Stress update: 4 stitches, 10 shots in my scalp!
- Thread starter Blu217
- Start date
Minx
Well-Known Member
Well, prayerfully when you go get your results there won't be any scarring. As long as the follicles are alive and unharmed from the inflammation, then your hair should regrow.
I remember when I had stitches in my head back in January from my biopsy. I had my son take a picture of my barren scalp. It was not pretty.
He was like, " awwww, mommy....."
So I feel you about those stitches!
I know for me personally, I thought about not relaxing, and went back and forth about it. So I just decided to stretch my relaxers instead. I even had my stylist switch brands. Well, that didn't help. That area in my head went from being the size of a fifty cent piece to as wide as the palm of my hand! So at that point I said forget the relaxers. All it did was aggrivate my already irratated scalp. I honestly believe I acquired more damage by continuing with the chemicals. So, FOR ME, transitioning to natural was the best choice. My scalp is finally calm and the undamaged follicles surrounding that area are producing hair again. I just regret not having stopped sooner.
Maybe you could lay off the chemicals for a while. It doesn't have to be forever, you know? Just long enough to allow your scalp to recover? Then go back to relaxing if that's your preference.
I could show you all some pictures but I don't have a digital camera. They are all regular photos. Does anyone know if I can scan them and post them here for you all to see? If so, would you let me know how?
Be blessed!
I remember when I had stitches in my head back in January from my biopsy. I had my son take a picture of my barren scalp. It was not pretty.
He was like, " awwww, mommy....."
So I feel you about those stitches!
I know for me personally, I thought about not relaxing, and went back and forth about it. So I just decided to stretch my relaxers instead. I even had my stylist switch brands. Well, that didn't help. That area in my head went from being the size of a fifty cent piece to as wide as the palm of my hand! So at that point I said forget the relaxers. All it did was aggrivate my already irratated scalp. I honestly believe I acquired more damage by continuing with the chemicals. So, FOR ME, transitioning to natural was the best choice. My scalp is finally calm and the undamaged follicles surrounding that area are producing hair again. I just regret not having stopped sooner.
Maybe you could lay off the chemicals for a while. It doesn't have to be forever, you know? Just long enough to allow your scalp to recover? Then go back to relaxing if that's your preference.
I could show you all some pictures but I don't have a digital camera. They are all regular photos. Does anyone know if I can scan them and post them here for you all to see? If so, would you let me know how?
Be blessed!
Blu217
Well-Known Member
Well, I just had--really am still having--myself a good cry.
Thanks everyone, for your thoughts and prayers for my situation.
My derm just called and told me the pathology report shows early scarring alopecia, or cicatricial alopecia, and degeneration of the hair follicles.
She said this could have happened a long time ago and I'm just seeing the results now. She told me the best-case scenario is that I don't lose anymore hair from this point on, with proper diet, rest and if I stop relaxing. She wants to schedule 4 more rounds of cortisone shots over the course of several weeks. She was very kind and supportive and told me to stay positive.
She did say it's possible that the undamaged follicles in the area will grow hair again, she's seen hair grow again in far worse cases than mine. She told me to believe.
I'm crying, I am. And now I'm scared.
I really tried to do everything right with my hair. I've never had a big relaxer burn or mishap; I didn't know this could happen from just routine relaxing and over time. I've always been so particular and so careful about who put what in my hair when and how. Last night I did my first rollerset in ages and it looks so pretty now; it's so long and looks so healthy. But there was more hair in the comb when I combed it out. Long strands with white bulbs at the end, like always. So many long strands of my hair, gone, like my hair is saying goodbye, for good. I do NOT want to cut it off; I felt like I looked so pretty last night with my hair down. I do not want to deal with this. Plus, I just lost my job--so at a time when I need to keep up with the shots and visits to her the most, I'm about to have no extra money to afford do so. I'm just wondering why this is happening.
I want to believe my hair can come back. I want to believe doctors don't know everything and this board provides plenty of evidence that if you use your own methods, you can get your hair to grow again.
So there it is. I'm 34, single, never wore a single track weave or braid in my adult life and had my hair professionally done for the last 20 years by good stylists... and I'm slowly going bald anyway.
I'm obviously upset, but I just feel so MANY things right now, too. Maybe I can articulate them once I've had more time to digest what I'm facing.
Thanks again to everyone who cared.
Thanks everyone, for your thoughts and prayers for my situation.
