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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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Husband of woman with Alopecia

Hi Natalie.
Thank you for your offer, my wife will be sure to ask you any thing she needs!
Have a great day!

Nov 14, 2009
Eve

hi there!
its nice to meet you :)
how are you doing?
your grandpa is from germany? thats cool.
i live in the north of germany.
but i lived in wisconsin for some time. i really love the us. maybe i can move there again some day :)
i hope we can talk sometime

Nov 19, 2009
Melissa Harris

Natalie,
Hi there, just wanted to check in with you and see how you are doing. How are you adjusting to your Freedom Wig? I didn't know that you did the oral steroids too. How long did you do those for? After you got off of them, what happened? I guess I could assume that no treatments worked for you? I hope that you are doing well. Hope to hear from you soon! Melissa:)

Nov 19, 2009
Melissa Harris

Natalie, Hi there! I'm currently shedding still but I did start the oral steroids. That's why I asked you about them. I know they are BAD. I can't stop the treatments at this point and I feel like such a total jackass for doing it! I dont know what is wrong with me. I found a story of another lady that did them too and she still has her hair so far. My doctors reassured me a thousand times to do it because I didn't want to either. They told me to just do it or it would probably get a lot worse. I thinking it will either way, but I guess I'm stuck on stupid over here thinking that it will stay. I asked them how much will fall out after I stop the meds and they said like 10% is normal after and they have seen others keep the growth. I don't know if they are lying or what. All the people that I have met on the net have different stories so I really don't know what to think anymore. I'm just really in a hard place right now. I'm being totally honest with you now. I didn't want to broadcast it on the blogs because I know it is stupid. At this point, I dont want to let it go! I'm glad that you are adjusting well to the wig. That is a relief to me to hear. While you were waiting for your FW, what did you wear? I just don't like thinking about the period in between! I will not go bald, I'm just not like that, I wish that I was! What's going on with your eyebrows? Did you find something for that yet? Keep in touch Nat, I'm so glad that I have you to talk to. Thanks again! Melissa

Nov 20, 2009
Melissa Harris

Natalie,
Thanks for the reply! I was so worried that you were gonna judge me! I'm so glad that you understand! Duh! I think I just feel that way because I feel so stupid doing it. I just don't want to grow it back and then it just fall out again. What a bummer! How did you feel when that happened to you? Is that when you decided to shave your head? I just have no way of knowing whats gonna happen, so I guess I will try this once and see what happens. I can't see myself doing this forever. It would be too hard mentally. I just want to be normal again. Tired of the fight! I had a question, I know you run and workout, can you wear your wig or do you not wear it? Do you wear it to bed? I know they say you shouldn't but I was thinking I would want to since my kids are always coming to our bed in the middle of the night. I just can't break it to my kids about the hair loss, I'm not sure why. They think everything is ok now. They are very young. I'm pretty good about sheltering them from what I have been going through. I guess if I need to ever shave, then they will know, LOL! Anyways, thanks for the eyebrow info. My friend that doesn't have AA, tatted her eyebrows and they look really dark and dramatic. I'm not sure if I like them. I think maybe other people that might do a better job somewhere else. I live in New Mexico, so we are pretty limited here. My alopecia doctor is in Dallas because there are no good doctors here in my opinion for what we have. I went to one before and she gave me bad dents in my head. Never went back. The doctor in Dallas always give me shots and I never have had a problem with them. I will keep you posted on the treatments. I just started so nothing has happened yet. I go back to the doctor in Dec. Thanks again for all the feedback!! You have been a great and I appreciate you! Take care and talk soon!! Melissa

