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Derm visit no.2 (2 months on)
After having some of my worst days recently since I was cursed* with this condition where I don't think I could have felt any lower, I had my follow up visit to the NHS dermatologist this morning...
It was a different doctor from last time (which surprised me) and we went through the usual checklist of questions...
- family history (yes my mum had a small patch of hairloss almost 60 years ago that never reoccurred)
- stress factors in leading up to the initial hairloss (still none that I can think of other than losing weight and exercising regularly - going from doing pretty much zero exercise to 1-2 hours per day)
- have I had a blood test? (not that I'm aware of since being diagnosed with AA but I did get blood taken before this when diagnosed with high blood pressure)
The derm didn't really spend much time looking at my spots. She said that the white regrowth in my biggest/oldest spot was a very good sign. The whole area is covered and I just wish it would get dark and thicken up a bit. I have regrowth in 3 other spots but she didn't even look at them. More new spots are appearing every couple of weeks though - I think I've got around 15 now but it's hard to keep track of them.
I mentioned that I'm concerned that the hairloss is still spreading on my beard area and that this is where the AA first occurred 1 year ago. I got a blank look and then she asked if I had lost any eyebrows or eyelashes to which I said that I didn't think so. Are there actually any treatments that work for the beard area? I tried some cream that I got online but it doesn't work. I can't remember the name of it but it was hocus pocus crap sold online by charlatans taking advantage of desperate people.
Anyway, back to the derm - she suggested that I switch from the dermovate cream to a steroid foam (Clarelux 500 micrograms/g Cutaneous Foam) which I was to use daily. The active substance is clobetasol propionate (same as Dermovate cream).
Two blood samples were taken and I would hear back if there were any issues there.
I have been referred to a "hair specialist" at another hospital but it could take up to 4 months for an appointment!!! I gave a shocked look when she said 4 months but I guess losing your hair/self esteem/having anxiety/possibly depression isn't something that should be looked at urgently.
Anyway, that's my latest rant over. I'm kind of at a loss of what to make of it all at the moment. I'll try the foam - I know that it works well for Heather so fingers crossed that I get some results from it.
I really need to try and just forget about the AA and get on with something far more important... LIFE! I wish it was as easy to do as it is to say it.
*sorry but I can't bring myself to say that I'm blessed to have this condition. I'm still a long way off from acceptance.
It was a different doctor from last time (which surprised me) and we went through the usual checklist of questions...
- family history (yes my mum had a small patch of hairloss almost 60 years ago that never reoccurred)
- stress factors in leading up to the initial hairloss (still none that I can think of other than losing weight and exercising regularly - going from doing pretty much zero exercise to 1-2 hours per day)
- have I had a blood test? (not that I'm aware of since being diagnosed with AA but I did get blood taken before this when diagnosed with high blood pressure)
The derm didn't really spend much time looking at my spots. She said that the white regrowth in my biggest/oldest spot was a very good sign. The whole area is covered and I just wish it would get dark and thicken up a bit. I have regrowth in 3 other spots but she didn't even look at them. More new spots are appearing every couple of weeks though - I think I've got around 15 now but it's hard to keep track of them.
I mentioned that I'm concerned that the hairloss is still spreading on my beard area and that this is where the AA first occurred 1 year ago. I got a blank look and then she asked if I had lost any eyebrows or eyelashes to which I said that I didn't think so. Are there actually any treatments that work for the beard area? I tried some cream that I got online but it doesn't work. I can't remember the name of it but it was hocus pocus crap sold online by charlatans taking advantage of desperate people.
Anyway, back to the derm - she suggested that I switch from the dermovate cream to a steroid foam (Clarelux 500 micrograms/g Cutaneous Foam) which I was to use daily. The active substance is clobetasol propionate (same as Dermovate cream).
Two blood samples were taken and I would hear back if there were any issues there.
I have been referred to a "hair specialist" at another hospital but it could take up to 4 months for an appointment!!! I gave a shocked look when she said 4 months but I guess losing your hair/self esteem/having anxiety/possibly depression isn't something that should be looked at urgently.
Anyway, that's my latest rant over. I'm kind of at a loss of what to make of it all at the moment. I'll try the foam - I know that it works well for Heather so fingers crossed that I get some results from it.
I really need to try and just forget about the AA and get on with something far more important... LIFE! I wish it was as easy to do as it is to say it.
*sorry but I can't bring myself to say that I'm blessed to have this condition. I'm still a long way off from acceptance.
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Comment by John M. on September 22, 2009 at 2:15pm
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Hey Robert! I was wondering when the next update would come. You're such a regular poster that I've come to look forward to hearing your updates. I've got my Derm visit tomorrow. Anticipate more shots (no other treatments have been prescribed). I haven't dared look directly at my spots out of fear of angering them more, so I don't know if I have regrowth or not. I'm hoping the Derm will look and tell me something positive tomorrow. Honestly, I'm just scared at looking and not finding anything.
Like yourself, I've found a new spot or two (one just thing morning...MF!!!) every now and again. I'm just hoping these don't get too big like the original three-some on my head. Also like yourself, I'm a far cry away from accepting this. I think "denile" is more of an appropriate term. Only in the sense of keeping it out of mind as much as possible.
Thanks for keeping us updated. I'm not sure why, but keeping hopes up for my friends here on AW and encouraging them in an odd way helps me to deal with my own issues. That is, I guess it helps to be more concerned about other people's hurts and woes than my own.
Just know you've got friends here that care about your AA getting better and who know what you're going through.
Hang tough!!!!
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Comment by Robert on September 22, 2009 at 5:36pm
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Hey John
Thanks for your reply. Good luck with your derm visit tomorrow. Let us know how it goes.
Keeping everything crossed for your regrowth!!!
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Comment by JeffreySF on September 22, 2009 at 7:06pm
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Hey Guys,
I know what a curse this is but wanted to let you know I'm here for you.
Keep trying the treaments and let us know how the Dr visit goes tomorrow John.
Jeff
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Comment by Georgie on September 22, 2009 at 11:52pm
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Hey, I just wanted to send some "feel better" vibes your way. AA is such an up and down thing. I feel like it's this big gray area....every day is different. When will new spots appear...and the even harder question to answer is, how do we cope? Keep us updated on your visit. We all know exactly how you feel...
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Thanks for your comments - I'm having a better week this week. I promise to post a more upbeat blog next time.
I've been trying to get a good photo of my "regrowth" spots but it's proving dificult so far.
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Comment by Gretchen on September 30, 2009 at 6:39pm
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Hi Robert,
I have been waiting for my first specialist appointment now for three months, I finally get to go on Saturday. It has been such a roller coaster three months the not knowing being the worst part. I am happy about finally getting there, but am worried that they won't be able to give me any answers. Hope your regrowth spots continue
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