My derm just called and told me the pathology report shows early scarring alopecia, or cicatricial alopecia, and degeneration of the hair follicles.
She said this could have happened a long time ago and I'm just seeing the results now. She told me the best-case scenario is that I don't lose anymore hair from this point on, with proper diet, rest and if I stop relaxing. She wants to schedule 4 more rounds of cortisone shots over the course of several weeks. She was very kind and supportive and told me to stay positive.
She did say it's possible that the undamaged follicles in the area will grow hair again, she's seen hair grow again in far worse cases than mine. She told me to believe.
I'm crying, I am. And now I'm scared.
I really tried to do everything right with my hair. I've never had a big relaxer burn or mishap; I didn't know this could happen from just routine relaxing and over time. I've always been so particular and so careful about who put what in my hair when and how. Last night I did my first rollerset in ages and it looks so pretty now; it's so long and looks so healthy. But there was more hair in the comb when I combed it out. Long strands with white bulbs at the end, like always. So many long strands of my hair, gone, like my hair is saying goodbye, for good. I do NOT want to cut it off; I felt like I looked so pretty last night with my hair down. I do not want to deal with this. Plus, I just lost my job--so at a time when I need to keep up with the shots and visits to her the most, I'm about to have no extra money to afford do so. I'm just wondering why this is happening.
I want to believe my hair can come back. I want to believe doctors don't know everything and this board provides plenty of evidence that if you use your own methods, you can get your hair to grow again.
So there it is. I'm 34, single, never wore a single track weave or braid in my adult life and had my hair professionally done for the last 20 years by good stylists... and I'm slowly going bald anyway.
I'm obviously upset, but I just feel so MANY things right now, too. Maybe I can articulate them once I've had more time to digest what I'm facing.
Thanks again to everyone who cared.
Minx
Well-Known Member
Awwww, honey, go ahead and cry if you have to. Get it out of your system.....you know I know.
I'm right here with you sweetie; you are NOT alone!
What shocks me about this whole alopecia thing is the lack of information out there when one goes to research it.
I mean, why is this "condition" not documented more?
Cases like ours are obviously happening. My derm told me this has been going on for years!
Back in the day it was called "Hot Comb Alopecia" because it was found mostly in black women who pressed their hair. Then came the chemical processes, and now it's being said that even too tight braiding can lead to S.A. because of traction.
But just like you, I was not aware that this condition even existed!
When I was diagnosed, I questioned it over and over: Why me? How did this happen? Where did I go wrong?
But my main question has always been: Why didn't I know that this was even a possibilty??? Why was I not informed?
It's just so frustrating!
So, what will you do? Do you have any idea?
As for me, I just decided to no longer take claim to it.
I refuse to let this thing do me in.
I'm glad your derm advised you to believe, because all things are possible to them that believe!
You're gonna be OK! You're gonna make it! Your scalp will be healed!
Please recevie that.
By the way, I know this condition is your primary concern right now. Just remember to care for the rest of your hair so it may continue to thrive.
Stay encouraged!
I'm right here with you sweetie; you are NOT alone!
What shocks me about this whole alopecia thing is the lack of information out there when one goes to research it.
I mean, why is this "condition" not documented more?
Cases like ours are obviously happening. My derm told me this has been going on for years!
Back in the day it was called "Hot Comb Alopecia" because it was found mostly in black women who pressed their hair. Then came the chemical processes, and now it's being said that even too tight braiding can lead to S.A. because of traction.
But just like you, I was not aware that this condition even existed!
When I was diagnosed, I questioned it over and over: Why me? How did this happen? Where did I go wrong?
But my main question has always been: Why didn't I know that this was even a possibilty??? Why was I not informed?
It's just so frustrating!
So, what will you do? Do you have any idea?
As for me, I just decided to no longer take claim to it.
I refuse to let this thing do me in.
I'm glad your derm advised you to believe, because all things are possible to them that believe!
You're gonna be OK! You're gonna make it! Your scalp will be healed!
Please recevie that.
By the way, I know this condition is your primary concern right now. Just remember to care for the rest of your hair so it may continue to thrive.
Stay encouraged!
