Sorry to take so long to get back to you about how long I had AU before remission...If I remember correctly it was about 1 whole year of no hair before it started growing back. I've been in "remission" ever since. Hopefully forever...
Hi Craig....wanted to ask you about loosing eyebros, read a few of your responses on the discussions boards and I think one of mine is thinning out and I'm a bit freaked, but also not sure if I'm just seeing something that isn't there. how did you treat it?
I stopped everything as far as treatments...as I became very ill after my cortione injections.Also many other medications caused me illness.
Allergies, Sensitivities to medications is always going to be an issue with me.
However...even though I had seen the doctor in the past...they never offer any new ideas or treatments.
Guess you have to ask!
Hey Craig. I think you told me you were using the Lumigen or Latisse. I just wanted to check in with you to see how it's going. Are you noticing any re-growth? I'm starting the Latisse tonight, I hope I have some luck with it.
Interesting about the complications of mono! No I have never had it. And never had EBV either (although I have read like 90% of the population has by they time they reach 30 or been exposed to it)- I've been very fortunate thus far- I can probably count on one hand how many times I've ever been sick... as far as virus's/flu/colds...I don't seem to get those. knock on wood! I have wondered if having an amped up immune system from AA is the reason. Other than when you had Mono- have you found the same to be true?
But to answer your question...Yes I do think infections or virus's can cause autoimmune diseases....so I think it is not that much of a stretch to believe mono or EBV can cause AA in some folks! I don't know that could ever be proved- or any one trigger could for that matter. Basically I think it is different for all of us and think there are many different triggers- (stress, diet, environment, genes etc.)
Hey Craig!!
Ya.. I have heard about the shots... I might talk to my Doctor about it next visit.. it probably would be easier to be consistent with it.. I forget to take them alllll the time!!! I just dont know about giving myself a needle once a week hahaha but I guess you would get used to that!
Hope you had a good weekend, and thanks for the comment!
Hi! You keep bringing up so many things that rattle around in my brain!
WOW- you were really sick! I cannot imagine losing 40 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks. Did you have any family living close to you at the time? I’m sorry it was so bad- Yes I too have heard mono stays dormant (don’t all viruses??) in your body- BUT I do think it is rare for it to re-surface. I do know how you feel in 2003 I was diagnosed with Lyme disease- it’s pretty prevalent along the east coast- we have such a huge deer population- so we also have lots of deer ticks! Having a dog I am always outside- anyway I caught it early, I found the tick on the top of my foot! Two months of antibiotics later I was fine- BUT like your were told – the lyme virus can resurface with trauma or stress. I don’t wish to borrow trouble so I don’t think about it- and fortunately I feel fine.
Also to our previous discussion- my reoccurrence of AA came on the heals of having lyme disease- I never thought that was a coincidence. But like you again- my first spot was at 20 long before the lyme…. So I don’t think it was a root cause but certainly could have been a trigger to bring it back.
Vaccines- what a controversy! They are important but I do believe that for certain people who have a genetic predisposition for autoimmunity that vaccines can trigger it!
AS recent as 1976 the National Influenza Immunization Program began. Millions of Americans were vaccinated. The program had a surveillance system in place for monitoring side effects- and found that 10 states reported cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in recently vaccinated people. The relationship was so high that in Dec. of the same year the vaccination program was stopped. In that time over 500 cases of GBS were reported and directly related to the vaccine!!! A similar situation happened again in 1992-94!!
Pretty strong evidence the vaccines can trigger autoimmune diseases!
Also look at heavy metals- mercury in the form of thimerosal is STILL used in some flu vaccines and some pharmaceuticals! Just look at the whole debate over the huge rise in autism. Some even believe autism is autoimmune- after studies have found autistic brains have chronic inflammation.
What makes only some people who experience a common infection or who receive vaccinations get sick? Why can one person’s immune system take the toxic hits the world throws at it and others can’t? Seems to me those answers are more important then indentifying all the autogens that trigger autoimmune diseases….
