Alopecia World
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Identity confusion
I'm kinda new to the site and I'm not sure how it works but here goes my story. I'm 17 years old and I've dealt with Alopecia most of my life. My dermatologist had linked my alopecia to bacteria puenmonia because every time I had that 3-6 months later I had no hair. I was diagnosed at 4 years old with AT. My hair came back but it's been a rollercoaster from having hair and not having hair the past 5 years, but at 15 years old it fell out again and I was devastated because I was just walking into high school. I just wore hats and I was teased and reminded that I was a "freak" everyday of my life. Eventually it came back after a year and then again it fell out about a year and a half ago and I've developed AT and have been bald ever since. But I just started wearing wigs in November and it feels like I've taken a step backwards in feeling comfortable around other people without my wig on, but I'm a thousand times more happier than I was before with the hats and scarfs. I'm not sure if I want to announce my situation to the world yet and hear the comments and questions about me being sick and not "normal." But it doesn't bother me by telling people or having people know about it and them asking questions to me, directly. but how did everyone decide to go bald or wear a wig or a scarf or anything else? I guess I'm just confused on whether I want to go with wigs or without them or anything at all. Anything helps!!!
Rita
Rita
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Comment by Natalie on August 19, 2010 at 10:03pm
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Hi Rita,
I'm sorry to hear that you are having such a rollercoaster of a time! :( I decided to shave my hair and get a wig when I felt like my alopecia was impeding with my everyday activities. I was afraid to go out on a windy day, I was afraid to go swimming or get my hair wet at all (for fear of my spots showing), and it took me a ridiculous amount of time every day to get ready in the morning while I pinned my hair this way and that to cover my spots. I finally realized that alopecia had taken control of my life, and I was ready to reclaim my life. When I shaved my head in April 2009 and got my first wig, it was the happiest and most freeing experience I have ever felt. I could LIVE again! My suggestion is to get a wig or start wearing scarves or shave your head when you feel like alopecia has taken your life over. It should never have that kind of power in our lives! Keep on smiling and let me know if you have any other questions - I love to help :)
-Natalie
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Comment by Rita on August 19, 2010 at 10:58pm
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@Natalie
After about 2 years I finally did that. And I have a wig now, the one in the picture and that's exactly how I felt.. It was probably a moment I wouldn't forget when I got my first wig! But I kinda feel like I don't have the "courage" to go out in public without my wig.
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Comment by Tallgirl on August 20, 2010 at 10:03pm
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I started with a "fall" (partial wig) in high school, then got a synthetic short wig for everyday wear and a longer human hair one for formal dances in high school and college. My hair grew in age 20-thirties, and then when alopecia returned, I wore some old wigs and started getting new ones (like a loooonnnng, sexy curly one). By my 40s I got brave and tried new colors for fun...and just two hours ago I bought a blond with dark roots...very jazzy! This will allow me to keep the white totalis sideburns without the $10/month I was spending to dye them for matching darker wigs. It is about time I admitted to myself that my bit of hair left on top will always be white. Why lie to myself and fantasize about what can no longer be? Now I can just move on without trying to turn back the clock to my original hair color (dark brown). Time for fun!
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@Tanya-thanks for the advice.. i think i'm just sorta waiting for that moment to not care about what anyone thinks i guess..
@Tallgirl-i'm starting to experiment with wigs.. it's kinda fun haha. i've gone through a few of them but i'm getting a human hair one in the mail in a few weeks or so. i'm super excited. have you tried the liquid adhesive? i'm afraid to try it because i'm worried it'll ruin my skin or my wig.
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Comment by shirley carole douglas on August 23, 2010 at 5:41pm
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Hi
my granddaughter wears a vacuum wig, she can go swimming wearing her wig, all different sports go out in a hurricane and it wont come off. It cant beat your own hair, but its the next best thing.
Shirley
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