Comment by Hope on September 11, 2011 at 9:54pm

I know how you feel!! My 19 year old daughter showed me a spot on the nape of her neck about the size of a closed fist 9 months ago. Her hairdresser said she wears her ponytails too tight, I looked at it and with out any doubt knew what it was. Nobody that has this disease can forget that smooth almost circle spots we have all dealt with. She asked me if she had what I have and started to cry, I couldn't tell her the truth. I knew by telling wouldn't help the situation, plus maybe it will be like my childhood years where it was only one small spot once in awhile and it always grew right back?? It wasn't until my second child that it decided to go crazy on me and attack my whole head. Another reason I didn't tell her is because more stress is possible to cause more hair loss. Well I cried so much that night and prayed to God please spare my children of this, I'll take this disease on myself and don't care any longer if it ever comes back. We can deal with this if we have to, but to watch a child go through would break my heart!! How much more can we deal with?? Well so far that spot grew back right away and there has been no more since. Good luck to you maryc, my prayers will go out to you and your daughter, if it is, to get through this as best as possible....

Comment by cindy Babs on September 11, 2011 at 9:56pm

Hi Mary. My daughter has had au for 2 yrs now. Our worlds crashed down and have since emotionally recovered. Yes alopecia can b familial. Not in a million yrs would u wish it on upon your daughter. I'm sure your doctor will make the call one way or another. Try not to imagine the worst. My husband just developed alopecia over the last 2 months. He has 3 little circle patches in his beard .no loss anywhere else (other than his long standing male pattern ).b strong and positive. I think everything Will b really fine. Thatsjust what u think. :) have a really nice week and TRY NOT TO WORRY!

Comment by cindy Babs on September 11, 2011 at 9:59pm

Woops. Typo. I meant "That's Just what I think" not u, obviously. Take care-

Comment by maryc on September 11, 2011 at 10:28pm

Thanks...for the support ...I am taking her to the doctor tomorrow...all I can do is pray and hope...

Comment by Tallgirl on September 12, 2011 at 4:15pm

If this is genetic (see July and November 2010 research announcements), then it is already here. COPING skills and a positive, supportive parental attitude, with smiles and practical answers for wigs, hats or humorous responses to friends, school and neighborhood education for adults, and nonchalance about this at home are more constructive than exposing your child to your own stress. The only way you can "let her down" is by being a downer in her life. You didn't cause it, you can't cure it, and you can't control it without inflicting expense or pain. Find role models of strength, wisdom and humor for her, wherever they may be! You can be her best friend and resource right now for whatever has been already "chosen" for her life's journey. Stay strong.

Comment by Jennifer on September 14, 2011 at 8:35pm

Though not nearly at child bearing age yet, I often consider never having children. I don't know if that's just fear talking, or selfishness. I could never imagine putting my children what I went through. Am I crazy to think this way? I got it from my great grandmother so I think it skips a couple generations...I hate sending my gene pool forward in the world regardless...any thoughts?

Comment by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on September 15, 2011 at 2:17pm

I have also considered never having children due to being AU. I was a kid when first diagnosed and research says the chances are higher of a genetic connection. It took so much strength to get to the point I am now and I'm comfortable with who I am now. But I just don't know if I have the strength to raise a child with what I had to go thru. And also would my future husband accept that I could possibly pass on my alopecia to his child.

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