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Leslie Mader

Female

Overland Park, KS

United States

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:: Married
About Me:: I have been experiencing alopecia areata for almost 6 yrs and currently as of July/August 2010 i have lost all of my scalp hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. I have stopped using Rogaine and cortisone injections.
Do you have alopecia?: Alopecia universalis
Are you age 18 or older?: Yes - I am 18 or older

Comment Wall:

LeslieAnn Butler

Hello and welcome, Leslie!
How are you today?
LeslieAnn

Apr 16, 2010
LeslieAnn Butler

Hey, another LeslieAnn! What a cool name, huh?
Oh, another animal lover, too. We have a lot in common!
I am doing great, thanks for asking! I was asked to speak at a book club last night and that was a lot of fun. Thirteen women all together who had read the book and had some wonderful comments.
Yes, I wear a wig -- I have NO hair.

Apr 16, 2010
KATHLEEN B.

Hi Leslie.... i have to admit i have been reading the boards and blogs for over a year before i got up the nerve to actually join. I also have alopecia areata. and boy oh boy what an up and down ride. Especially emotionally and mentally ( not fun). And as for a cure,you name it, i`ve tried it. But at the end of the day i always say " could be worse, and it only my hair. Its not like i lost a limb or have a terminal illness"... Staying positive and relishing the small things life, makes everything a little easier for me

Apr 16, 2010
LeslieAnn Butler

Yes, in this photo the wig is human hair. I have both kinds. I never had regrowth. Over the years it just got worse and worse...it's okay though! I really love my wigs.

Apr 16, 2010
KATHLEEN B.

When my hair loss started 4 years ago. I went through a massive shed, which result in 50% diffused hair loss. I was put on Spiro (anti-androgen) and within a few months i had hair re-growth. After 1 year of treatment my hair loss began again with a patchy and diffused design. At that time I was receiving cortisol injections which helped at first, but then slowly lost its effects( sigh). I am now ( since Jan) doing "Bio Scan Quantum Feedback" for treatment ( as while as vitamins and iron IV). It stimulates the bodies immune and energy system in order to promote energy flow, while releasing stress previously caused by imbalanced frequencies. It hasn`t help so much in the hair department as much as i wanted ( still early fingers crossed) but it has worked wonders for my anxiety and stress. Before I stared the sessions I was an emotional train wreck constantly having mini meltdowns and anxiety attacks. Hair loss is more emotionally scarring and traumatizing then doctors acknowledge i think?... But it is so nice to have an outlet here on these boards to know we not the only ones who had to go through emotional hell that goes hand in hand with hair loss

Apr 16, 2010
LeslieAnn Butler

Actually it's not so bad to have no hair. The worst has happened and there's nothing more to fear. It's something you get used to. I don't mind it anymore at all. It's just a way of life now...and other people's reactions? They can love it or leave it!
xoxo

Apr 16, 2010
LeslieAnn Butler

Shelby and Maggie are the cutest cats!

Apr 16, 2010
Shirley Morris

I lost my hair from hard water, weaves, and perms so today I met with a representative to order a lacey lite from Peggy Knight Solutions and I shaved my head myself. I am good with it but, not comfortable going out without my Cool Solution

Apr 17, 2010
LeslieAnn Butler

Hey Cute Girl! Thank you for the gift! Big hugs to you!
LeslieAnn

Apr 17, 2010
LeslieAnn Butler

Yes, there are so many types of alopecia! And yes, I know people like you who don't get worse. Some people get a spot or two and it grows back, and they never have a reoccurance again! It's very unpredictable. Yes, stress can be a trigger, but not in all cases. Sometimes it's hormones or illness that trigger alopecia. Sounds like it might have been triggered by your menopause.

The only advice I can give you is to roll with it. I know that is hard, but since there's no cure and you don't know what's going to happen next, it's up to you to accept the condition and do the best you can. As with any other difficulty in life, it always helps to reach out and see how you can help others. Not just with alopecia, but to share whatever gifts you have been given. Remember that beauty isn't what's on your head, it's what's in your heart.
Blessings and hugs!

Apr 18, 2010
Cheryl, Co-founder

Hi Leslie, I wanted to welcome you to Alopecia World. I can honestly say that we are a great community here and I hope you enjoy the time you spend with us.

Cheryl
co-founder

Apr 18, 2010
LeslieAnn Butler

Yeah, it's nice to know you're not alone! I completely understand where you're coming from!

Apr 18, 2010
Heather L

Hello Leslie and welcome to AW!

