Hello everyone. I'm new to Alopecia World, and not surprisingly, the world of alopecia. As my profile mentions, it all started about 5-6 weeks ago with 3 patches. Over the course of those weeks, those original 3 grew bigger and coalesced into larger ones. Additionally, got 3-4 new patches since. This was all SO sudden and took me by surprise. I definitely wasn't ready to deal with hair loss issues. As far as I knew, male pattern baldness didn't run in my family. I've always had VERY thick hair (yes, I know many of us have said this here at AW I'm sure)...never in a million years would I think I'd have an issue with losing my hair. All that said, it was shocking to lose it so quickly and in patches like this.

I went to the GP and my dermatologist, and both confirmed that it was AA. I've had one series of steroid injections already, and going back for my 2nd next week. I'm not sure if treatment is fruitless or not after having read many of your stories. I will give it another go, but I don't think I like the idea of the oral steroids (which would be the next line of treatment). Not sure if the side effects and downsides would outweight the benefits...especially since I've read that any regrowth experienced would fall out if treatment is halted.

Now, in a way, I am actually grateful (can't believe I'm saying this) for the AA. If it weren't for the AA and hair loss, I wouldn't have found out that I had high blood pressure. I have been working on dieting, excercise, and weight loss to bring it down and it's been working well so far. For now, I am concentrating (or trying to) on the BP issue and less on the AA. In all honesty though, it bothers the crap out of me and if I really dwell on it, I get REALLY down.

The hardest thing I have to deal with is the uncertainty of it all. Will it get better, worse...will I lose my hair all-together? It's soooo aggravating sometimes. But again, I try not to dwell on it.

Anyway, I was wondering that if you'd be willing to share your story, I would be really interested (dare I say comforted?) in your AA stories and journey. When did it start for you? How bad did it get? How long did it take from onset to the worse stage? Did it get better?

Sorry for all the questions...but this site is a God-send for someone looking for others that can truely relate.

Thanks in advance.

John