Check out this quote from Dr. Ahmet Hoke at Johns Hopkins “It takes the human body thousands of years to adapt to new environmental stresses- yet in a hundred years we’ve dumped so many toxic substances into out environment that our immune system is being asked to differentiate between our own body and unrecognizable invaders nonstop. Which makes our body much more likely to make a mistake than it was a century ago. There are just so many more opportunities to make mistakes”
Ok- I find this so very interesting- got to calm myself or I’ll drool! I just finished reading yet another medical book on autoimmune diseases-
AND of course there are several legitimate theories- and one happens to be that certain virus’s and/or bacteria can trigger the immune system to go out of whack. Specifically these virus’s/bacteria make proteins that mimic the IL-10 (Interleukin-10/cytokine) tricking the immune system to make more Th-2 cells instead of the appropriate Th-1 cells needed to fight the virus. …..Which initiates an autoimmune response! Which also explains why docs give steroids and other immune suppressants AND also explains why when they stop taking these meds the conditions come right back. Nothing addresses the flipped switch.
So I am understanding you correctly that you had mononucleosis which induced liver inflammation and swelling??? Interesting- I’ve not had either but read that mono. Is closely linked to Epstein- Barr virus. ….even read that Epstein-Barr causes mono and in pathology the often both appear together. AND they are several studies that Epstein Barr/mono- DOES increase the risk of MS, hemolytic anemia and Guillain-Barr syndrome---all autoimmune diseases. So why not AA as well? SO I think you posed a very question!
It would be interesting to know how many people with AA had with in 6months prior to onset if they had any type of cold/flu/virus?
Shew- my fingers are tripping over themselves! Also- I had a doc tell me that it is a given that if you have an autoimmune disease you have intestinal stress of some kind or another. So I read on this too…. It is estimated that 80% of the population has yeast overgrowth. Which reeks havoc on the immune system.
Opps I just noticed the time and I need to run to an appointment. I'll finish the "yeast thought" later-
Plus this is getting LONG! (hope you meant it when you said you were open for discussion!! :) )
Heather
ps. I just KNOW this AA thing can be figured out! Let's just hope sooner than later! :)
hey my dr gave me different diagnoses and one time told me i too had LPP only to say another visit it wasnt that. I had been researching about this all the while only to find out that was wrong so I dont know if my last DX is right, female pattern but I guess I have to accept it. My dr prescribed Methotrexate when we thought it was LPP.. afterwards I realized I had been taking that and I didnt even have LPP.. its been awful... Frankly I think you are very handsome and either way, with or without hair, you look great! We have to keep the positive attitude that things can always be worse ... they can... and I wish you the very best. Good luck to you. If you ever want to talk, I am on the site!
Hey Craig,
I agree- with all the stress sometimes it is no wonder something in our bodies goes haywire!! But the thing is I can’t find the off switch-
I don’t think I have ever said “good bye” to my hair. Although it is hard to not take it personal! Sometimes when I am in the mirror and plastering my steroid cream on my spots- I think to myself “what did I ever do to you!” The whole idea of an autoimmune condition- your body turning on itself is that way! Do you feel like that? Although when you think of it like that it seems the way to deal becomes clear. Love yourself well- find harmony again!
I have had the same experience –the few people I shared the AA with were all extremely supportive and loving. And when I’m not throwing a pity party for one- I feel very blessed that it is just hair! So I’m with you on that!
I am not sure at any age it is easy! I waved bye-bye to my 20’s a little bit ago! But my first spot was when I was 20 years old. Then had a wonderfully long time (14yrs) with out another one!!
Have you tried any holistic treatments? Are you currently taking any supplements for immune support or hair?
Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll give it a try. I have had some regrowth of my lashes and brows. Lashes are pretty sparse but dark. The brows are white as snow. I did get the tattoos so the added white gives a 3D look.
