Thanks so much for all the information.....I've learned so much just from reading your posts I appreciate the help so much in this early stage while I'm getting used to all of this. I plan to post more photos as this gets worse or...
Hi Dottie, Thanks for writing! I'm glad I found it too. Every story is helpful in some way or another. Just taking it day by day for now, trying to find a way to cope. This site is very comforting! Tori
Thank you so much for this site.... I don't get to log on that often but it has become my nightly ritual befor bed to just read what's new. I so appreciate this network of women...Tori
Hi Lisa, thanks for the comment...yes I've seen my primary care physician and derm. looks like alopecia areata but still running more tests and have referred me to immunologist...appt. is next week. I just can't believe how fast ...
Right now at three weeks, Major loss of self esteem, don't want to go out, Had great hair without it rest of appearance has been let go...why bother. Can't sleep not productive because I spend countless hours researching and looking for answers rather than attending to my resposiblities, just can concentrate
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Hi Tori. I am new to the network. Just read your profile and wanted to say hello. I am not really sure how to navigate through the website, but will continue to figure it out. Any ideas on what is causing your hair loss?
Tori, Sorry for your pain, but don't give up the treatments may actually help. My grandfather had this years ago. I'm not sure of the treatments that he had but his hair came back in a thick and full as ever and he still has all of his hair to this day. Please feel free to vent anytime you have the need. That's why we all are here.
Hi Tori -- I'm with you... When someone says "that is a beautiful wig" it is not a compliment. I swear that I tried on every single wig in the salon before I found "the one" -- or at least "the one" that I liked right then. I think I've had like 8 wigs before I discovered how even more natural the human hair wigs feel. Depending on how much you want to invest, there are wigs available that are on a netting and that you actually have glued to your head. For ladies that still have hair, the stylist blends it into your own hair. The glue lasts about 7 weeks. With these you can actually put your hair in a pony tail or do an "up do" because the netting creates a more natural hair line. The bottom line is keep on trying on wigs until you find the one that works best for you. I used to be blond, but have found that auburn or red actually makes my complexion come alive and makes my eyes "pop" -- so experiment until you find the one that makes you feel gorgeous! -- And then go home and think about it and go back the next day and see if it still makes you feel beautiful. If so, then that's the right one.
Hi Tori! I've been exactly where you are. There are other treatments available. I had something called squaric acid sensitization. Let me back up. What my dermatologist told me is that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the hair follicles are being attacked by your own white cells. By applying the diluted acid solution (2%), the dr. is inducing inflammation and trying to "trick" your white cells into leaving your hair follicles alone in order to take care of the inflammation instead. My dr. had had success with other patients -- 100% regrowth. It didn't work for me -- but I had significant hair loss by the time I got to that stage. Something worth considering. DCMP (I think) is another type of solution that is stronger but similar to this in theory and process. Seriously, you came to the right place for support. We're all here to help and support each other since we've all been through the self-esteem issues. Let me know how I can help!
Hi tori, I am also not a doctor, but your hair looks exactly like mine. I have alopecia areata, which is the patchy bald type of hair loss. I understand exactly how you feel and what you are going through, as do all the women here on this site. Have you seen a doctor yet? If you want to email me I can tell you what I have done in the past. I know this is a difficult time. I obsessed over it when it first happened to me. I am going into 6 years now. I have gone through cycles of the patches which have grown back but then others return...crazy! Anyway, you came to the right place. Lisa
Dear Tori, Welcome To The Network! I'm so sorry for all you are going through. Although I am not a doctor it seems your hair loss is consistent with alopecia areata. I suffer from female pattern hair loss so its a overall thinning, but the feelings are the same. I can't tell you how much of the last 8 years I've been depressed, couldn't concentrate and just had no motivation whatsoever. What really changed things around for me was starting to write about my feelings, my daily struggles, and then having the opportunity to meet other women close to my age who were also dealing with the same thing.
I second what dottie second, and check out the profiles she mentioned. Welcome to the network, we are here for you.
Hey Tori, Welcome to the Network! My heart goes out to you. Everyone here understands the devastation that any woman feels when she loses a significant amount of hair.
I'm not a physician, but reading the sudden onset and looking at the photos of your hair loss, I would have to agree with Tracy that it seems to be Alopecia Areata. If you are being treated with prednisone, then your care provider must also suspect this. There are many members here who share your type of hair loss. I suggest that you check out the postings of these members; kathyloulu, nicatmo, Jeannen, and cate. They are all amazing women who you might find yourself relating to.
This is definitely the best place on the internet for support, advice, empathy, and answers. I'm glad that you found ud. Blessings, Dottie
Hi Tori, I am so sorry about what is going on. You are incredibly brave to put up these pictures. I am sure that some women on this site will be able to help you identify what is going on. It looks to me from what I have learned from my own hair research that what you are going through may be alopecia areata. This happens quite suddenly. Have you been to the doctor?
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