Hi there! I am so happy that the shots worked for you! It must be such a relief! Try not to worry too much about it happening again, although I totally understand how you would! I'll keep in touch periodically. I think of my fellow Alopecians with much concern.....I know how they feel! :) Jenn

After being bald for years..my hair grew in also without pigment.
I was in my later 20s I believe and ignorance threw judgement at me like
"oh you are going grey so young"
"NOT"
Yet strange enough that when that fell out again..some hair grew back dark...or was it hair that wasn't there the first time around....most likely.
Either way..I think its going to play it self out..and do what it does.
I have tried everything and nothing changed.
I only got older worrying my youth away.....and for what!
To Learn and become filled with Wisdom I should hope.
Some times I think the Cortisone injections helped give spars hair growth.
Yet my fear...is that after that whole series of injections there are so may questions and theories...I had Immune issues obviously and yet after the cortisone..I awoke one morning and couldn't move due to muscle fatigue/weakness.
That was a down spiral...yet I always get up..and move on.
After I had Cortisone injections again years later for a herniated disc in my neck....I passed out at the office and then the cycle of fatigue became exacerbated all over again.
So, who is to know what the total side effects are.
If you ask me...I wouldn't give it to my child..
"NEVER"
Anna Mina

how are you doing? fill me in with the most recent stuff! hope you are doing better. ;) jenn

Hi Christina,

My apologies for a very late response to your note to me, back in March. This is the first time I've logged in, in too long a while. You had asked me about AA being genetic, and had mentioned that you are afraid you might pass it on to your children. Honestly, Lynnea's alopecia came as a real surprise for my husband and I. As far as we knew, no one in our family had it. It seemed completely random, however, when we really thought about it, my husband did have a form of hair loss. For years he had little patches of hair loss show up in his facial hair - nothing huge, but very random in appearance and dissappearance. We used to lovingly refer to them as his 'crop circles'. A little research confirmed that it is a form of alopecia, as well. Then, lo and behold, my brother started to develop the same thing. Both sides of the family - voila. So, overall, yes, there does seem to be a genetic 'handing down' of alopecia. But it also seems to need a trigger to set the disorder in motion. So, while one of our daughters has alopecia, the other has a full head of long brown hair. They most likely both carry the genetic 'roll of the dice', to quote the dermatologist that we saw, but Lynnea's happened to be triggered through vaccination stress. You'd mentioned how happy she looks in the photographs, and though it's been hard for me to finally reach the place where I've come to terms with Nnea's alopecia, she's always been fine with it! She's secure in herself, and likes her bald head. She's actually had some significant hair regrowth recently, and isn't too pleased with it... ha ha. Go figure, hey?

Try not to worry too much about what the future may or may not hold for your child. And if you do (and I know what that's like, trust me), you can always drop me a line. Thank you for your message!

Janna

Hey girl..Thanks for the comment! I see that you are from Houston, Do you ever come to Breckenridge or Abilene, Tx? I know a few people from Houston and I went and stayed there for a couple weeks about 2 years ago! If you ever come close...you should give me a hollar! I know what you mean about controlling the AA crap! Its not possible. Have you noticed anything that your doing helping you?

your story sounds so much like mine...it sucks bad!

Hiya Christina,

Thanks for the message! My alopecia started when I was 23 and it's been on and off since, initially my hair loss was significant and then it settled, this time last year I was well on the road to full re-growth, however since last summer 2 patches have become active again and my hair loss has accellerated, not to the same degree but I still notice it! I think it is hard to compare cases as every individual has differences in their symptoms, loss, frequency etc. Rely on the support network around you and take comfort in the thought that you are not alone, I know how hard it can be but you will get strength from hearing from other people and how they cope etc!

Kat xxx

Hey, hang in there. I first lost all my hair at age 4 and after getting treatment and it all growing back, it fell out when I was 21. I know its a hard thing to go through but I'm sure you have a very loving and supportive family. At some point you just have to say, this is me and go on with your life.

I have pretty continuous mild to severe patches of baldness since diagnosed at 15. More recently it has become slightly more severe but still managable, I have done topical steroids and cortisone shots but have found that it just makes it better for a little while but then a larger new spot then typically emerges. Everyone deals with alopecia differently, but i can only suggest to keep things in perspective for it is only hair. Arms, legs, organs etc. are much more important. Also, keep in mind that our society socially constructs beauty therefore, your beauty can only truly be defined by you. Stay strong and give your mind time to heal from the immediate psychological terror uncontrollable hair loss may leave you with. Find joy in daily activity and fulfilling things such as volunteering=) All the best,Holly