Comment by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on December 11, 2010 at 8:51pm

Im so sorry to hear things are so stressful with you.  It makes me wept  HUGS>>

You are with wonderful support here, like a family .  I have found great strength being here, expressing my thoughts and receiving all the wonderful comments.  Im sure very soon you will feel the unconditional love and support offered here, and in time regain your inner strength.  Which you should never forget that you indeed do.  I like to remind myself that life gives the biggest challenges to those that are brave and strong enough to take them on.  And remember you are indeed strong, brave and beautiful.  XOXO

 

Comment by clare majka on December 12, 2010 at 2:24pm

Hi Lindsay you're story really touched me.The first thing is that i'm sorry you grew up in such an environment that is to say you felt so alone. You are now 22 and are responsible for your own happiness,oh by the way i am 46 so have lived a little.One thing i have learned is that you have to learn to love yourself then the rest will fall into place.Ibelieve everyone struggles with their own issues but the point is you have to rise above them, believe in yourself because at the end of the day you know you can trust yourself.Reach out to people on this site and they will help you are not alone i will support you if you would like to talk i will be there for you ok? I am from Sotland originally although now i live in NYC but we are a tough race and are referred to as Scotland the Brave and that is what i am trying to be.God bless i wish you love and luck clare.

Comment by Lindsay on December 12, 2010 at 6:53pm

Oh my gosh, you are all such amazingly wonderful people. Your kind words made my heart soar!

You are all right. I need to work on being ok with myself. It has always been hard for me. I need to be there for myself rather than looking to people to help support the main weight of things and feeling more let down when no one gives me a shoulder to cry on. Once I find a good wig I think I am going to shave. Reading stories on here made me feel so much better. I always thought that if I had a wig I couldn't ride a horse anymore or worry about someone hugging me and my wig getting pulled off, no more swimming and all that. Well thats at-least how I feel right now. My emotions on this whole thing are so up and down.

I am currently looking for a new job as well. I think getting away from that will help me out a lot. Being around more mature people and less stuck up girls and rude guys. =/

I need to keep reminding myself that curling up in a little ball and crying my life away (my favorite move) won't change anything.

I wish I could stay feeling brave and ready to tackle all this more often. =/

Comment by Lindsay on December 12, 2010 at 7:14pm

And is anyone in the Southern Californian Los Angeles area that can suggest a good wig place that makes custom? Do you guys mostly order online? I didn't know that was an option till a few moments ago.

Comment by clare majka on December 12, 2010 at 8:36pm

You have to shop around there are plenty of places try and get a friend to go with you for support.I am in the process of wearing a wig but i don't like wearing it every day. I wear hats and bandanas a lot as i still have just a little hair at the back and sides so i can get away with it right now.Although that is not going to last so i think i will have to wear a wig full time soon.  Thats if i decide to go down that road? still trying to come to terms after 6 months and hardly any hair left. However Lindsay chin up thats what my mum says to me and i try my best to do that take care Clare

Comment by Julie G on December 14, 2010 at 1:23pm

Lindsay,

I am so sorry to hear that your family isn't supportive!  But you now have your AW family to support you.  I found so much comfort and support on AW and it has helped me to come to a final decision to take control back in my life.  I am actually going to be getting a wig myself next month.  It is a big step, but I also think that once I find a proper fit for me that I will shave as well.  I think that it will be an empowering moment, and I agree with you that reading and watching posts on AW has helped me to feel empowered to do that.  Now I am sure it will be a tough step to take, but I think it is a step to better me and help me to feel better about myself!

Welcome to the AW family and I hope that you have better luck with getting a wig that will fit you properly! 
Cheer up buttercup!! AW loves ya!

Take care - Julie

Comment by Pat on December 16, 2010 at 4:40am

It's unfortunate that the ones you believe 'should' be there for you are often the last ones to do so. That is more about them than it is about you. I so understand your frustration about getting a wig that fits as I also have a very small head and gave up on off the shelf wigs a long time ago and get them custom made. It wasn't just the size, it was also the amount of hair - I used to feel like Cousin It [you're too young to remember that characte in the Adams family I suppose] It makes a huge difference when a wig feels part of you and not something sitting on top of your head. All the best with that.

Comment by Dielle on December 20, 2010 at 3:18pm

Alopecia can be really devastating at times, especially when you don't have a good support system on hand. I really think you should go to the NAAF website and look up and see if there are any support groups in your area that you could talk to. I also love riding horses and even though it can get really hot in the summer it is still possible. I rode with a wig for about 5 years, but now I just go in a bandanna. Horse people are generally understanding probably because they have to be so calm around horses so if you feel comfortable with it I would try wearing a bandanna or something while you ride only because it is much more comfortable. I am also in a bad place right now but I'm determined I won't stay here. If you give up on yourself there isn't going to be anyone else that can keep moving for you. Once you have gotten more used to it you will start to learn what makes you feel the most comfortable. You don't have to do anything you don't want to but that doesn't mean you should hide yourself away and stop trying new things. Unfortunately finding the right fitting wig is a hassle but once you find the brand that fits, you don't have to look at anything besides color and style. I also have a small head and I have found that Rene of Paris fits the best but you may be different. The only thing I would say to look out for when you buy a wig is that if it is even the slightest bit uncomfortable don't take it because it will just get worse the longer you wear it (the parts around the ear especially if they don't fit right). Best of luck in finding your wig and I hope you have a better time of it soon.

Comment by Shannon on February 28, 2011 at 6:08pm

Have you ever looked into freedom vaccum wigs? They are great. They are made to fit you perfectly with real virgin european hair. I just got mine a few months ago and I love it. They are soo secure you can even swim in them. They will not fall off. You can even part them anywhere and it looks like your scalp. I feel like my self pre alopecia since I got mine. People will never know its not your real hair unless you tell them. This is a link to lady who sells them in California http://www.myimagebydonna.com/

Take care,
Shannon

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