I also tried laser light therapy- did it for a year! For me I think it helped my spots re-grow hair faster than they would have on their own-- but didn't seem to stop new spots from coming. In total it's been 20 yrs I have had AA-- there are have been some welcomed breaks with remission in between and hoping for a another one really soon! ha! This time so far a 6 year run!

Hope you are doing well and enjoy the site! I think you will finds lots of advice and people who can understand how tough this can be!

your Kitties are ADORABLE!!

Heather

Apr 19, 2010
Karina

Lelsie...may I sk U about your wig? I´m very depressed...I have a human hair one but I can´t bear it all day long

Apr 20, 2010
Karina

Thanks Leslie...you are too sweet! I still have little hair but the front part of my head is awful. I have a human hair wig but I can´t bear it....is it the cap +

Apr 21, 2010
Karina

Here people are a bit behind...Leslie...I feel so sad and alone because my family don´t understand me...I used to be a very active person and now I don´t dare go out my house..That is not life...

Apr 21, 2010
Karina

Hi Leslie....at the moment I´m with the wig on...I love your hair in the photos! And U?

Apr 25, 2010
Karina

Sometimes I feel it a bit heavy ....but I have to go out more often, take buses to see waht happens. I ´m afraid people(especially men) notice I have a wig AND MAY MOCK ME FOR THAT REASON.

Apr 26, 2010
Fox

Hi Leslie how are you? :):)

I just saw your post and wanted to answer your question as well.

I have found some websites that offer full lace/stretch/ wigs with thin skin around the perimeter,but I haven't ordered one yet,so I don't really have experience.I'll give you a few sites,some are from Chinese factories where you can directly order your wig ( it is a lot cheaper) and a few wig retailers.

I have requested a lot of information but sometimes the info I get is contradictory.Some say that a thin skin perimeter holds better,looks natural and is more durable then a lace perimeter,then others tell me that it does not look natural etc,so now I haven't got a slightest idea what to order

Let me know if you ever decide to order one and what experience you have with it. Goodluck!!!

Here are some of the websites:

http://www.lyricalhair.com/beta/thinsk.asp

http://www.mikemaryhair.com/lace%20cap%20design.html

http://www.visionremyhair.com/10lace%20wig.htm

Apr 26, 2010
Fox

Ok! I'm curious just as you on what she has to say :):)
Have you ever tried glueless lace front wigs?
They have a stiffer lace at the front and straps or combs in the back so you don't need glue

Apr 27, 2010
Sanah Jivani

Thanks for the add!
My summer is going great.. And i am really working on becoming stronger and happier. :)
How's your summer going?

Jun 11, 2010
Sanah Jivani

Sounds fun! Where'd you go for your trip?
And yes, actually i feel much better about my hair since i've joined this website. i'm not scared to accept myself anymore! Next year i'm thinking about raising awareness within my school and not hiding the fact that i wear a wig!

Jun 14, 2010
Carol Yuen

Hi Leslie~

I am sorry that you feel depressed about your hair loss. So am I, and alot of us on AW. I had diffused alopecia starting in Feb 09, and after numerous shots of cortisone and applications of minoxdil 5%, my hair stopped falling out in June 09. After my trip to carribean, alopecia started again but did not fall out as rapid as Feb 09. I am losing about 400-500 hairs a day now when shampooing. I probably lose about 200 on the days I don't shampoo. My new regrowth are thin and not long lasting, but thankfully I don't have to wear a wig back just yet. Minoxdil did really help me get 70% of my hair back but is not long lasting.

Hair loss is a very difficult condition. I am still struggling on a daily basis about my hair even though I still have hair on my head. I am so jealous when I see girls with long beautiful hair which i had about a year ago. I find what help me though this was reading about people who have difficult lives and are still help me. I find Nick Vujiic and Katie Piper (you can find them on youtube) very inspiring and they have helped me realize how fortunate I am. I try very hard to think on the bright side and to tell myself that is JUST hair and not cancer, losing a love one, losing a limb etc. I really hope I can help you through this process too. Is very nice to see that you have a loving husband and I wish you all the best.

Jun 19, 2010
Carmen West

Hi Leslie,
I have a friend that lives in Overland Park, KS. I visit her once a year. I am a hairdresser and have worked with human hairpieces since 1965. One goal is to make the ladies and gentlemen look and feel great about themselves with the talant the God has given me by being able to help by cuting and styling the hair piece. Just wanted to say hi. Carmen West

Jul 16, 2010
Carmen West

Hi Leslie,

I sure will. No, I don't have alopecia. Because of my friends daughter who lost all her hair in 2 weeks when she was a sophmore in High school. Thats when got more involved with learning how to cut, style and do artifical hairlines on hair pieces. I buggs me when I see a hairpiece that has had the bangs cut to short. I will keep in contact. If you ever need hair questions answered let know. Who cuts your pieces? I recently met Kelley Blond who owns Lady Luck in Kansas City. She is the lady that my friend Elaine has to cut her hair. I don't know if she works with hairpieces. Carmen West

Jul 16, 2010
Amy

Hi Leslie! Yes, this is my first experience with alopecia. I started losing my hair in Dec. 2010. By April I needed a wig. The hardest part was watching it fall out! You have been dealing with this for 6 years? It sure is a crazy thing to deal with!

