Newly diagnosed. Advice?

I found out on March 30, 2015, that I have Alopecia.  I wish I would have gone to the dermatologist sooner to find this out, but I kept on telling myself that the bald spots were post-pregnancy hormone related.  I gave birth to my daughter in August and since then I now have about 5 bald spots, all a quarter size or bigger.  My hair is becoming very thin now.  I am used to having medium thick hair.  Every time I look I am losing more and more hair and it is becoming harder to hide.  I have a bald spot in the middle front of my hairline that I try to keep covered up with a swoop of bangs in the front.  I also have small pits in my nails that I read can come along with this disease.  The only thing is that I have had the pits in my nails for a long time, like years. At the dermatologist I got my first shot in the hip area.  I don't remember what that medicine was called, but it is supposed to help grow back some of my hair.  I have to go back in 3 weeks again for another shot.  The doctor didn't say anything about needing to get shots in my head.  I am hoping I don't have to do that.  It sounds like it is painful.  He told me that he was not going to prescribe me any pills or creams because he claimed those won't help.  Does anyone have any advice to me as being newly diagnosed?  What should I expect?  I don't know how I should feel. I was really upset yesterday when I found out.

Laurel

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Permalink Reply by OneBaldMother on April 2, 2015 at 3:18pm

Hi Laurel,

I can really relate to your post as I suspect my alopecia was triggered by pregnancy hormones as well.  I don't have any advice as far as treatment goes.  For me, my hair came back without treatment the first time then this time it has not (I was pregnant at the time so I could not take any treatments). The thing people say about Alopecia that seems to be true is the only thing predictable about it is that it is unpredictable.  Your hair could all come back and never fall out again, or it could all fall out and never grow again---or any scenario in between.  Only time will tell. 

I remember the feelings you describe.  It can be upsetting, overwhelming, confusing and you are entitled to any and all emotions.  The best advice I can give you is to learn as much as you can about this condition and to reach out to others. (I suspect you are already doing this since you are on this site)

Also I think it is very important to be kind to yourself during this time.  Hair loss can be difficult to deal with and especially with a baby at home it is crucial you make time to take care of yourself and do things that you enjoy.

For me it was very helpful to be open and honest about my Alopecia with my family and friends.  It made the transition to wigs/hats/scarves easier.  Hiding and feeling shame will only make things more difficult.

I wish you all the best.  Let me know if you want to chat more about your experience.

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