Christina Bostwick's Comments

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At 10:56pm on July 30, 2009, jennifer said…
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
At 6:01am on July 25, 2009, MiNAH said…
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
At 11:03pm on July 16, 2009, jennifer said…
how are you doing? fill me in with the most recent stuff! hope you are doing better. ;) jenn
At 3:54am on July 16, 2009, Janna said…
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
At 2:15am on June 26, 2009, Misty Boggs said…
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?
At 10:25pm on June 20, 2009, Misty Boggs said…
your story sounds so much like mine...it sucks bad!
At 8:34am on April 17, 2009, Kat said…
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
At 3:29pm on April 7, 2009, Just Ask said…
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.
At 10:28pm on March 29, 2009, Holly Hlavacek said…
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
At 8:02am on March 23, 2009, Jill said…
Hi Christina. How was your weekend?
At 8:37pm on March 22, 2009, Kristin said…
Hi! Thanks for sharing your story with me, I'm sorry to hear you're losing hair again. When I lost my hair the first time, it was bald spots and it came and went just throughout the years. When I was 14, it fell out pretty quickly - I lost all of the hair on my head. I did the steroids and cortisone shots and got it all back in around age 16 I had a full head of thick dark black hair (I had always had light brown before) But when I lost it when I was 17, it all came out within a month or 2, I want to say. I haven't tried anything to get it back this last time. I lost my eyelashes, eyebrows, everything.. Just recently, about 4 or 5 months ago my eyelashes started coming back!!I am almost 22 now... So, that's very exciting to me. But, I just found out last week that I have an autoimmune defiency, possibly RA or Lupus. One of the symptoms of Lupus is alopecia, go figure. So, I'm hoping that with treatment for that, I will hopefully get my hair back!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me! =) I hope you the best! Keep in touch!

Kristin
At 10:00am on March 22, 2009, Jennifer Krahn said…
Hey, how are you doing today? Hope you are well. Give me an update. I had a good meltdown yesterday!
Jenn
At 9:36am on March 22, 2009, Jude said…
Hi Christina

Thanks for the message and I'm glad you found my story helpful. I still wish I didn't have alopecia and if someone told me I was going to lose all my hair before I did then I would have been horrified but it is possible to find creative ways of coping and even see good coming out of losing one's hair. It can be quite freeing in a way. You find strength you didn't know you had and become more appreciative of other stuff in life. I hope you can find a way of coping with it.

I see you are from United States Minor Outlying Islands. I've never heard of that. Where is that?
At 11:44pm on March 17, 2009, Lee said…
no problem. Honestly, the first year or so is the toughest. It was very hard on me, but now, I can honestly say, I'm o.k. I still get sad at times, but it's a c ondition that you can adjust to ( since we don't have a choice). My best advise is to take care of yourself, and make yourself happy. That's all this disease ( or condition ) does it alter your appearence. So, if you can make yourself look the way you want to look, then you've won half the battle. So if you need any tips on wigs, eyelashes, ect...ask around ; ) including me.
At 6:31am on March 17, 2009, Lee said…
Lets see, it got progressively worse everytime, but they were pretty spread out. Ide say once when I was 16, once when I was 19, 21, 23, then there was a LONG break ( thought it was over) and then it hit me the worst at 27. Never wore a wig untill now and never lost lashes and brows untill now.
At 11:16pm on March 15, 2009, Lee said…
Hi Christina,
Thankss for the compliment. I can't really say what will happen t you. Unfortunatly, Dr's don't even know. I have AA about 5 times before I had gotten AU. I knew this time was different because my hair came out VERY rapidly (lost all of it within a month and a half). Also, nmo treatments were working. I tried many things, and they didnt work. However, when I had AA, steroid shots and creams worked.
\Like Jenn, I went through a depression as well. It was a rough 6 months. I opted to go on meds, and it helped a lot. I am not on them anymore because I have gotten used to the situation. It just takes time to get used to.
Keep your headup and I wish you the best ; )
At 2:33pm on March 15, 2009, Jennifer Krahn said…
Hey Christina,
I'm right with you with the control, perfectionism, how are people going to view me thing...to a tee. I have always been very put together, very outgoing, organized and wanting everything in my life to be perfect!! This is what through me into a depression, with crazy thoughts and sadness. One teacher colleague of mine even said "you are the picture of perfect health and happiness" I was like "I know...I'm on meds...this is insane!!" I think we have to realize even the best of us fall...and maybe hard. There is a book that has been fabulous!!! for me to help me with some of the control of thoughts and things that are out of control. i recommend it. it's an easy read and it is about changing your perspective. It's called "Feeling Good" by Dr. David Burns. It is a book that is "Clinically proven Drug-free Treatment for Depression" It has helped me out a ton and allows you to regain control of your thoughts and perspectives. Give it a read. Hang in there. Things do get better...maybe not the hair...but your perspective will. I thought I was insane when this hit...so you are already doing better than me. Keep smiling!
At 12:00pm on March 15, 2009, kastababy said…
Hi Christina,

Thanks for the wonderful compliment you put on my page. Acceptance and a positive outlook aren't easy things to come by, but they are priceless once you get them. It took years of battling myself as an adult (even though I grew up with AA) and actually coming across old schoolmates that have been personally touched by AA in their adult lives -- and having them seek me out and either apologize for how horribly they treated me, ask me for advice, or both -- for me to realize that my true life's calling is to educate everyone about AA and to also be a light to everyone I come across. It is my prayer that by doing that then others will develop that outlook you so admire in me, and join me in promoting alopecia education and awareness!

