There was silence...all the conversation that was, stopped.
I said..."you okay"
Then he said, "OH...I GOTTA GO"
Never heard from him again!
I know my son sees these people, yet nothing gets mentioned.....
Not even...how's your mom!
Dare to Be Bald.........................

Nov 11, 2009
jackie

Well Hello! I was diagnosed in Aug/Sep. Found a bald spot on the top of my head one day, then had my husband look throughout my head and found a quarter sized one on the back of my head behind my left ear. Hair has been steadily falling out but not in patches. I can tell my hair is really brittle now. Just started tingling all over again here recently. Maybe that is sign more is to fall out? My derm. told me it was ok to color my hair again. I have some highlights in from awhile back that look really bad. So, I figure I will try to get back to my natural color and if it falls out in the mean time, than it just does. How long did it take yours to get to where you shaved it? I looked up Freedom Wigs and could not find pricing anywhere. About how much are they? And I am guessing I will have to travel to see a rep, no chance there is one here in Kansas. Love to talk to you some more! You and your hair are both beautiful! Thanks for being so positive!

Nov 11, 2009
Jocelyn

Hey Natalie

I love your hair! I went through a similar process as you. My hair has been growing back in with monthly shots but I have this funny looking mullet thing going on since each patch is growing in on its own time and some are still waiting lol

Because of this I began to wear a wig and I have to say it is amazing. it makes me feel like I did when my hair was a its fullest. Your wig looks incredible though. I was considering a lace front wig but I didn't understand how it makes it look so natural. I pull out the hair that I have in front to blend with the wig but how does yours not have that akward hair line?

I felt very connected to your story as my boyfriend is my rock too. I don't think I would have made it through this past year without his amazing support. We are both very fortunate.

Jocelyn

Nov 11, 2009
jackie

Thank you sooo much! I am so glad there is a support site like this! I will keep you posted ! Keep me updated on how things are going for you! Again, thank you soo much!!! I really appreciate it!

Nov 11, 2009
Essence

no problem ..
and thank you ! :D

my name is Essence btw :)
how are you doing today?

Nov 11, 2009

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