Nov 10, 2011
Amy

Hi! Thank you for the compliment! I wear a synthetic wig. I have been wearing it for 8 months. Those freedom wigs are really nice! I might have to invest in one, one of these days. I keep hoping my hair is going to start growing back! My scalp is pretty smooth... I like you never thought I would lose my hair! I miss it everyday! I never tried steroid shots or rogaine. My dermatologist didn't think it would work for me.

Nov 11, 2011
Imaxtrading

Hi,

I never had any hair loss until some stupid doctor told me to take DHEA. I took DHEA for 6 months which caused my hair loss. I tried everything until I read that link which I posted. After reading everything I could about Gerovital on Google I concluded it was not a scam and could work. After about 7 or 8 months taking Gerovital shots my hair started to regrow. Gerovital works on your whole body. Before you start taking the shots (not pills) write down all of your problems, Gerovital will cure most of them. After my first 4 week cycle I saw my skin improve dramatically. Then during my second cycle my sex drive improved, then my chronic fatigue improved. My anxiety which prevented me from drinking coffee also improved, today I drink coffee all day. I was so happy with Gerovital that I was not upset that my hair loss did not improve until around the 8 month when I realized my hair regrowth. To cure alopecia you have to cure your body as a whole, especially your nervous system. Thats exactly what Gerovital does, it is not directed specifically at your hair. I only take 7 shots per cycle, 1 shot then a 3 day interval. 1 cycle is 28 days, then I take a 14 day break and start again. 3 shots per week is to much (what is instructed), might be ok if you are 80 years old with very low metabolism. Good Luck !

Nov 21, 2011
LeslieAnn Butler

Hi Leslie!
I had both my eyeliner and eyebrows tattooed several years ago and I would NOT recommend it.

First, the eyebrows never looked natural. The ink spreads out and the hairs never look fine enough. Then, you have to continue to do it about every two years because it fades. Oh, except for the part that turns blue and never fades! So I use temporary eyebrow tattoos which are really natural looking, can last for days, and are affordable. You can get them at www.beauti-full-brows.com.

The eyeliner tattooing was a horribly painful experience with the needle going in my eye (and this was an experienced technician) which also faded. So for eyelashes, I just use a lot of eye makeup for every day -- a smoky eye is a good camoflage as well as bangs (you can find out step by step how to create that look in my book), or for dates, photos and when I know people will be looking at my eyes, I do false eyelashes (also step by step guide on which ones are the best, how to trim, how to put them on, clean them, etc in book).

That being said, I know a lot of women who like their tattooed brows, but I have never seen any that look natural enough for me.

Does that help? Do you have more questions? I am happy to help!

Nov 25, 2011
Jennifer Krahn

Hi Leslie,
Thank-you! You will LOVE your Freedom Wig...I do! I wear it to do everything...they are beautiful, natural and best of all...Comfortable!! So excited for you!!!!! Post pictures once you have it styled!

Nov 26, 2011
Jennifer Krahn

Hi Leslie,
I understand the nerves, but once you get your hair styled and start wearing your Freedom piece you will be at total peace with your decision. It is like a great pair of leather shoes, or a really good bra...you forget your wearing a hairpiece until I said something! When I first wore my hairpiece out to our friend's pool party, all the girls thought my hair had grown back! You will love it! Excited to see your pics!

Nov 27, 2011
Jennifer Krahn

LOVE your profile picture by the way!

Nov 28, 2011
Rachael B.

Hi there! Thank you very much for the compliments! :) it is very hard but the beginning was even harder. I had to drop out of school for the first half of my senior year because I was so scared and depressed that I couldn't even get out of bed! :( each day gets easier but I start school back up this coming Thursday an I'm finding that the closer that it gets, the more scared I am becomming again. :/ I'm trying to be string though. I know that i have to do this. :)

Jan 22, 2012
Rachael B.

I meant to say strong Hahahaha not string :)

Jan 22, 2012
Izzy

Thank you for your very kind words : ) I think in time we will all be strong but some days are better then others I guess.. Take care

Feb 25, 2012

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