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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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Ilia Reed

Hi Natalie, thanks for your comment and offer. No real questions yet. The "longer" my remaining hair grows at present, the more I get some sore spots there. I'll take it off soon. It just needs to take this step. I'll be out for some three week and will hopefully be back with a bare head. Wonder about reactions. I don't blame people who look up there - since it is special. Hope I'll enjoy my bald life - as you do yours. Like your sporting activities. For me it's the bike. Enjoy your weekend!

Jan 23, 2010
Ilia Reed

Hi Natalie, just one Q - next Monday I'll have my head completely shaved. What is your experience with shaving afterwards the remaining spots with hair? How and how often? Take care, I

Feb 9, 2010
Ilia Reed

Thanks for your hints. Yes, I am looking forward to the new look - and the reactions.

Feb 9, 2010
Lee

Hi Natalie,
What do you think of all this snow?! I can't take it!! ; ( I have cabin fever....freakin out lol They took care of snow a lot better, and faster in NY!

Feb 9, 2010
Lee

yea...they are running out of places to put the snow! Unfortunatly, I do not get paid for snow days because I am a contractor...so I was going to try to make it in tonight ( I work overnights) but its just too bad out!

Feb 9, 2010
Ilia Reed

Just to wish you a happy Valentine's Day

Feb 13, 2010
Ilia Reed

Hey Natalie, see taht you are online. I am just back and completely bare. I like it. Just stubble is growing, not visible but one can feel it. Take care. Pic's will follow.

Feb 17, 2010
Melissa Harris

Natalie,
How are you doing? Just wanted to say hi! I'm doing ok. Going to see the doctor in about a week. We will see what happens, I think I'm getting off the orals now. Kinda scary. I had a question for you? What type of pattern did you have when you started with AA? Was it the kind that wraps around your neck and ears too? I'm convinced that everyone on here that has that pattern has done AT or AU. I wonder if that is true?? Well how is the rest of your hair doing? Are you totally AU now? How is your training going for your race?? Well hope that you are doing ok. I'll be in touch! Talk soon! Melissa

Feb 23, 2010
Melissa Harris

Well Wishes on you race girl!! I'm in awe of you!! Awesome!! Take care and let me know how it all goes!! Melissa :))

Feb 24, 2010
Nicole

Hi Natalie, Congrats on the marathon. I used to run but stopped with my AU. I miss it so. I'm just not brave enough to run with my bandana yet. Wish I could just get over it. Your wig looks amazing btw. I never would have known otherwise. Hope all is well. =)

Mar 13, 2010
margaret staib

Thank you Natalie!!! :)

Mar 26, 2010
Joy

Hey Natalie
I hope all is great with you. I'm getting a conventional wig this Saturday which will free me to get the Freedom wig...yay!!! Im excited..but we have a 5 hour trip one way..oh well the weather is beautiful here..hope it is for you too!!!!! I may have questions again. Have a Happy Easter Natalie!!!!!!!!!!

Mar 31, 2010
Joy

Hey Natalie...thanks for thinking of me! i really like the wig. i ended up getting a Follea wig and its cool and comfortable. i just got the front styled today and got bangs which im not used to! not sure if i will get a freedom wig now or not. this wigs awfully comfortable but i know the freedom wigs are too. how have you been? does it seem like you freedom wig might make you a little warm this summer? thats my only concern and the Follea is very cool. have you been running still?

Apr 14, 2010
Mayte

Thank you so much Natalie. I looked it up and emailed the person who is in my area (somewhat...). I am very concerned about the cost though... is that something you mind sharing? Besides the cost of the actual wig, there'll be some traveling cost (I live in Florida & the nearest location is in New Hampshire).
Thanks again Natalie!

May 2, 2010
Mayte

It does sound as if it's worth every penny.... I can't wait to get in touch with them.