Woo hoo - I'm so happy you're seeing growth after just 2 weeks! That's awesome! I agree about trying the Lumigen before the tatooing. Personally, I don't think I'll ever get anything tatooed. I just don't think it would be the right look for me, however, it looks great on many others. And, deep down, I still hope a cure is in the future, and I don't want to have to worry about permanent brows that I couldn't remove. I hope you continue to have growth, and all of your brows and lashes grow back! I'll check back in with you in the next couple of weeks to see the progress! -Brittney
Hey Craig,
What are you using on your eyebrows? What color are they?
I'm used to the bald head too but too have some lashes and brows and a soul patch Woo Hoo!!!
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We don't want those nose hairs! All the other ones are okay.
LeslieAnn
Allergies, Sensitivities to medications is always going to be an issue with me.
However...even though I had seen the doctor in the past...they never offer any new ideas or treatments.
Guess you have to ask!
Hope you had a nice weekend!
Interesting about the complications of mono! No I have never had it. And never had EBV either (although I have read like 90% of the population has by they time they reach 30 or been exposed to it)- I've been very fortunate thus far- I can probably count on one hand how many times I've ever been sick... as far as virus's/flu/colds...I don't seem to get those. knock on wood! I have wondered if having an amped up immune system from AA is the reason. Other than when you had Mono- have you found the same to be true?
But to answer your question...Yes I do think infections or virus's can cause autoimmune diseases....so I think it is not that much of a stretch to believe mono or EBV can cause AA in some folks! I don't know that could ever be proved- or any one trigger could for that matter. Basically I think it is different for all of us and think there are many different triggers- (stress, diet, environment, genes etc.)
Heather
Ya.. I have heard about the shots... I might talk to my Doctor about it next visit.. it probably would be easier to be consistent with it.. I forget to take them alllll the time!!! I just dont know about giving myself a needle once a week hahaha but I guess you would get used to that!
Hope you had a good weekend, and thanks for the comment!
Hi! You keep bringing up so many things that rattle around in my brain!
WOW- you were really sick! I cannot imagine losing 40 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks. Did you have any family living close to you at the time? I’m sorry it was so bad- Yes I too have heard mono stays dormant (don’t all viruses??) in your body- BUT I do think it is rare for it to re-surface. I do know how you feel in 2003 I was diagnosed with Lyme disease- it’s pretty prevalent along the east coast- we have such a huge deer population- so we also have lots of deer ticks! Having a dog I am always outside- anyway I caught it early, I found the tick on the top of my foot! Two months of antibiotics later I was fine- BUT like your were told – the lyme virus can resurface with trauma or stress. I don’t wish to borrow trouble so I don’t think about it- and fortunately I feel fine.
Also to our previous discussion- my reoccurrence of AA came on the heals of having lyme disease- I never thought that was a coincidence. But like you again- my first spot was at 20 long before the lyme…. So I don’t think it was a root cause but certainly could have been a trigger to bring it back.
Vaccines- what a controversy! They are important but I do believe that for certain people who have a genetic predisposition for autoimmunity that vaccines can trigger it!
AS recent as 1976 the National Influenza Immunization Program began. Millions of Americans were vaccinated. The program had a surveillance system in place for monitoring side effects- and found that 10 states reported cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in recently vaccinated people. The relationship was so high that in Dec. of the same year the vaccination program was stopped. In that time over 500 cases of GBS were reported and directly related to the vaccine!!! A similar situation happened again in 1992-94!!
Pretty strong evidence the vaccines can trigger autoimmune diseases!
Also look at heavy metals- mercury in the form of thimerosal is STILL used in some flu vaccines and some pharmaceuticals! Just look at the whole debate over the huge rise in autism. Some even believe autism is autoimmune- after studies have found autistic brains have chronic inflammation.
What makes only some people who experience a common infection or who receive vaccinations get sick? Why can one person’s immune system take the toxic hits the world throws at it and others can’t? Seems to me those answers are more important then indentifying all the autogens that trigger autoimmune diseases….