I hope to talk to you again soon, and hope you have a great weekend!

Your new friend, YoKasta
At 10:44am on March 15, 2009, Jennifer Krahn said…
Hi Christina,
I apprectiate the sharing of your story. i have just been diagnosed with alopecia this past February. i found my first spot on Jan. 28th..and was like...what the heck is that??? Well, since this time I've been through hell and back. I got into a derm immediately, about two weeks later and she diagnosed me with alopecia areata. Thought GREAT, AWESOME...this really sucks. she asked me if I was under stress and such...I hadn't thought about it until that point and as I reflected...yeah I was. At the time I was teaching Science and Bioilogy at high school full time and looking after my two kids who are 4 and 2. I had guilt in leaving my kids daily with a sitter, my mom in law was recently diagnosed with breast cancer....yeah, I'm stressed. The derm gave me a topical steroid to put around the spots to prevent them from spreading and said see you in three months. Well...since that time I have 4-5 spots. The steroid is giving me acne and thinning my skin. Luckily, all spots can be hidden and no one has noticed. i went into a good depression and am currently on meds and seeing a psychologist. As well, I'm on leave from my job. This was the bad news....Here is the good news. I'm still shedding like crazy, but I'm learning to begin to accept what is about to happen. I'm learning to cope and learning that love of people and yourself will carry you a long way. I am expecting the worse in losing my hair. My spots have appeared quickly. I can actually feel sore spots on my head and then find my hair falls out in those spots. In a month I have gotten 3 new spots. It sucks!! But things could be alot worse. I TOTALLY understand how you feel. I'm scared at times, I'm impatient but I am also gratefull for my husband, kids, and life. Hang in there. Your loved ones will not dismiss you for not having hair...that's my biggest fear. I find the more people I tell, the better I start to feel. I find that talking to a therapist has also helped and also helped validate my thoughts that yeah, hair is important but it does not define you. You are stunning. I have also come to have a great relationship with God throughout this journey. He gives me strength and courage to face the day. I know this is hard...I'm right with you. But we will come out of this stronger in the end after all the tears and fears subside. Keep in touch...we seem to have a similar journey.
At 1:40am on March 15, 2009, Zoe Dusting said…
Hi Christina!
Thanks for messaging me! I'm really glad you did :) It's always interesting to hear about other people's cases of alopecia. They're all so different! So unpredictable! I completely understand that you find it hard to deal with. I'm definitely finding it easier to deal with now, but my first couple of times were absolutely horrible. I turned into someone I didn't recognize and I was so depressed. I had a hard time looking in the mirror and I hated the way I looked. It's funny, because looking back I can't believe that I was so concerned about it! It was hardly noticeable. But lets be honest, we're young women and hair is definitely a concern at our age. I'm so sorry that you are having those feelings. I know how terrible it is to feel like that. I can remember having millions of questions about it and just wanting to hear something promising... like that it would stop falling out soon, or that it would grow back really fast. But the truth is, everyones case is SO different that there's absolutely nothing you can predict or know for sure. I was always so scared that all of my hair would fall out and I definitely still have that fear.
But since you asked about my story, I'll give you all the dirty details (and you can ask me any questions... no such thing as too personal...i'm pretty open). So far I've had four boughts of alopecia. My very first one was at 14 and since I'd never heard of alopecia I was hardly fazed by it. I had SO much hair to begin with that I didn't care at all. My mom noticed it before I did and she was FAR more concerned by it than I was! I lost it at my hairline and behind my ears, but it grew back quickly without any help. The second time it came around, I was 15 and I was devastated! I knew exactly what it was and I was SO angry. I lost it around the same places and a couple of patches here and there. I lost a crown around my head. It was pretty well only noticeable to me, but I felt like I looked like an alien. So, I got a couple of cortisone injections and a hair piece and I wore a lot of hats. It all grew back. Third time was in my graduating year and it was SO hard for me. Lost it around the same areas, wore my hair piece, got cortisone injections and it eventually grew back. But it fell out for about three months straight and i lost quite a bit of hair. The fourth time i got it was exactly a year ago and the same thing happened. It fell out for about 3 months and I got quite a few rounds of cortisone injections, and then it all grew back! So, sometimes i worry that it might all come back in a couple of months because my pattern seems to be that i've been getting it pretty much once a year!
So, I don't know if ANY of this is of help. I pretty well just wrote you an ESSAY and I apologize. I've never been good at shortening my stories. BUT, no matter what happens I promise that you'll find a way to deal with it and it can only make you a stronger better person. As hard as it has been for me, I wouldn't take back having alopecia for anything! It has taught me so much! I went to the Alopecia Conference in kentucky last year and that was really really good for me too. I would be more than happy to answer any more questions that you might have or talk about whatever you want. Just make sure that you teach yourself to love yourself no matter how you look. And I bet you look beautiful anyways. Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you love yourself and face the day with a positive attitude. Try as much as you can to NOT think about it because it makes it wayyyy harder to get through the day. Your hair will grow back and you'll have a new found appreciation for the important things in your life and you'll be more compassionate to other people.
Christina..you can do it! Just keep your head up.
Sorry for this mASSIVe rant! Keep me posted and best of luck getting through the dark days.
Talk to you sooon!
xoxo
Z

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