May 2, 2010
Krissie

My first rotation as a traveling nurse will be there. My family is worried for me to go. I tend to look a lot younger than i am so my fam thinks bad things in the big city will happen. but my brother and sis-n-law are coming with so it should be fun. wanted to ask you where you get your wigs. They look great. do you know somewhere in D.C. that provides quality wigs. I'm interested in the lace front...the more realistic the better. Another question. were you seeing your boyfriend while the loss started or after. you two look like such a great couple. Hope to hear from you soon. You will have to tell me what the city is like. can't wait to experience it!!!

May 3, 2010
Laura

Hi Natalie! Thanks so much for the information, I will have to check her out. How much was your full lace wig about?

May 8, 2010
Laura

I am not completely bald I pretty much have all regrowth just a few patches still growing in. I saw some full lace wigs online, but not sure if they are good quality for $299 especially comparing it to the 1600 one you have. Is eurpoean hair what I should look for? There is so many different types that is what my problem is, since I am not very familiar with full lace wigs. Have you ever been to the Chicago wig store in milwaukee? Or heard of them? Sorry for all the questions.

May 8, 2010
Laura

Thanks so much for all the information, I really do appreciate it. I understand about the price means higher quality, I bought a humanin hair wig and it costed $700 but it was way to heavy on my head and I hate to spend more and not be happy again. Are the full lace wigs easy to apply yourself? What does 100% remy hair mean? Haha I am so uneducated at all of this!

May 8, 2010
Scaredandhopeful

Hiya thank you so much for adding me. If you bear with me while I harangue you a little :) Curious whether you can lead an active lifestyle and run and play sport with a wig? I'm hoping to speak to a freedom wig representative soon, I figure if the hair is going anyway why not regain some control and shave it off? But you know, I am terrified at the prospect and what reactions I'll get. It is the fear of the unknown that has me hesitating. I wish I could be braver. Or find some magic ball that will tell me it will all be alright. But gah the answer staring me in the face says I'll have to make those good things happen by being active and not passive. This is my first tentative step I suppose :)

May 24, 2010
Scaredandhopeful

Thank you for replying so promptly. Looking at my first wig tomorrow, more to get over my own apprehensions and fear. Nothing like confronting the fear eh? Always thought wigs would signal defeat, now understanding they could help me prosper.
How was your day?

May 26, 2010
Scaredandhopeful

Oh Natalie, something tells me you might like this story. Had a minor disaster with toppik and my minoxidil induced facial hair this morning. Almost walked out the door with a 5 oçlock shadow. That topiik stuff is ionically charged so had to wash all makeup (read war paint) off and start afresh. ahahaha

May 28, 2010
Laura

Hi Natalie! Just wanted to say thank you for referring me to Kathleen's. She is such an amazing lady!! She wanted me to tell you Hi and thanks! Thanks again! Hope your doing well!

May 30, 2010
Scaredandhopeful

I don't know how to do this :(

Jun 2, 2010
Scaredandhopeful

Hello my friend
Having a disaster two days, ironically my horoscope said that I might be and well just goes to show does it not one should not be so flippant.
I am experiencing pain on my scalp and a tingling which precedes the hair loss and this is what I find the most disabling. Because it really heightens the anxiety. I don't know what to do and my self esteem is taking a battering
Every day I tell myself I look ugly. Now where is the fairness in that?
I look very hard to find the strength and before these two days I thought I was making progress. When apparently not.
I wish someone could wave a magic wand and I will be at the mecca they refer to as Acceptance. But no, everyday I walk with only fear in my heart.
How are you doing? Tell me something good that's happening in your life
ps wig shop number three tomorrow

Jun 26, 2010
Scaredandhopeful

Oh my god Natalie I found a wig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's synthetic but it looks like my hair used to look and matches my haircut. I wore it out of the shop a trial by fire thing and nothing. No one pointed or looked closely. Or shouted " She is wearning a wig" Tomorrow I will wear it to university. Still losing hairs but oh my god, the relief that comes from having a solution.
I will send you a picture if you would like

Jun 27, 2010
Scaredandhopeful

hiya pretty lady
Two weeks into wig wearning and no diasters to report. Aside from the fact that in poorly lit room the wig suddenly develops a glorious red tinge which is rather amausing. Flaming cheeks I think not, more like flaming head.
Anyway I finally worked up the courage and told my boy who is still overseas that I am losing my hair. I did it with rocks in the pit of my stomach and the response was "are you healthy? I dont really care about the hair I just want to know that youre healthy" which was so nice. The worry worms however are still making their homes in my head.
How are things on your end of the world?
Happy?

