I’ve put off sharing the most recent advice the dermatologist gave me because it’s honestly hard to accept. Not taking action and not talking about it doesn’t make it go away though.

I am sharing my experience to possibly help someone else. I’m not a person that looks for attention or sympathy. I’m one that helps others. I’m one that tries to fix. The fact that I cannot fix my hair situation, yet, is getting me down. I am taking all the healthy steps; diet, lifestyle, seeking treatment, and strongly following a holistic way.

At my last appointment with the dermatologist, a few weeks ago, I was told to start researching wigs. She also told me to embrace baldness. Long silence. I can’t. Hair is my work. Hair has been my work for 41 years. Simply typing these words makes my stomach feel heavy and sick. Never in my life, and years of working with hair, did I ever think that I’d be in this situation. Also, at this appointment, I got 17-20 Kenalog injections into my scalp. The doctor said she is doubtful it will work based on the pattern and location of the alopecia. I was told to use minoxidil between appointments. I hate chemical treatments and the ingredients in minoxidil. What can I do? I use rosemary and lavender essential oils, vitamins, minerals and herbs, as they help inflammation (the basis of all auto-immune dis-ease). In a future post, I will share exactly which vitamins, minerals, and herbs I am taking.

In my mind, I will beat this before all my hair is gone. Fortunately, at this moment, I can hide the bald patches because most of the hairloss is at the back below my occipital, but there are smaller patches starting in more noticeable places. None of this is fun.

I will remain positive and optimistic. I have been humbled. Put in my place. I also doubt I will ever get another covid vaccine. Research the unfortunate side effects – as my GP put it. I once again thought I was doing the right thing, only to find that I put my immune system in overdrive (as told to me by the PA when I got extremely sick one day, for weeks, after I got the covid booster).

I do realize that there are many more people in worse situations/illness than me but we all matter; all different, all just as human as the other. I pray for healing for myself and for those I know who are dealing with illness of all types.

Until next time, stay well, stay positive.

~Dawn