Happy Birthday Deidre!

Deidre! You are my alopecian twin! Your hair looks amazing!! I posted a couple as well so you can see where I am. I am so, so happy for you. Reading your message really calmed my nerves, especially to hear that you had a lot of itching during regrowth too. That's been worrying me quite a bit lately. Have you (or did you) notice any of your newer hair growth falling out? I have a few and my derm said she thinks it indicates that it's probably mildly active. Also, I think I have beau lines (didn't know that was what it was called) vs. pitting. Just on two fingers, one very slight line (really not visible to the naked eye but I can feel the ridge). So glad to hear you had that, too. Like I said, you are my twin! Btw, I'm originally from eastern NC, so not too far from you. :)

I only got one round of injections on my initial patch and no indentations. Although the bald patch is the first place I noticed regrowth, it is taking the longest to fill in completely. I don't recall any respiratory problems, but I did have headaches continuously for about a month. Those finally went away, thank goodness!

Thanks so much for responding to me. I am so happy to have met you. Wishing you continued success!

Hi Deidre - How are things going for you? Is the new growth hanging in there? Like you, I have grown new hair all over and I've been able to go hat free for the last three weeks. It's very odd to have hair again. I find myself worrying about whether it's still falling out (only a few hairs every day). The last couple of days my scalp has been itchy and I don't know if it's due to the growth or if it means it's going to fall out again! Have you gotten to point where you don't think about it very often? I hope you are doing well!

Hi. Oh I am SO happy to have found someone else from SC. My little girl is 5 and has AA. She was diagnosed in March of 08 and it has been a tough year. Hair falls out over night, then some will regrow, then more falls out. But she is brave. As for the injections yeah we tired that and she said she didnt want to do it anymore. She screamed the whole time and all I could do is jus sit there and cry. I hope that the injections or anything else you are using works for you. I spend gobs of money on things at Sallys for "very thinnin hair" its a far fetched hope but I will spend whatever just to try for her.

deidre, thank you for your sweet message. i am so glad my post was encouraging for you. i am happy to send you the pdf's of some of the research articles if you'd like. after reading your blog, i feel like i am going through many of the things you were probably a year ago now. i can't commit to wearing the wig every day yet, and i am getting tired of the treatments (i.e. steroid shampoos, acupuncture, rogaine, vitamins, etc). i'm ready to give it all up. which doesn't make sense, because i am seeing growth so that should motivate me to continue, right? i really think that whatever is happening because it wants to happen, not because of any of the stuff i am doing. so part of me just wants to let go and let whatever is going to happen, happen. even though my crying ratio is way down, it's still just emotionally draining. anyway, i am really encourage by your story and i am so glad that we "met." please keep in touch. paula

hi deirdre - your pictures look very similar to what i am experiencing. that's great about the regrowth! how are things going for you now?

Hi Deidre,

What a wonderful page you have.
I hope you are having a great day today.

Jeff

Deidre (from your buddy in S.C.)
That is awesome news! I am soooooooooo happy for you. Your new hair is beautiful and the color is awesome. Sometime it comes back gray/white and coarse, but yours is just beautiful. Keep me posted.
Terri

your regrowth looks great ! I too lost about 50% or more of my hair before I shaved my head and have had total regrowth aside from a little spot here and there but they haved stayed small and get injections every so often do you still get them?

well wish you luck

jessica

Hey Deidre:
I was so glad to get a response from some one else in S.C. ! Yes, we are close! I really appreciate everything that you wrote. It is hard on me to see my child go through this. I would trade places with her in a skinny minute. She is for the first time experiencing some depression. She has been so upbeat and positive, but things change. Middle school can be tough. You have boys and hormones etc... How are old are your kids? How are you doing? You look great. Iooked at your pictures. You have a very nice looking family. Let's keep in touch.
Terri

Hi Deidre,
It can be so hard. I've had no hair anywhere on my body for over 20 years. How are you doing today?
LeslieAnn

Hi,
I'm a stay at home mom too.... I know I will go back to work but as you, the cubicles are not my cup of tea anymore... well, they never were I should say... Over the years, I think the best 'treatment' for alopecia is the support we can get from others... welcome to this site!
Diane

Hi Deidre, I have had AA since childhood off and on. My current situation sound like yours... maybe 50% is gone. THe support of family/friends is the most important thing. Have you gotten any kind of a hairpiece yet or are you using hats? I recently bought a hairpiece but was unhappy with it. I have been using hair extensions that I got at a beauty supply place. I've been somewhat satisfied with how they cover some patches in the back. I'm still trying to find solutions...its never easy. Let me know about how you deal with it.. Christine

Hey Sweetie - thanks for sending the info. You know I loves ya and will do anything for you.

XOXO Mom

I know exactly what you mean i went through the same dilemma about my alopecia.

Hi Deidre! Wow we seem to enjoy a lot of the same things! Stay positive, its really the best medicine! If I can be of any help, drop me a line. Keep smiling beautiful!