Check out this quote from Dr. Ahmet Hoke at Johns Hopkins “It takes the human body thousands of years to adapt to new environmental stresses- yet in a hundred years we’ve dumped so many toxic substances into out environment that our immune system is being asked to differentiate between our own body and unrecognizable invaders nonstop. Which makes our body much more likely to make a mistake than it was a century ago. There are just so many more opportunities to make mistakes”
Look forward to hearing your two cents!
Ok- I find this so very interesting- got to calm myself or I’ll drool! I just finished reading yet another medical book on autoimmune diseases-
AND of course there are several legitimate theories- and one happens to be that certain virus’s and/or bacteria can trigger the immune system to go out of whack. Specifically these virus’s/bacteria make proteins that mimic the IL-10 (Interleukin-10/cytokine) tricking the immune system to make more Th-2 cells instead of the appropriate Th-1 cells needed to fight the virus. …..Which initiates an autoimmune response! Which also explains why docs give steroids and other immune suppressants AND also explains why when they stop taking these meds the conditions come right back. Nothing addresses the flipped switch.
So I am understanding you correctly that you had mononucleosis which induced liver inflammation and swelling??? Interesting- I’ve not had either but read that mono. Is closely linked to Epstein- Barr virus. ….even read that Epstein-Barr causes mono and in pathology the often both appear together. AND they are several studies that Epstein Barr/mono- DOES increase the risk of MS, hemolytic anemia and Guillain-Barr syndrome---all autoimmune diseases. So why not AA as well? SO I think you posed a very question!
It would be interesting to know how many people with AA had with in 6months prior to onset if they had any type of cold/flu/virus?
Shew- my fingers are tripping over themselves! Also- I had a doc tell me that it is a given that if you have an autoimmune disease you have intestinal stress of some kind or another. So I read on this too…. It is estimated that 80% of the population has yeast overgrowth. Which reeks havoc on the immune system.
Opps I just noticed the time and I need to run to an appointment. I'll finish the "yeast thought" later-
Plus this is getting LONG! (hope you meant it when you said you were open for discussion!! :) )
Heather
ps. I just KNOW this AA thing can be figured out! Let's just hope sooner than later! :)
I agree- with all the stress sometimes it is no wonder something in our bodies goes haywire!! But the thing is I can’t find the off switch-
I don’t think I have ever said “good bye” to my hair. Although it is hard to not take it personal! Sometimes when I am in the mirror and plastering my steroid cream on my spots- I think to myself “what did I ever do to you!” The whole idea of an autoimmune condition- your body turning on itself is that way! Do you feel like that? Although when you think of it like that it seems the way to deal becomes clear. Love yourself well- find harmony again!
I have had the same experience –the few people I shared the AA with were all extremely supportive and loving. And when I’m not throwing a pity party for one- I feel very blessed that it is just hair! So I’m with you on that!
I am not sure at any age it is easy! I waved bye-bye to my 20’s a little bit ago! But my first spot was when I was 20 years old. Then had a wonderfully long time (14yrs) with out another one!!
Have you tried any holistic treatments? Are you currently taking any supplements for immune support or hair?
Enjoy the rest of your day,
Heather
Thank you for the friend invite! I look forward to getting to know you better. :)
I noticed your comment regarding the stock market- I feel your pain on that!! It's kick me in the ....
Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll give it a try. I have had some regrowth of my lashes and brows. Lashes are pretty sparse but dark. The brows are white as snow. I did get the tattoos so the added white gives a 3D look.
Whats next?
Jeffrey
What are you using on your eyebrows? What color are they?
I'm used to the bald head too but too have some lashes and brows and a soul patch Woo Hoo!!!
Best wishes,
jeffrey
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Any mention of products and services on Alopecia World is for informational purposes only; it does not imply a recommendation or endorsement by Alopecia World. Nor should any statement or representation on this site be construed as professional, medical or expert advice, or as pre-screened or endorsed by Alopecia World. Alopecia World is not responsible or liable for any of the views, opinions or conduct, online or offline, of any user or member of Alopecia World.