Jul 9, 2010
Connie - Chris' Mom

Thanks for the comment. I try to be supportive, my son just thinks I'm too concerned. He seems to go about his life pretending nothing's wrong. He doesn't talk about it and won't say whether or not he's said anything to his friends. It's been a year now so I'm sure it's come up at some point, but to him he wants it to be a non-issue. In the beginning, when the doctors thought this was just temporary due to severe anemia from another health issue, the doctor's didn't even suggest any treatment. Once they realized that it was AA, they suggested various courses of treatment. Chris turned them all down. He said he would like to have hair but not if the treatment would hurt or be inconvenient! I just hope he's really as strong as he appears and not just good at hiding how he feels - high school is hard enough without extra challenges!

Jul 15, 2010
Lisa M

Hi Natalie,
Thanks for your reply.
It is so nice to not feel alone with all of this.
I'm pretty good, just recently bought 7 more wigs the other day...I'm calling it my new shoe addiction!
Hey, your hair looks amazing, where did you get it from? (that felt really bizarre asking that) lol.
xxx Lis

Jul 17, 2010
Kimberly

Do you still like to freedom wig? Are they too hot? I am so confused what to do, the vacuum or lace? Got any advice?

Jul 21, 2010
Kimberly

I am torn between a freedom and the Joseph Paris lace wig. I still have some of my own hair, with hopes that this prednisone will make it stop falling out and grown in for good. VERY HIGH HOPES. Has the freedom wig changed your life? I feel in a big slump, I only wear hats and bandanas now, but I need to get back on track with some kind of hair soon, before I get too depressed. My goal is to NOT worry about it. I want to just go, and not have to constantly look in the mirror. I guess I need to decide whether I am going to have my own hair or not. I just am not sure what this medicine is going to do yet. I am on a 7 week tapered dose. If I see little to no results at the end of the 7 weeks, I will not take these meds again. What do you think?

Jul 23, 2010
Scaredandhopeful

checking in and saying hi xx

Aug 1, 2010
Jennifer Krahn

Hey Natalie,
I am LOVING my freedom piece. I feel and look like me again. I have worn it swimming in the lake, poolside, camping and even for some training runs. It is so comfortable and I am suprised that I don't feel hot in it at all. Hope you are doing well. We're enjoying the lake right now and the wonderful weather. Have a good one. Great pics by the way...I'm going to have to add new pics of me in my new hairpiece.
Jenn

Aug 1, 2010
Kimberly

What did you do during the waiting time for your freedom wig? What did you wear, a wig? hats? How long did it take for you to get the freedom wig? I stopped the prednisone. I think I may just stop all the dang treatments. Im just so afraid to take that first step. Got any advise toward that?

Aug 1, 2010
Kimberly

Thank you so much for the comments and support. I am just not sure what to do yet. I'm leaning towards shaving and ordering a FW. I can't let this run my life anymore, I need to run it. All I have done for the last 2 months is hide in the house. No more work outs, no more working, nothing. I have to make a change. Talking to you and others here on AW is helping me figure out what steps I need to take. I apprecaite your support so much. Thanks

Aug 1, 2010
Jennifer Krahn

Hey Natalie,
Went slalom skiing in my freedom piece...loving it. When I wiped, just made sure I had a hand on my head (too funny, Save the Hairpiece!). Also keep swimming in it at the lake. Hope you are enjoying the week.
Jenn

