Hi Laurie, thanks so much for the kind comment. That means a lot. ;o) I know exactly how you are feeling! That transition phase where you're stuck in between hair and no hair sucks! That's why I just shaved mine all off. LOL. I didn't want to see it happening anymore. How much hair have you lost?

Yep, I play the violin.

That's cool. :)
I've been playing the violin for about 4 years. I shall never give it up. ^^

Hi ya

Thanks for your comment.

I was on Dianette for years - didn't do anything except help control my acne. When I came off it, I did not have a period so I started on Agnus Castus (Vitex) and Saw Palmetto tinctures from Bioforce. I found Agnus Castus the most helpful thing I have taken. I now take a supplement (homeopathic) called Menosan, which I have to buy from Switzerland as the UK does not allow its production (they have a product by the same name, but it is not the exact formula as I take). Anyway, the tablets contain Agnus Castus amongst other things and this helps me to have my monthly (well longer than monthly) cycle.

Unfortunately, I have yet to find anything that helps my hairloss. My doctor doesn't acknowledge anything is wrong with my hair so I am stuck in limbo and have given up and am finding my own way.

Vicky

Well, I still have hair but it is thin all over. Most people wouldn't think I have alopecia by looking at me but would think I had very fine and thin hair. It falls out alot every day and have noticed it getting thinner and thinner day by day. I may shave it at some point. I am not wearing it in a bob that comes to my jawline. I keep having to cut it shorter and shorter.
So, how was your weekend? Were you effected by Hurricane Gustav?

I meant I am wearing a bob that comes to my jawline.

Well hang in there, Laurie. I know it sounds morbid, but start preparing yourself now just in case. If you can make your peace with the worst outcome now, it will be easier if that time does actually come. That's what worked for me.

Hey Laurie

Yes it is a wig... I got it from http://www.contrastwigs.com/ I don't think they sell it anymore. It is actually by European Naturals, which you can find by searching google or another search engine. These wig stockists have it:

http://www.acewigs.com/shop/wigs/European_Naturals_Wigs/27444.php

http://www.wilshirewigs.com/MARCELLA-by-European-Naturals-pr-2682.html

The synthetic hair quality was good. However, I ended up cutting bangs in as I didn't like the hairline - it had baby hairs that were not very realistic and I felt more comfortable with bangs. You can see a pic of me with the bangs on my page. I wore it for ages and everyone loved it.

I had the colour: Color: Marcella-10E-Medium Brown Blende

It was very comfortable and not expensive and wore well before getting a bit frizzy.

Let me know if you get it as I would love to see how it looked on someone else!

Vicky :o)

I know exactly what you mean with the thin mousy, thin hair. My hair became like that over some years and then eventually I started to be able to see the shape of my scalp through my hair and in the end I am now balding on the top of my head from the front through the crown, although I have not got a receeding hairline. Overall, the rest of my hair is much thinner and a different quality to my previous medium thickness hair.

The worst thing combined with that type of hair issue is having greasy/oily skin - which I do and it makes my hair look horrible in a short space of time and my scalp shines out like a beacon!! This all goes with the acne issues and too many male hormones.

I was on Dianette for years and when I came off that I do believe the hairloss got worse, although I would also say that in my case stress does not help and I was working a job at night and running a small business by day... then my hair just fell out very badly in a period of maybe 4 months to the point where I could not take it anymore and shaved my head.

I know a lot of women who took Spiro and could not take the side effects. I am planning on getting some comprehensive hormone testing done soon so that I can find out exactly what is going on and what can be done. In the meantime, I am going to order my first full lace wig, which is very exciting as it will be attached to my head and made from human hair.

Vicky

Glad to hear you had a good weekend!!!
I bet your hair is cute in a bob. Mine also keeps getting shorter and shorter too. I know what you mean about the long hairs. I have been finding them in my dryer vent, vacuum, and drain like crazy. I have been tempted to cut it real short and get a hair piece. I haven't gotten that brave yet but I am feeling braver and braver every day. Oh, about the topper, will the clips cause further hair loss. What if you rotate the clips? Will that work? Have you heard of microlinks? I was looking at a site and they do hair integrations and attach them with microlinks. This place that did them were in Toronto and I can't seem to find a place around here that attaches with that method. I bet, Houston being a larger city, you could find someone around there.

