I have been a member for almost a week or so here at AW, and have to say how much I have enjoyed my time here. I've read some amazing stories, and "met" some really great folks who are inspirational in so many ways. I've told many of my friends about this site, posted links on Facebook and Flickr. Many of them have checked it out as well. It's nice to find some sort of "support" system online to help me deal with the emotions that I'm feeling while dealing with this condition.

I have been weighing in on whether or not to shave completely bald, and have still not decided. I think that when I pass the 50% mark, I will probably cave, but who knows. I'm at the point now where I can still do a scarf or wrap and show some hair, as long as it's styled just right to cover all the bald spots, and thinning areas. I'm also sporting a few different wigs, and have gotten numerous compliments on those as well. Although they aren't the most comfortable wigs, I do enjoy being able to change up my look so often, so I guess that's my one "perk" of this thing. My question for anyone out there, what prompted your decision to shave it off, if you don't mind my asking. So many bald and beautiful folks on this site, who seem to be embracing their bald head with great smiles, I wonder how you came to those decisions, if that's what they are. I understand not all are by choice, but I'm curious to hear from some of you.

I see the doc again in a few weeks, so I'm definitely not going to shave before then, and am probably going to be receiving my second round of the steroid shots to the scalp (ouch), but we'll see what she has to say. I can't say I see any real regrowth yet, and it is still falling out in clumps, especially when I wash it. (perhaps the worst part of it for me), but I've come to terms more or less, and don't expect anything great as far as it goes.

This site has been a great support to me, and again I want to thank you all, for sharing your stories and photos, for those of us with Alopecia that are new to it. I'd heard of it before my diagnosis, but going 33 years with great hair, and having this happen all at once... wow, what a change it has been. It's forced me to realize more important things, and finally getting the diagnosis was the biggest stress reliever of all for me.