Nov 20, 2009
Melissa Harris

Thanks Natalie for the honest feedback. I guess you just dont know what you are gonna do until you get there and for everyone it is different. I admire you going to the gym like that. At our gym people are very into the looks think and I dont think I would be comfortable going back there at all. I was just wondering if you really wanted to, could you try to wear it and it would stay on your head ok or not?? Probably not, but I guess I'm wishful thinking. What did you do for your panic attacks? I' having those as well and it's very frustrating. I don't know how I' gonna react every second, it's a little scary. Maybe I was thinking of wearing a different wig at night but I'm sure that is uncomfortable too. Has your hair grown on you head at all or do you just shave it? I wonder if we let it grow, what your happen? Spots all over again? Who knows! I understand the shaving and moving on though. Probably way less nerve wracking! Thanks for the positive vibes, I'm just trying to hold on now and see what happens. It's not the best way to live, so I'm hoping there will be resolution soon. Thanks again and be in touch! Melissa :)

Nov 23, 2009
Melissa Harris

Natalie, Thanks for getting to me right away! Wow, you have been so helpful! I think I need to send you a Starbucks card or something! LOL! I would love to go to DC someday! too! Wish were are all in one city so we could all unite and go out! That would be fun! Yeah, I looked at the Freedom Wig website and I saw on there that Karen works out in hers, she has a 2nd workout wig! I think I would like to have at least two. I went out today in my cheap wig with a hat. No one really noticed me at all. I was way more worried about it. I wouldn't really need it, but I have some spots on the back top now so I'm really scared that they will show through now. What a way to live!! I'm so tired of it! I had a little less shedding today, but so what! This stupid thing never stops! I'm just buying time I think at this point! Don't want to worry about it any more! I think I may go talk to someone about this for myself too. It really is hard. My husband said its ok and he loves me no matter with or without hair. I felt a little better but I still told him I was sorry like as if I had some control over this myself. I hate that my daughters will worry about me, so I need to figure out how to deal with that too. I froze my head off because it was cool today and I'm not totally bald! I couldn't imagine walking around in the cold with no hair! I've had a ton of hair all my life! Ahhh, thanks again for listening!! How are you doing? Are you still training for your race? I used to run all the time and I totally quit!! I dont know why I cant start again!! Like I'm punishing myself! It's so stupid! You really inspire me! Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing! Melissa

Nov 23, 2009
Lionel

Hey, thanks for your comment and for reading my blog.
I am trying to be more open about alopecia, I think it will help me accept it more.
Thank you too for sharing your story and pictures, it's nice to know how people deal with it!
Lionel.

Nov 24, 2009
Lionel

Well, I have accepted it more since I got it, partly because I know how positively people react when they know about it, as you said.
It's cool that you played guitar too! Do you still do it sometimes? It can be very relaxing and fun.
-Lionel

Nov 24, 2009
Melissa Harris

Natalie,
Hey there! Thanks for the note! Yeah, I've done small races before, but I've always wanted to do longer ones. I have friends that do. My attitude is just so defeated now. I'm like paralyzed right now. It's like going through the motions and really it sucks. I know I need to snap out of it. It's been harder than I thought. I just feel in my heart like this is so stupid to try to hang on and I'm just buying time now but I know with this AA, you never know what will happen. I'm talking with another girl on here that never lost all of her hair yet either and she had it for like 7 years with the same pattern. She has never had a lot treatments either which is crazy. You just never know!!! So I'm gonna just try to have some joy in between the doubt and just hope that the shedding will stop. My kids really help me because Iove them so much!! They make life worth living for me and I don't want to miss anything that they do or say! I find myself scanning their heads now, I know it's terrible! I wish they would find a cure for this, people shouldn't have to go through this but I guess we need to move on! Life is still good! Happy Thanksgiving and have a great run! So glad that this stupid thing doesn't got you down!! Be in touch! Melissa

Nov 24, 2009
Jessica Lau

Hey Natalie! There's a fun bar called the Stumble Inn...I think it's at 76th and 2nd...at least within a few blocks from there. They usually play pretty good music and they have beer pong tables in the back. I hope you have a great time in NYC, it's my favorite place in the world!! Thanks for the comments, and I love your story!

