My most recent visit to the dermatologist was last week. As mentioned in my last update, I opted to hold off on Olumiant because I have been seeing good results with the minoxidil and the supplements I have been faithfully taking. At my last appointment, the dermatologist agreed that things are still moving forward and doing well.

As far as my Hashimoto’s symptoms, I feel mostly good. I now know why I feel exhausted after a full day and I give myself the space and time to recover. As for joint pains, I don’t quit, I keep forging ahead because that’s who I am and what I do. I also know that after so many years of using and abusing specific joints, it’s likely normal to pop, crack and ache from time-to-time. We all ache as time progresses and progression in life is a good thing!

Through this experience, I have learned more about the body, about hair and what makes it or breaks its growth and I have more compassion for those with all forms of alopecia and even those with thinning hair. We honestly take hair for granted until we run into a problem with it. I feel that we all take a lot for granted such as breathing, strength, eyesight, sleep, food, relationships, money and so much more, until we find ourselves with lack of it.

This causes me to pause every day and to be thankful for the new day, the food, air, physical and emotional strength, love of family and friends and all the good things that I have been blessed with. It also causes me to focus and work on what I know I can improve for my personal good.

While it has been a long road, so far, I’m thankful that my alopecia areata situation is turning for the best. I’m thankful that it never got as severe as the dermatologist felt it would..yet, and I’m thankful for all that I have learned through this. I’m keeping a positive outlook and keeping these positive changes I have made as part of me from now on.

I plan to use my experience and knowledge to help others.

If you or someone you know is having hair loss or thinning issues, or wants to improve their diet and lifestyle, please feel free to reach out, I can give you tips or simply be here for support.

Live well, be well.

Photos of the hairloss journey..