Aug 8, 2010
Kristy

Hi Natalie, I'd love to hear what shop you went to in IL, I'm looking for a local store but haven't found one near me yet. I ordered a long blonde wig off of wigs.com but that is just my starter piece. And I ordered lots of hats off of zappos. :) So crazy that we all have to deal with this. Time for bed, hope you have a great week. Hugs, Kristy

Aug 23, 2010
Rebecca Strobel

Hi sweet girl! I graduated from Stout and actually have family in MN - which is where I'm from. I absolutely adore that you are bringing knowledge to the masses..it's all worth it. I'm honestly still having a hard time letting others into my battle. My hubby andI went to Telluride this weekend and I wore a wig and hat the whole time. The lack of eyelashes is truly the most difficult for me...I feel ugly.
I hope you are wonderfully well - you are an inspiration to me ... you are!

Aug 24, 2010
Rebecca Strobel

So kind of you ... what a great attitude you have -- I'm going to try and put that on and wear it :) Please let me know how you actually DO it...I've tried and I'm so not getting it! You are so right showers are much easier :0 You look amazing - wow!!

Aug 24, 2010
Kristy

Thanks so much! That is only about an hour from me so I will definitely check it out. Thank you!

Aug 24, 2010
Ilia Reed

Happy birthday and a wonderful new year. Thanks for your advice for "starters" ;-) that time

Sep 12, 2010
Krissie

Hey lady!! Where in DC do u live? I got a place in Silver Spring MD.

Dec 18, 2010
Krissie

I LOVE Silver Spring...it is so pretty. My apartment is pretty much in the center of EVERYTHING so I don't have to go far. Im a very short drive away from the city. I've been going online to look for places I can get nice, real hair but I have not found one yet...do u know of any places? If ever you wanna meet up and talk or whatever, just let me know, would love to meet someone I have a least a little in common with! haha...

Dec 30, 2010
Danielle

Red Ribbon

Apr 22, 2011
Kalin and Mom Abre

thanks for the request Natalie. I was just diagnosed with alopecia areata i just turned twelve and Im going into junior high and also gonna do water polo .

Jun 18, 2011
Renee

My wig is a cheapo $150. And my Mother doesn't have what I have. Well she said she had a quarter sized bald spot that grew back. However my younger brother has severe alopecia universalis like me and we have different Fathers! lol. I have an 8 year old Daughter who does not have it. I don't even care anymore if she gets it. It bothered me when I was younger and childless. I shouldn't say I don't care but I just mean that I don't think it would be that big of a deal if she loses her hair. When I was 12 and I lost all my hair and was wearing a wig in 7th grade, there was no Internet back then, no National Alopecia Areata Foundation, like nowadays. I'm 36 now. So I think she would have a different experience than what I did.

Jul 9, 2011
Katie331

Hi Natalie,

Thanks again for your suggestion of Permanent Makeup Clinic -- Randomly they are having a deal on one of the Groupon-like things in DC -- Bloomspot. It's available for purchase until Saturday. Here's the link! http://www.bloomspot.com/washington-dc/permanent-makeup-clinic/.

Jul 15, 2011
Ria

Thanks for the add, ive been living here in Wisconsin for 5 years now and i love it, im originally from Alaska which i miss terribly. I hate that my hair is falling out again, how did you cope with it? you said you got the permenant eyebrows done, i have been thinking about do it. but i guess afraid it will look really fake? how do u like them? thanks again any planned trips home?

Sep 2, 2011
Susan Innes

Hi Natalie- Thanks for the note. I was originally from Milwaukee as well and now one of my closest friends is in Baltimore but we are in touch every day. I see you are in DC...such a beautiful city. I love your interests which make me envious; keep up the great achievements!

Sep 2, 2011
Amy

Natalie, I had my eyebrows and eyeliner done at the Permanent Makeup Clinic on Monday. The eyebrows did not hurt. The eyeliner sort of hurt, it was more nerve-wracking and had I known I would have taken a sedative first! But I LOVE the results, even though they are still healing. It is a night and day difference waking up to a non-blank face every day! LOVE IT! Thanks for the referral! Amy

Dec 8, 2011

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