Nov 24, 2009
Jessica Lau

Oh, and btw...good luck on the LSAT...I'm actually in my first year of law school, with finals coming up in a couple of weeks! Good luck in your applications, if you do decide to go that route :)

Nov 24, 2009
Callie

Thanks for the comments on my profile, and blog! I've never been to Wisconsin, but I hear you get some cold weather over there, lol. Of course we see our fair share of that here in NE Ohio, too. :o) And thanks for letting me know I can ask anything when it comes to my AA. I am doing wigs right now, still scarves on some days, since I still have some hair in back and on the sides. But I've decided, when I get to 50% loss, I may just go ahead and shave it off! I see my doc again in a few weeks, so I'm kinda waiting for that as well.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! :o)

Nov 26, 2009
Sofia

Thank you and happy thanksgiving.

Nov 26, 2009
Angela

You are such an inspiration...I am a runner as well, and am in the middle of my training for my first full marathon...my hair loss started a few weeks ago and has been such an emotional time for me that I've slacked on my training. I am considering just running the half marathon again this year and training for a full when I'm emotionally prepared. After reading your profile, I feel a bit more confident that things WILL get easier.

Nov 29, 2009
Lionel

Thankyou for your comment! :D

Nov 30, 2009
Angela

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly and for the kind words of encouragment...this website is amazing. I live in Phoenix and have ran the PF Changs rock n roll half marathon, and I am running the Fiesta Bowl half this weekend. I have done several smaller 5 and 10ks in the city as well. I love it, and it is my "therapy" too :)
Your wig is absolutely beautiful! Where did you purchase a freedom wig?

Nov 30, 2009
Makayla M

Hi! Yess, I'm at school in Texas, and love being out of the cold! Haha
I am really glad I joined this site, because I enjoy feeling like I'm not alone. It is especially nice to connect with a fellow Sconnie :)
I got my first wig Wednesday, the 25th, so this is a lot to take in, and I'm glad I'm finding others who I can relate to so well :)

Dec 1, 2009
Makayla M

Just curious, you said you grew up in the MIlwaukee area, what high school did you go to? I went to Arrowhead.

Dec 1, 2009
Elie Haddad

Thanks for the comment natalie ( which is also my sisters name) You are right support is the most important thing people can give or recieve if alopecia is the case or not. Having somone be behind you nomatter what the issue is a very helpfull thing. the hard part is getting her on here shes very behind closed doors about the fact, only our immediate family know and she feels like people will judge her different if she came out with it, but i always tell her beauty is on the inside and if people look at you different then those are not the people you want to associate with. I noticed you are open about it and post pictures bravo for you hun and good luck with all your adventures!!!

Dec 2, 2009
Jesus Chick and Mom-Abre

Thanks for the reply on my discussion, Natalie! Actually I do have a few questions. How much was your freedom wig? How long did it take to get it? Thanks again!
Kayden

Dec 5, 2009
Lee

Hi Natalie! Just wanted to introduce myself. I just moved to the DC area a few months ago from NY. How do you like it?

Dec 6, 2009
Lee

Hi Natalie! I like it here so far. People are much nicer and calmer than in NYC ; ) I have a freedom wig also. How long have you had yours? I have 2 actually. I like them...wish they made them longer though ; /

Dec 12, 2009
Eve

hey natalie,
how are you doing?
hope you have some nice holidays :)

Dec 20, 2009
Callie

Thanks so much for the kind comment on my blog! I can only hope 2010 is much better than 2009 has been, and I'm still a little nervous, but excited as well about shaving on NY Eve! Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!

Dec 22, 2009
Lee

I miss being blonde now...so Ill probably put highlights in mine (more of them). I was thinking about going with another type of wig...just so I can get a long one. Not anytime soon...in a few yrs after I am done with these.

I can't beleive all the snow we got !!

