Alopecia World
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Here's my story
Almost six months ago I decided to take some meds to have perfectly clear skin for my upcoming wedding. The meds they gave me were very strong and caused my hair to shed. At first the docs said it would stop falling out in three months and grow back within 6 months. It didn't stop falling out. My hair just got thinner and thinner. They did a biopsy and told me the hair loss due to the meds "unmasked" a genetic predisposition for female pattern hair loss. I was devastated. I had to start counseling, I couldn't eat and when I did I just got sick. I lost weight and couldn't find any joy in life. My daughter unfortunately saw how sad I was.
About three weeks ago I noticed a small bald spot on the head of my 7 yr old daughter. I freaked out mostly because of my own hair issues. The spot was about the size of a dime but I knew it wasn't there the day before. Everyone I told just thought I was projecting my own problems on my child. I decided to take my kid to her doctor for a physical. He measured the bald spot and said it could be AA or loss caused by her pulling on it (which she denied). He told me to watch it if it got bigger but if it was AA there is nothing I can do about it.
The spot did not grow so I thought it could be AA and I felt like she was in the clear. Today I cried because I noticed her hair is thinning near her forehead as if a larger bald spot is developing. I am so heart broken by this. I would give all my remaining hair if she could be free of any hair issues. My fear is that her peers will tease and make fun of her. I want to protect her from all the hurt in the world but I know it's not possible.
My goal in joining this site is to hear from others how I can best support my child in what might be difficult pre-teen/teen years. I wish I could find people in or around Sacramento, CA with AA that can relate to me and my child. It would be great if I could find other parents in a similar situation. I don't know anyone with AA near me and I fear my child will feel alone. So if there are any parents with kids that have AA near Sac feel free to contact me!
Thanks for reading!
About three weeks ago I noticed a small bald spot on the head of my 7 yr old daughter. I freaked out mostly because of my own hair issues. The spot was about the size of a dime but I knew it wasn't there the day before. Everyone I told just thought I was projecting my own problems on my child. I decided to take my kid to her doctor for a physical. He measured the bald spot and said it could be AA or loss caused by her pulling on it (which she denied). He told me to watch it if it got bigger but if it was AA there is nothing I can do about it.
The spot did not grow so I thought it could be AA and I felt like she was in the clear. Today I cried because I noticed her hair is thinning near her forehead as if a larger bald spot is developing. I am so heart broken by this. I would give all my remaining hair if she could be free of any hair issues. My fear is that her peers will tease and make fun of her. I want to protect her from all the hurt in the world but I know it's not possible.
My goal in joining this site is to hear from others how I can best support my child in what might be difficult pre-teen/teen years. I wish I could find people in or around Sacramento, CA with AA that can relate to me and my child. It would be great if I could find other parents in a similar situation. I don't know anyone with AA near me and I fear my child will feel alone. So if there are any parents with kids that have AA near Sac feel free to contact me!
Thanks for reading!
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Comment by Mari on February 19, 2009 at 1:36pm
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I so want to just give you a big ole hug. I know how utterly alone and scared you feel, and it has to be awful to be trying to deal with your own fears and issues for yourself, let alone now adding on your child. I couldn't imagine.
I am so glad that you joined this site, and are reaching out to people. There are so many varied people and walks of life here, that it is impossilbe to NOT find someone to help lol. The biggest suggestion I can give you is to teach your child, and yourself, that hair doesn't make us who we are. It IS just an extension. I know that sounds harsh, and maybe unfeeling to you and what you are going thru. I swear that is not my intention, but the best advice I can give. The pain and shame you are feeling about losing your hair, and now maybe your daughter's also, is awful I am sure. I have been through so much depression and hurt about my bald head too.
I am not talking about "acceptance" as we all do, and yes that is important. But everyone has their own way and time of reaching that, and I don't want to sit and preach to you lol. I just want you to know it IS okay to feel hurt, afraid, angry, resentful, all that. But don't let it take over everything else! Remember the positives. Does it change YOU? You are still the same person, and still pretty. Just unique. And why not? Stand out from the crowd. Your daughter will stand out. Be special, not blend with everyone else. And that can be a really good thing. For you and her just remember what beautiful people you are!
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Comment by Clarissa Ellen Becker French on March 7, 2010 at 2:45am
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I'm in Sacramento...Citrus Heights actually, if you ever want to meet, I was 5 when the teasing started and I would LOVE! to talk to your daughter if you approve.
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