Alopecia and a Change

So most everyone knows that I have had Alopecia since I was 7. It started it out with small spots and then went into "remission" until I was in my late teens and early 20's. When it came back I was able to get steriod shots in my head to simulate the hair to grow, I went through these treatments for about a year off and on. Then when I got pregnant with Jackson it started falling out again, and it didnt stop after I had him. I found a dermatologist but had already decided before my appt that I didnt want anymore shots or extensive treatment that would make me sick later in life. So on August 29 of 2010 I put my hair up in a high pony tail and cut it off. Then my sweet hubby shaved my head, he was worried I would back out and hate it. He quickly realized why I wanted to shave it. I had so many bald spots it was amazing. I kept it saved twice week until October and after that I didnt need to shave again, that is how quickly it happened. By Christmas I was with out eye brows for the most part and almost all of my eye lashed had fallen out also. Arm, leg, and even nose hair were gone before this time also, hey I now save a ton in Razors, hair cuts, hair products and time. LOL I wore hats and scarves when it was cold but prefer to go completely bald most of the time.

I do get comments and questions. Mostly from kids that dont know any better. I have gotten one comment that made me mad but now I just get a good laugh from it. A lady stopped me in the parking lot of my Kroger and asked me if I was Buddhist. LOL She said I'm not trying to be rude, I replied well you are and just kept walking. I get the cancer comment and questions also, but I quickly tell them I actually don't have cancer but ALOPECIA. Most have no clue what it is.

Here is a lesson for those who don't know what it is. Alopecia is an Auto Immune Disorder that only effects your hair follices. I'm not sick in anyway, I'm actually very healthy. I tell children when they ask that my head just didnt like my hair anymore and it fell out. There are 3 different type of Alopecia; Alopecia Areata (just round hairless spots), Alopecia Totalis (just the head), or Alopecia Universalis (total body). You can be born with Alopecia or you can get it at any point on your life time. It isnt contagious or hereditary, and it doesnt just effect one hair color or type. Also there is no cure but only treatments that can help with hair growth. For me most treatments are tested enough and for long enough to make me what to try them. So I hold my head high and remain hairless.

This does greatly affect my kids though, Trenton gets question from classmates and friends. He is well educated on what Alopecia is and will tell anyone and everyone that his Mommy is ok but just cant grow hair.

I have decided after some research and looking that I'm going to start the process of looking into getting a real hair wig from a local wig shop. I'm sure it is going to be a time consuming and expensive task but hey you can't take money with you when you die, right. LOL I'm even going to look into possibly getting my eyebrows tattood on.

Wish my Luck