Thanks for posting. There was a great deal of emotion in your post and it sounds like you are really going through a lot. Just remember that although a number of us here love long hair---even without long, relaxed hair, you have a lot to offer just by being you. Even without your job or XYZ, you are still you and the best part of you is internal. Jobs come and go---the physical outside qualities come and go, but what you can hold on to is what makes you inherently special (your personal qualities), and as long as you have that, you can pick up and go on. Please keep posting and the ladies are here with you.
And as someone said before, it is okay to cry. It is okay to be mad too. Just don't forget to pamper and take care of yourself. Sometimes life has to hit us over the head before we realize that we've been neglecting ourselves---before we realize we have to stop and smell the roses.
And as someone said before, it is okay to cry. It is okay to be mad too. Just don't forget to pamper and take care of yourself. Sometimes life has to hit us over the head before we realize that we've been neglecting ourselves---before we realize we have to stop and smell the roses.
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Cayenne0622
New Member
My thoughts are with you. I appreciate you keeping us updated on your progress...I say progress because going from not knowing anything to what you know now is progress and that will set you on the track to recovery. I really, really hope your hair loss is not permanent and that you will regain growth and thickness.
Hang in there. Your story is touching. This is something that should be on OPRAH! Sometimes I believe things happen to people so that they can help someone else. I just had a thought....I've never heard of this until now and Oprah (being a relaxed black woman) may find the story intriguing and worth putting on the air and you KNOW she'll bring in experts to discuss it.
Let us know if its something you'd consider doing and if you want us to all sign a petition to send to her so that she will know that the public is interested.
Hang in there. Your story is touching. This is something that should be on OPRAH! Sometimes I believe things happen to people so that they can help someone else. I just had a thought....I've never heard of this until now and Oprah (being a relaxed black woman) may find the story intriguing and worth putting on the air and you KNOW she'll bring in experts to discuss it.
Let us know if its something you'd consider doing and if you want us to all sign a petition to send to her so that she will know that the public is interested.
dynamic1
Well-Known Member
My heart goes out to you and your current circumstances. At least you caught the trouble early. I have a family member diagnosed with scarring alopecia. It was caused by untreated fungal infections (yeast) on her scalp. She just thought it was dandruff and never really got the proper treatment. Relaxers did not create the problem but they did not help (irritation). At the same time, she stopped getting relaxers thinking that would solve the problem. It was not until she found the right dermatologist that she got a handle on the situation.
Blu217
Well-Known Member
Thanks again, ladies.
I spent the weekend thinking about what I want to do next. I think of all my options, I prefer the one where I squeeze my eyes shut and pretend this is not happening. Runner-up was hoping my hair never grows another inch longer so that I never need make a decision between relaxing and transitioning.
Last night I made myself a concoction for my scalp that consists of the familiar-to-some EO growth recipe of white thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood oils. I added MTG and filled the remaining half with black castor oil. My hair today reeks of EOs—not my favorite scent--but I’m doing the best I can.
Everytime my scalp itches, which is a LOT, I wonder if it’s the insidious spread of my “disease,†working its way through what’s left of my healthy follicles. I feel so helpless, because I can feel it, I know what’s happening… but there’s not a thing I can do to stop it. I can stop relaxing and get my next round of cortisone in 4 weeks, but I’m itching RIGHT NOW. This is spreading RIGHT NOW.
At least I guess it is. I’ve done so much reading and I’m realizing how little is really known about what causes this. First they told us years ago this was from using hot combs. My great-aunt was a natural haired hot-comb addict and by her 70s had thinned back toward the middle of her head. I mean BALD. Now they say it’s from chemical processes and braids. But white folks get this too. I was reading another forum and naturals were talking about being diagnosed with it when they’d not used chemicals at all. My mom wondered if this is in any way related to the immune system, which I think is a great question. Too bad there’s no one who seems to know enough to provide a definitive answer.
I was looking at my new growth last night. I’m hoping the copious dose of MSM I’m taking (9000mgs) has softened it enough that I won’t have a bear of a time managing it; it sure seems like it might have loosened up. I’ve thought about SisterLocks. I’ve thought about rocking a fabulous, supafly Pam Grier ‘fro, about getting blowouts at Dominican salons when I feel like going straight. I HATE HATE HATE my hair short, tho.
I’m trying to keep positive. I don’t want to think too much about what my diagnosis means; I feel like I know what they THINK and I know what they SAID. And I know a lot of ladies with the same diagnosis said they got their hair back. Of course I want my doc to be wrong and of course I want my hair back! Will that be the case? I don’t know.