Mine has receded off my forehead and sides too. I bet bangs would be cute on you. You have a cute face and I am sure you could get away with any hair style.
Yeah, if you get any more info about the microlinks let me know. I just started looking into it and don't have alot of info yet. I wish I could find a place around here. I live in such a small town there is not really alot out here.
Take care
Hannah

Hi Laurie,
My hairdresser cuts my hair with the thinning shears....this gives you alot of texture. I also maintain a dark dye color in my hair; this makes my hair feel thicker and healthy. The front (bangs), are a little bit longer so I can cover my spot. I also use a dark eye pencil to color in my spot to blend with my hair color. I use RUSK "Wired" in my hair before blowdrying and my finishing touch is styling wax to make my hair spiky. This may sound like alot of work, but it only takes me 10 mins in the morning. Best part is, no one can tell what my hair is really like!!!! I get alot of compliments on my hairstyle, even strangers come up to me and ask me who does my hair!!! they all say they would like to be able to have a style like mine!!! I just laugh to myself and say they should.
Also, take folic acid and zinc suppliments, they are really good for your hair.
Take care,
Shana

Hi Laurie,
I hope all is well with you and your family. You have been on my mind lately with the hurricane and all. I hope everything is okay.
Hannah

Hi Laurie,
I am glad you and your family are okay.
I was reading your blog and I too avoid the mirrors but you are so pretty.
I didn't know you were a twin. That's funny; I am too!! Well, my twin is fraternal and he's like 6'4 and really skinny. blond hair and blue eyes. We don't even look like brother or sister.
I will email you later I just realized I am late for church!! I'll talk to you later

Hey! I got mine at the NAAF Conference in Florida years back. They had a raffle and I got it for free! Thank God because it was reaaaally expensive! Roughly about $3,000. It was suction, real hair and made in New Zealand. If you want more information, I would love to give it to you!!

Hi Laurie - I'm actually still in Chicago with my family. I haven't been back to Galveston since the hurricane. My house seems to have survived, but I work at UTMB and they aren't open yet, so I am staying here (Chicago) until my boss tells me to come back to work. I have no idea when that will be.

dd they check the Ferritin though it's different then just an iron test. Iron is what your body is using at the moment and ferritin is your iron stores. So nothing came up?? I have heard of the dread shed from stopping BCP maybe that's all it it like after you have a baby you shed for a good 6-8 months.

jessica

Hi Laurie, I just wanted to drop by and say hello. I hope everything is okay with you. Hey, how did the biopsy turn out? Regards, Jamie

Hi Laurie, Congrats on the biopsy. I'm sorry that you are still shedding but perhaps that will be a temporary thing. I hope the good news eases your anxiety a bit. Either way though, you would look good with or without hair. I'm kinda in a growing phase myself but just unsure if I trust it. If it looks like it's starting to grow okay, then I guess, I'll let it grow. Growing means I'll look dishevelled for months. The GF says that she can deal with seedy looking hair. This might not make much sense but I hate the regrowth almost as much as I hate the falling out. It makes me feel like an alopecian yo yo.

Good for you Laurie! I'm so glad that things haved eased up. Wishing you happiness and continued peace of mind, Jamie

Hi Laurie,
How are you? I am doing pretty good here. I just got my first wig yesterday and love it!! My new profile pic is of me wearing it shortly after the cut in. I say if you are considering one go for it!! I wish I would of done this a long time ago!! Now my only worry is what to tell everybody.

Hi Laurie,
It is a lace front human remy hair wig. It was about 14 inches long and I had it cut in. I can't remember the name but it is a Bohyme wig. I think the website is www.bohyme.com.

No, it is not bonded but I think I might buy some lace front tape so it can be extra secure. I didn't shave my head I am just wearing a wig cap underneath to keep my hair down and flat. I do pull some of my hair around the hairline to make it look more natural.

Laurie, you asked if wigs damage your own hair in any way & the answer is "no". The consensus seems to be that it's a myth that wearing a wig will damage your hair.

Oh it definitely is a wig Laurie. Mine all fell out almost 5 yrs ago :) I got it at a local shop here in Omaha. When I get home I will have to look to see what the name of the hairstyle is, I honestly can't remember

I can understand where you are coming from- trust me. From the first time until when I lost it again I would shed and have bald patches everywhere. I was always afraid of it going again. This last time when it really did start falling out in clumps I did shave it all. I couldn't stand to watch it all fall out again. Made me feel like I had some control over it ya know? If you need anything at all let me know :)

I completely agree with you ! It is hard for others to understand what it is like, the emotional pull back and forth you get. Keep your head up girl, you know we are all here to support you.

I am doing pretty good. How have you been? Were you able to take your boys trick or treating?
Did you ever get in touch with Mistique? I told her that you might be interested.

It is working okay. I like the way it looks on me. I am still trying to get used to it being dark. Before my hair started falling out it was about this color. When I go places I don't think anyone can really tell, but I wore it to church for the most part no one said anything. I tried explaining to the people I was closely working with at a youth program that I had color, extensions, and fusion done. Well, this one lady said oh, "I thought it was a wig". It really hurt my feelings and I didn't wear it Sunday night when I played piano and of course my thin hair looked pathetic. I wore it today and my sister saw it and she seemed to like it. She liked the color on me. My head felt a little sore and itched some so I took it off when I came home. It is a little hot and I might have to get something else when summer comes.

