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I have AA

Posted , 5 users are following.

debbie3
debbie3

I started with AA in July 2012, or that's when I noticed it should I say. I believe it was due to stress though some doctors say it isn't related and some do. It started at the front of my head on top, just beyond the fringe and was about the size of a 10p, then when I went to the doctors they noticed another patch on my crown about the same size. Though at the time the patches were not big I was distraught. They prescribed me steroid cream that did nothing for me and it was getting worse and I think this was due to stressing about it. I don't stress about it now and I don't care so much that people may see the patches and I feel quite lucky that I do have some low grade regrowth (baby like hair). When my AA got worse I went back to the doctors and demanded to see a tricologist and they tried to fob me off that you had to meet a certain criteria to be referred and I was told that it was just cosmetic and may grow back in time on it's own. I told him that this wasn't so as it was affecting me in lots of ways and my hair is part of my identity and of who I am. he gave in in the end and within 2 weeks I recieved an appointment to see a specialist that I had to fight tooth and nail for. My specialist has been brilliant and very realistic and truthful. I've just been to my second appointment and had my first lot of steroid injections in my head and though I must admit I was a little worried as to what to expect, it wasn't that bad, though a little sore and tender afterwards.

Part of my treatment has come from a very good experienced and well qualified nutritionist and he told me of some supplements and things I should be eating and drinking to maintain good health and help to promote hair regrowth. Though nothing is guarenteed, anything is worth a try and I do believe it's helped me.

I'm telling my story to offer some help and support and give hope to others who are suffering. I think the main key thing is to not stress about it as this may make it worse and becomes a vicious circle. I also know that it's easier said than done.

I do hope that this helps someone with their coping and wish all the best to those who are suffering. xx

2 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • debbie3
    debbie3

    Posted

    Update from the above.

    I've had my third appointment with the tricologist today and I'm pleased to say that since my last appointment when I had injections in my head to stimulate hair regrowth, my hair has grown about 2inches and my hair colour is back too and therefor I have no need to be seen again unless I have a reacurance.

    I hope this information gives other people hope.

    Best wishes to all. x

  • laurie88768
    laurie88768 debbie3

    Posted

    Thank you for sharing your story :') nice to know their is hope for my hair after being diagnosed last week. X
    • debbie3
      debbie3 laurie88768

      Posted

      There is hope and there are treatments.

      All the best to you xx

  • jane98094
    jane98094 debbie3

    Posted

    I also have alopecia areata and have had fo 2 years seems to start to grow back and then fall out.I had a very stressful time 2 years ago and I think that triggered it.I have been referred to a dermatologist but the cream she prescribed hasn't helped.Blood tests haven't revealed anything unusual.

    There is a website run by someone called Shmuel Gonen who offers herbal treatment and I wonder if anyone has tried it?Or the London Centre of Trichology who offer a free consultation.

    I don't fancy steroid injections as I have read they do not cure it only  work while you have them and then once you stop condition comes back?Seems pointless to go through the pain?Ah just read it worked for you so worth the pain!

    My husband bought me a wig but I feel silly in it and it's hot itchy and I think a waste of money!I use my other hair to cover the patches.

     

    • debbie3
      debbie3 jane98094

      Posted

      Hi Jane

      So sorry to hear you have alopecia.

      It was 2 years in July gone that mine started. The injections is not pain free but not as bad as it sounds and well worth it. It's true that sometimes your hair will fall out when treatment stops but not always. The main thing is, is to stop stressing about hairloss or hair regrowth and just think what will be will be (change your way of thinking). Easy said than done I know but it works, after all it was stress that triggered it in the first place.

      2 years on my hair has not fallen out and no one would know I'd had it.

      All the best xx

  • jane98094
    jane98094 debbie3

    Posted

    Thank you Debbie.Where did you go for treatment?Was it private or NHS?If private was it very expensive and how many injections did you have?I don't stress about it too much but it's just a wierd thing and nobody I know has had this condition.A couple of friends who have had cancer treatment have had their hair fall out but there's grew back very quickly after they had finished their treatment.

     

  • maireadcg
    maireadcg debbie3

    Posted

    Hi Debbie,

    I've just read your post; I know you wrote it a few years ago. I have Alopecia Ophiasis and my dermatologist was horrible and told me that it will probably not grow back so get that out of my head. 

    I am just wondering if yours did grown back and how severe it was/is? What supplements did you take?

  • jane98094
    jane98094 debbie3

    Posted

    Hi Debbie

    i also have alopecia Areata and it started when I had three stressful events one after the other.Stress seems to be the trigger ?Though that was 2 years and I've reduced stress as much as I can and its only just showing signs of growing back some fine hair.My hair is fine anyway.

    I went to my doctors and had blood tests for thyroid etc all fine.Then a year a went to see a dermatologist and was prescribed a cream Protopic which didn't help at all and seemed to be making it worse?Read that the university of California Department of Dermatology had found this type of cream ineffective so stopped using it and since then things have improved with some growth.

    Having been trying so much that not sure what is helping and what's not !

    I am taking Maxi Hair vitamins.Rubbing garlic oil in.Have tried so many shampoos and conditioners my bathroom shower is like a chemist shopLolAlso now trying grape seed extract .

    I think it also helps when I focus on other things and get on with my life.

    I am lucky that I can hide the 2 large patches at the back of my head with my other hair and tie it back when it's windy!

    The dermatologist has now given me a steroid cream to try.Going to use on the smaller patch incase it makes it worse and carry on with the garlic and Rosemary hair oil and follicure shampoo and conditioner.My husband bought a wig just incase it all fell out as an insurance policy but it's too thick and    I found it hot and didn't suit me.I hope I never have to wear it!

    How are you getting on and have you found anything that works?

    Jane

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