Hi Peggy - I'm new to this site too. My 36 year old daughter has AU. It started when she was two years old and was in a wig before she went to preschool. She is now married with a 2 year old son (with a thick head of hair). I'm sorry for your loss of your hair. I was curious, did something traumatic happen to you prior to your hair following out?? My daughter had many strep throats as a child and actually had scarlet fever, twice, and doctors said "maybe" that was a link. They said "maybe" to lots of things tho. After many years of wearing wigs, my daughter has worn scarves and hats for about 10 years now, discarding the wigs. She did have her eyebrows tatooed. And, she is beautiful!

Hi Peggy - I'm just getting used to this site and am not quite sure how to use the chat room or how to reply back so hope you get this. My daughter is doing wonderfully. Curiously, she too has a thyroid condition and is on meds for that. However, no one feels it's linked to her hair loss. She struggled, alot, during school with the teasing, being different, etc. but she has emerged a beautiful, strong (sometimes too strong) woman. She's thinking of "putting her wig back on" because of her two year old son. She doesn't want him to be teased. But, for the most part, she's doing great. She also has other "autoimmune" issues, like Rheu Arthritis, skin issues, female issues. She has a caring, loving husband and a great son. So, life is good for her.

Hi Peggy - my daughter has a "sluggish" thyroid, if that's the correct word. So, she's on meds to speed it up. Right now, she is a stay at home mom after being in management for years. She is looking into a new wig and I do think it is one with the vacuum seal. Many years ago, we did get our insurance company to pay 80% of the wig costs and she is going to try again with her insurance company. I can remember it was a lot of work to get them to pay, but they did finally come thru.

It was many years ago that the insurance covered the wigs. I believe the doctor (if I remember correctly) had to write a letter that this was not cosmetic and that it was in her best interest (pyschologically) to wear a wig. I remember that it was a struggle, but they finally paid some of it.

Hi Peggy,
My name is Kathy Fliss and I also live in Michigan. I have had AU for 47 years. I went through all the so called treatments, including pregnant womens urine injections. That was the last treatment I ever had.
This journey has not always been easy and I have never talked to anyone about it. I am new at this and I hope by talking and finding out new information about wigs and every other helpful hint, maybe I can do things alittle different. I still work and can use all the helpful advise I can get. And maybe I can help some others. I enjoyed reading your experience. Thank you for sharing.

Hello and welcome, Peggy!
How are you doing today?
I have universalis, too.
LeslieAnn

Peggy, thanks for the nice compliments on my hair! In this photo I am wearing a European hair wig that was made for me through Brenda Kay Hair Specialties (she works with people all over the country so let me know if you want her contact info). It is a lot less than most vaccuum wigs (around $2,000), and the quality is excellent. I have two of these and the other ones are synthetic, Rene of Paris, Brandi, which I cut.
I've had universalis about 25 years! And you can get my book, "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" on Amazon.com.
Hugs!

My wig isn't a vacuum wig, but it is very secure and doesn't really need tape.
Contact Brenda Kay Hair Specialties and tell Brenda I sent you. Her number is 503-223-8092, web site is www.bkhair.com/ . She works with people all over the country. Let me know how it goes!

Let me know how you like to book, too!
xoxo!

Hi Peggy,

Welcome to Alopecia World.

Jeffrey

Hi Peggy,
Sorry it has taken me so long to reply but I am still have trouble talking to anyone about this condition that I have tried to hide for over 47 years. I was 12 when I lost my hair and it took 6 months for it to be gone. Back then wigs were hard to find and not as nice. Kids were being kids and I had my share of problems. I do not wear a vacuum wig, they're so expensive and insurance doesn't help with anything. I went through my share of treatments and when I was old enough I said enough is enough and I don't want to be a doctors ginny pig. I was told time and time again that my hair would probably come back when I went through menopause. Didn't happen. Anyway I just look at it as there must be a reason. Now that I have all of theat out of my system...sorry. I live in Woodhaven. Hope you have a wonderful day.

Peggy, I'm so glad you liked it! Big hugs to you.
I am here any time you need to talk!