What I do wonder about is that the hereditary thinning at my temples worsened at the same time I started thinning at the crown. Would they tell me my temples are scarred too? That would suggest that all the women in my family, with our various hair practices thru the years, have scarred temples. That doesn't make sense. This didn't start until I encountered some very stressful events, and it alleviated and started to fill in when things cooled down, then started up again when things got stressful again. It's hard to know what to believe.
Whatever the hair journey is ahead, I’m not looking forward to it.
I spent the weekend thinking about what I want to do next. I think of all my options, I prefer the one where I squeeze my eyes shut and pretend this is not happening. Runner-up was hoping my hair never grows another inch longer so that I never need make a decision between relaxing and transitioning.
Last night I made myself a concoction for my scalp that consists of the familiar-to-some EO growth recipe of white thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood oils. I added MTG and filled the remaining half with black castor oil. My hair today reeks of EOs—not my favorite scent--but I’m doing the best I can.
Everytime my scalp itches, which is a LOT, I wonder if it’s the insidious spread of my “disease,†working its way through what’s left of my healthy follicles. I feel so helpless, because I can feel it, I know what’s happening… but there’s not a thing I can do to stop it. I can stop relaxing and get my next round of cortisone in 4 weeks, but I’m itching RIGHT NOW. This is spreading RIGHT NOW.
At least I guess it is. I’ve done so much reading and I’m realizing how little is really known about what causes this. First they told us years ago this was from using hot combs. My great-aunt was a natural haired hot-comb addict and by her 70s had thinned back toward the middle of her head. I mean BALD. Now they say it’s from chemical processes and braids. But white folks get this too. I was reading another forum and naturals were talking about being diagnosed with it when they’d not used chemicals at all. My mom wondered if this is in any way related to the immune system, which I think is a great question. Too bad there’s no one who seems to know enough to provide a definitive answer.
I was looking at my new growth last night. I’m hoping the copious dose of MSM I’m taking (9000mgs) has softened it enough that I won’t have a bear of a time managing it; it sure seems like it might have loosened up. I’ve thought about SisterLocks. I’ve thought about rocking a fabulous, supafly Pam Grier ‘fro, about getting blowouts at Dominican salons when I feel like going straight. I HATE HATE HATE my hair short, tho.
I’m trying to keep positive. I don’t want to think too much about what my diagnosis means; I feel like I know what they THINK and I know what they SAID. And I know a lot of ladies with the same diagnosis said they got their hair back. Of course I want my doc to be wrong and of course I want my hair back! Will that be the case? I don’t know.
What I do wonder about is that the hereditary thinning at my temples worsened at the same time I started thinning at the crown. Would they tell me my temples are scarred too? That would suggest that all the women in my family, with our various hair practices thru the years, have scarred temples. That doesn't make sense. This didn't start until I encountered some very stressful events, and it alleviated and started to fill in when things cooled down, then started up again when things got stressful again. It's hard to know what to believe.
Whatever the hair journey is ahead, I’m not looking forward to it.
scoobygirl
Well-Known Member
I just finished reading your post Blu, and I am so sorry to hear about what's happening. I don't know much about the condition other than what I've read on the internet. But if I see any legitimate journal articles, new research, or helpful information I will be sure to pass it along.
I think what you're doing so far with the natural remedies is great. You may want to try and incorporate even more organic/natural elements into your life, such as food, soap, etc just in case it is some sort of reaction to your environment.
I'm also feeling you on the job situation. I was completing and internship while going to grad school full-time. Now that it's over I'm scared I'll run out of money before I find a new job. But I have confidence in us both that everything will be okay.
I think what you're doing so far with the natural remedies is great. You may want to try and incorporate even more organic/natural elements into your life, such as food, soap, etc just in case it is some sort of reaction to your environment.
I'm also feeling you on the job situation. I was completing and internship while going to grad school full-time. Now that it's over I'm scared I'll run out of money before I find a new job. But I have confidence in us both that everything will be okay.
nychaelasymone
Well-Known Member
my heart sincerely goes out to you. I understand your pain. I too am undergoing cortisone shots every 6 weeks for thinning at the crown and around my edges. I stopped getting relaxers every six weeks and started stretching because I too was having a hard time with the thought of going natural. I was natural for about a year and it was just so time consuming for me, my natural hair texture is a mix of sheeps *** and problems.......but with God, n e thing is possible. I refused to give up and I plan to get my last round of cortisone shots in October. After that, if there is no significant marked improvment, I'll have the biopsy done. But honestly, I can tell that my hair is growing in. I do have a black dermatologist (Dr. Callender in MD). She looked at my scalp and she said it looked healthy and didn't want to go with the biopsy just yet because the thinning was mild and I didnt have complete balding in areas. She decided that I try cortisone 1st, rogaine 2nd (but I have a problem w/ that since u always gotta use this product) and 3rd the biopsy.