Dec 23, 2009
Stacy P

Thanks Natalie for the response. ;). I would love your advice on wigs, I just saw your pictures of you when you had hair. I am heading down that road in the exact same pattern too. Your wigs are Gorgeous, as well as you. You seem so confident, keep it up Natalie. You can be a great inspiration for those of us who are struggling with that. Stacy

Dec 27, 2009
Angela

Hi Natalie-
How is the marathon training going?? My race is 3 weeks away and I"m doing my final 20 mile long run this weekend! yikes! I also just ordered my first wig today...it's a synthetic, but want to try it out for my first one. Hope you had a great holiday!

Dec 28, 2009
Jean

Natalie,
I don't have a picture of myself on the computer. One step at a time ......please.
If you have one I give you permission to put it on for me. Please no embarrassing shots!

Dec 30, 2009
Meghan

thank you!!! i absolutely love your wig, its looks great!!! your are gorgeous.. happy new year!

Dec 31, 2009
Melissa Harris

Natalie,
Happy New Years! Hope that you you had a good one! How are you doing? Hope to talk soon! Take care! Melissa

Jan 2, 2010
LeslieAnn Butler

Hello Natalie,
You can use Latisse on your eyebrows and eyelashes to keep them from falling out or to regrow them. I also use temporary tattoo eyebrows which you can get online at www.beauti-full-brows.com.
Tell me how it's going for you!
LeslieAnn

Jan 3, 2010
Callie

Hi Natalie! Thanks for the comment on my blog, it was scary heading into it, even though I'd been planning, but I have no regrets, other than I could and should have gone all the way bald. I'm sure that'll come soon enough, as the spots continue to grow. Hope you have a wonderful new year! :o)

Jan 3, 2010
Heather Lynn Peckham

Hello Natalie. Thankyou for welcoming me into this. I hope to learn from people like you how to navigate through this diagnosis.--- Heather

Jan 4, 2010
Jennifer Krahn

Getting it from Karen...just have some slight adjustments to make to the bottom of the fit cap near the neck area...it's digging in a bit too much. But the hair is a dark brown with golden highlights mixed with some Auburn...looks pretty much exact to my own bio hair...I'm looking so forward to being comfortable in the hairpiece. I should ask how is it for heat? You look fantastic!! Hope you had a great holiday. Jenn

Jan 4, 2010
Sarah McA

Hi Natalie...Happy New Year! Reading your profile has definitely made me feel a lot better....You are so positive about the whole thing..I hope someday I can be as positive as you. I found a patch in Aug 09..it was tiny and the doc told me it was only stress. It has now become a lot bigger and last month I started to find smaller patches throughout myhead. i went to another doctor and he told me I need to come to terms with maybe losing all my hair. That was def a bit of a shock! Yesterday was the first day I found it hard to cover my bald patches and that kind of upset me! So I am going for my first wig fitting tomorrow. Fingers crossed I find one I like!

Jan 5, 2010
Sarah McA

Thanks :) I'm looking for a real hair wig....I know I am going to be really fussy and I also know my real hair colour is going to be very hard to match but who knows? The weird things is, my doctor hasn't even given me any tests..he just told me I have alopecia areata. I havent even been sent to a dermatologist. To be honest, wearing a wig and losing my hair isn't what bothers me the most...i think its going to be other peoples reactions that will have the biggest effect on me. And the one thing thats in the back of my mind is that I'm never going to meet a nice guy. That should really be the least of my worries lol

Jan 5, 2010
Tiffany P

You have such a great outlook and its always a blessing to have a supportive family and friends. You and your boyfriend are so cute together. i wish for nothing but the best and hope you have a great week :O)

Jan 5, 2010
Sarah McA

You're message has definitely made me feel a lot better. Its not the end of the world I suppose. I looked into lace wigs also....and synthetic wigs...I think the human hair option is best for me. I like the idea of a vacuum wig but because I am still able to cover most of my patches I dont think I will rush into getting one of those. If my alopecia gets worse I will definitely consider one of those.