Yeah, I am starting to like the look of my hairpiece; I am just starting to feel uncomfortable in it. Did you try on wigs recently? I saw the "Posh". It's very pretty. How did it feel?
You play clarinet? I played oboe for a year in school. Music really helps when I start to get stressed out.
Take care,
Hannah

I will have to check the scarves out. That might be a nice option for the summer. I can't imagine wearing my wig in the summer here. It's too hot.
The Posh wig is cute. I think most wigs need thinning out. I have flat ironed mine trying to make it look thinner. When I look in the mirror I think it's too thick, but when I take pictures and look at them it's not as thick as think. I think it is because I am so used to my thin hair. The wig is about as thick as my hair was 5 years ago. The hair texture though on the wig is a little thicker and I think coarser. I am not sure if it is Indian or Chinese hair. My hair is very fine.
Wow Laurie! You have alot of talent! You play the flute, clarinet, and oboe? That's great!! What college did you attend? I went to Macon Tech. They didn't offer any music courses. It would of been nice if they did. I would love to learn a new instrument. I loved playing oboe. (the little I played in school. I am not sure if could pick one up and start playing since it's been so long.
Take care and I hope you have a nice day.

I am starting a houston support group would you be interested?

Hi greetings from dark germany;-)

Hi Laurie,

I want to start a support group in Houston. I don't want to sit around and talk about how bad alopecia makes us feel. I want to network with a group of friends by going out to lunch and dinner. I want to bring in vendors who will demonstrate their items, sale their items, and discuss important issues that touch our lives. I want to plan trips, and other outings that we all can go to. I want to be a resource for others. My group will encourage others and welcome ideas from others.

Hi Laurie,

I am glad that you are interested in a support group here in Houston. I want to schedule a dinner to meet. Can you tell me what dates and times you maybe available to meet within the next two to three weeks.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Hi Laurie,

The dates I was thinking about are February 15th, 21, 22, or 28th. I suggested that we go to a seafood restaurant maybe PAPPAS. I am open to suggestions. I asked Jennifer as well where she would like to meet On these dates I thought maybe 4pm? Tell me what you think. I am open to other dates and times as well.

Sherrilyn

Hi Laurie,

Are you available for dinner on February 21st. For the support group I currently am in contact with one other person besides Jennifer that is interested in joining our group. I suggested maybe seafood. Do you have any suggestions on where to go for dinner.

Thanks Laurie. It's an old one that's now stuffed away somewhere in a cupboard. Doesn't look anywhere near as good as it used to and really ought to be thrown out, but being my first full-time wig, I can't part with it! LOL I've been trying to upload a more recent pick but have been struggling to work it out - totally confusing, as I've obviously done it before. Maybe will try tackling it over the w/end when I have more time. J

Hi Laurie,

It was nice hearing from you. How about Pappadeaux Restaruant on 290 at 4pm. Is that okay with you. This time it will be just three people. Another person, Sarah is unavailable that day but she is also interested in joining a support group. I am going to contact the restaruant to see if we can have a little area just for us. See you on February 21st.

Hi Laurie,

I hope all is well with you. I need to change our dinner get together from this Saturday February 21st to March 7th. My son plays college baseball and the scheduled has been posted. His team is playing in town for the next couple of weekends. I hope we can still get together at that time. Please let me know.

OMG Laurie! I am horrible. I finally looked up that wig you were asking about months ago :o( I was able to find it on line. It is in the carefree collection and that is on Alicica Beauty.com. The wig is call Tamika. So so sorry it took me so long!

Hi Laurie,

Are you available to meet on March 28th

maybe your hair is also growing in while it is falling out? none of your pics even look like yo have thin hair?

oh, i see. does anyone in your family have really thin hair? it is a really good sign that your hair continues to grow though. it sounds like some sort of dr. could help in some way. maybe the ones you have gone to don't know what they are talking about?

Hi Laurie,

Yes, I would like to meet other women who like ourselves suffer from hair loss. I look forward to meeting you and the others on March 28th. I still have not heard back from Jennifer to see if she can make it that day as well.

Talk to you soon.

the wellness center does sound neat. i often wonder if my condition would improve with a place like the wellness center? i look forward to meeting up with you for dinner one day. i can't make the march 28th date because i will be in NC visiting some family, but i know i will be able to join you all soon!

Hi Laurie,

I look forward in seeing you on March 28th. I am in the process of getting reservations at the PAPPADEUEX Resturant on 290. How many people have you asked to join us so I can tell them how many will be attending.

I look forward in speaking with you soon.

I look forward in meeting you and the other women on March 28th.

Talk to you soon.

Hi Laurie,
Are you going to the luncheon?
Sheryln posted a blog about the lunch but I wanted to make sure you got the invite.

Have fun

Jeffrey