Comment by Clara S. on March 22, 2010 at 2:33am

Hi Amber, have you tried seeing a dermatologist yet for this? I know that steroid shots can be quite effective if it's you only have a spot or two. It was quite effective for me but it didn't stop my hairloss (and now I'm a different treatment). I can tell you that I was really depressed when my hair started falling rapidly 6 months ago but since joining this site, I've become so much more positive and confident because of everyone's support. It's also nice to not feel like you're the only one with this condition. Since i've started accepting that even if my hair grew in, it might fall out again, I've been feeling so much better about myself. Being open also helps, you'll be surprised how most people are just really supportive. And if they aren't, then they're not really worth the time either. Most of my friends know that I'm just wearing wigs and of my condition and they've been super.

It takes time and my advice is just do what is most comfortable to you and just know that you'll have a lot of support here too :)

Comment by lynne on March 22, 2010 at 5:13pm

hey amber, i myself was very shocked but feel slightly lucky as my hair fell out within 2wks, and was left with strands left on my head, suppose i didnt have much time to think about it, i was off work only 5wks as i thot im better just tryin to get on with life as i wasnt ill and life goes on,
it certainly wasnt easy and my confidence went bit time but with support from friends n family i got thro it, i had alot of bad days until i got my wig which made me feel so much better, i only lost mine last april but do have regrowth happenin for now so hopin its gonna come bak, so there is hope, i lost my eyebrows and lashes about 3months after my head hair and now have white eyebrows and my lashes are almost all bak, very excitin, but dont beat urself up for feel frustrated as i still get like that and still pray my hair comes bak for gd, alopecia gives u some crazy mixed emotions and sometimes can very extremely tough but if u can just live ur life how u have bn then it helps, hope this helps u a bit and we are all here for support, hope we can catch up sn, take care, xx

Comment by kelly curry-wills on March 23, 2010 at 9:12pm

Hi Amber, six years ago I developed a bald spot about the size of a fifty cent piece on a Saturday. I mean white bald. It was Halloween weekend and by Christmas all (and I do mean ALL) of my hair was gone. My husband helped me shave my head about 6 days after the bald spot appeared. It was cathartic. Such a relief not to see it falling out. My husband (Jim) has been shaving his head since we were 26. He's jealous because I don't have to shave. My legs are like butter! I have tatoos for eyeliner and brows, wear big earrings and more lipstick. If I'm cold I put a hat on. (TJ Maxx, Burlington, are good hat hunting places) If the sun is hot I put a hat on. Otherwise, I am au naturelle. I'll post a picture soon. A grandmother stopped me in a store once and asked me to visit her 5 year old granddaughter. She said the kids were mean and would pull off her hat & wig. My answer to that is that if you don't wear one they can't pull it off. Either you control how you feel or allow others to. It still looks like a stranger sometimes in the mirror, and I dream sometimes I still have hair. But I can get out of the house quicker than my husband. I have quadruplets who were 5 at the time I went bald, and they are very supportive. They prayed for my hair to come back for over a year before we finally decided my big picture from God is me with no hair. I felt like I would be giving my very girly daughter the wrong message if I couldn't cope without a wig or a hat. We're not all Disney princesses, and my baldness has become my mission. I've had hugs from complete strangers, and even at 50 strange men still flirt with me. Thank God I have a wonderful husband and family, church and good friends. My best friend wil forget I'm bald and hand me her brush if I ask for it. (Then she hits me with it.) You will have some very tough days ahead. I will keep you in my prayers. Big hug from me.

Comment by Jenna4 on March 24, 2010 at 12:08pm

Hi Amber, and welcome. I am also fairly new to this condition call alopecia and have had to adjust quickly. It has been about 7 weeks since I found my first nickle-size spot and that one is now the size of a baseball and I have about 6 more to match plus the countless smaller spots that are starting. The top of my head is getting bare as the spots join together. The best thing I did that helped me cope is to try and stay one step ahead. When my hairloss wasn't showing any sign of slowing down, I started wig shopping and checking out my health insurance situation. Two weeks later, I was able to pick out the wig I wanted and had it on hand if/when the time came that I needed to start wearing it. After getting tired of the hairstyle I HAD to wear to cover my spots, last Thursday I decided to cut my hair shorter and start wearing the wig. Funny, since I started wearing the wig I am less obsessed over my hair falling out. I also feel the same way about wishing it would all just fall out already, but am kinda glad I am having the time to adjust and cope and deal with having AA.

I found a dermotologist that is familiar with alopecia and am now on Prednisone for a few weeks while he tries to stop my hair from falling out.

I know that I made a pact with myself that if/when I get to the 50% bald point, I'm shaving it all off. I'm already wearing the wig, so I think it won't be as traumatic.

There is a ton of information here on this site, read through the blogs and discussions. I'm sure you'll find some peace that there are many of us here going through the same thing. And gain strength from those that have paved the way.

Take care and keep your chin up!

Comment by Michelle L on March 26, 2010 at 12:08am

I feel exactly the same as you do about this 'limbo' - I want to either see regrowth or it must just fall out already! I think it's the lack of control that sucks the most. I will definitely shave as soon as it starts to look like regrowth isn't an option. Be strong (because you ARE strong) and know that your hair isn't you. YOU are who you are with or without it. xoxo

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