I see you're from Washington DC....I was in Pittsburgh last year and we drove down to DC..planning to do the same this year...You live in a beautiful city

Jan 5, 2010
Melissa Harris

WOW! I love your new pic! Glad that you had fun with your boyfriend for New Years! You look so happy! Glad that you are enjoying your life! It's so nice to see that! Please keep in contact! I'm hoping that you have the best year yet! Take care! Melissa :)

Jan 5, 2010
Izzy

Hey!!! How are you?? your more then welcome thanks for being my aw friend : ) Happy new year!!

Jan 6, 2010
Marie

You totally ROCK, Girl Friend! We are on the same page with Alopecia. Thanks for "friending" me. - Marie

Jan 7, 2010
Joy

hey Natalie
saw you were on line and i know you wear a vaccuum wig but before you got that did you wear a regular wig and use wig tape? i wrote a blog about it because im thinking of getting virtual hair but it is a bonded system and the lady said if i break out from the bonding she has one lady who tapes hers and then takes it off at night. can you help or know someone who might know? you might want to read my blog. hope you are having a good day!! Love Joy

Jan 7, 2010
Anna Thomas

Hey! Thank you for your reply. Your wigs look so real and beautiful!! I have one that was pretty expensive and everyone tells me it looks nice, but I am still embarrassed and scared to wear it in public. I mostly wear a hood when I go out. I've only been bald for 2 months though so I am hoping it gets easier. I am struggling with the decision of trying steroid treatments and stuff or just accepting being bald and giving up the idea of ever having hair. From what I can gather the chances of having AU and growing your hair back and keeping it are really slim. I don't think I could go through growing it back just to lose it again!!

Jan 7, 2010
iamsuperyasz

hello Natalie!

how are you doing today? thank you for friend request! i'm Maricris from philippines.. we moved here in brandon, Florida last march 2008. i don't have a lot friends here because i'm afraid that they'll judge me because i have Alopecia.
you are very beautiful by the way..=)
hope to know you more..=)

Jan 8, 2010
Esther Ryu

Hi Natalie!
Thank you for the welcome...
I know you said you have the ophiasis type as well...
did you shave your head, or did it all fall out?
Im afraid my ophiasis pattern is turning into totallis now...

Jan 11, 2010
Melissa Harris

Hi Natalie,
i had a question for you, when you were on oral steroids, did you still shed hair a lot or was it like average? I think that I'm still shedding more that I should, but it is less than before. Just curious! Thanks for any feedback! Melissa

Jan 11, 2010
Melissa Harris

Thanks Natalie, That's pretty much what I figured. I still have shedding but it seems to be like in the same areas as before, like it's almost finishing it's process. I have regrowth but it's really slow going. It's mostly on the top areas of my head that are regrowing now. I just hope that this al resolves soon. I so tired of worrying about it. Today I'm dying the top of my head that still has hair left. Hopefully it will look a little better because I was getting a lot of gray on the top so it didn't look good. I hope that you are doing well too. Stay in touch! Melissa

Jan 12, 2010
Ilia Reed

Hi Natalie, thanks for accepting. I like your idea of looking at a as a gift. I try to encourage people to see the gift they received. Often one thinks about the nice things, skills and so on. But these unasked for issues can become a really important gift. When I read stories here I realise hwo a made people much more sensitive, giving real beauty. THanks also for sharing how got to shaving. Bigger issue for women probably than for men. Your tears are telling. I feel some hesitation still, but I'll go and have my head shaved within the next couple of weeks. Hope I will share you experience of fun, as others see it as well. Thanks for being around and positive :)

Jan 21, 2010
Heather Teachworth

Natalie I'm lovin the Freedom Wig!!! I've looked at your new pics and I have to say you look great!!! I can tell you are a genuinely happy person and I admire your determination. Good Luck!!!

Jan 22, 2010

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