You are definitely in my prayers but we all know that there's nothing to hard for God. Be encouraged sista and know someone is praying for you!
You are definitely in my prayers but we all know that there's nothing to hard for God. Be encouraged sista and know someone is praying for you!
Blu217
Well-Known Member
Thanks, ya'll!
Scoobygirl, good luck on the job search; you are right that we'll be just fine. The natural remedies seem to be the best for turning around problem conditions like this. I really believe they can help, if anything can. And do send anything if you find it, I'm reading every link I get!
Nychaelasymone, lol--"sheeps ***!" And I agree with you totally about Rogaine, which is why I don't want to go there. What scares me about being natural is that while it suits a lot of women, I keep reading that a lot of women--primarily the 4bs among us, I'd guess--really struggle with it. I am really happy to hear that your shots are working for you though! That's got to be really encouraging.
I don't have any completely bald spots, I'm just slowly thinning in the crown. The edges to me were a separate matter, but they started thinning more rapidly when my top started to fade. I believe the end of this job is a blessing, because it has been stressful. I've been in a long cycle of stress that I hope is about to end with the end of this. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise that can only help.
Scoobygirl, good luck on the job search; you are right that we'll be just fine. The natural remedies seem to be the best for turning around problem conditions like this. I really believe they can help, if anything can. And do send anything if you find it, I'm reading every link I get!
Nychaelasymone, lol--"sheeps ***!" And I agree with you totally about Rogaine, which is why I don't want to go there. What scares me about being natural is that while it suits a lot of women, I keep reading that a lot of women--primarily the 4bs among us, I'd guess--really struggle with it. I am really happy to hear that your shots are working for you though! That's got to be really encouraging.
I don't have any completely bald spots, I'm just slowly thinning in the crown. The edges to me were a separate matter, but they started thinning more rapidly when my top started to fade. I believe the end of this job is a blessing, because it has been stressful. I've been in a long cycle of stress that I hope is about to end with the end of this. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise that can only help.
Cheleigh
Well-Known Member
On the stress issue, a lot of women have given you positive advice. Good luck on that.
I'll comment on the natural issue.
I am your age, single, and I did the BC from healthy armpit length hair to a year's "new growth." I'd already decided I wanted to go natural before I'd discovered hair forums, but honestly, it never even occurred to me that guys might look at me differently, or that I'd really miss my long hair until AFTER I'd discovered hair forums. Yes, my hair was an identifier for me (that's Cheleigh, the one with the long hair) but in my 30s, I felt like I no longer needed long hair to be my distinguishing feature--and I already knew that at this point, I wasn't going to be the hottest, youngest girl in the room anymore anyway.
So with great excitment, I did the BC in March. And guess what--no regrets. Although I guess I'm more of a 4a than a 4b, it's all still naps to most folk. I'm sure there were some who looked at me slant eyed and think my hair is ugly, but the beauty of where I am in life is--"how do those people factor in my life anyway?" At this point, the only people who's opinions I care about are already behind me 100%. I love my hair--I think it's beautiful and it so happens that lots of other people do too! I still get an awful lot of attention (mostly unwanted, just like it was before the BC truth be told) from folks who still think my hair is pretty--they just don't use the adjective "long" anymore.
So I don't know if going natural will help your scalp/hair at all. It might not (there are natural heads that still suffer from various forms of alopecia). But don't let how you "might" look after the BC deter you from healthy hair and scalp IF you feel like going natural might be the solution for you. It can be done, and you might even love it! Best wishes.
I'll comment on the natural issue.
I am your age, single, and I did the BC from healthy armpit length hair to a year's "new growth." I'd already decided I wanted to go natural before I'd discovered hair forums, but honestly, it never even occurred to me that guys might look at me differently, or that I'd really miss my long hair until AFTER I'd discovered hair forums. Yes, my hair was an identifier for me (that's Cheleigh, the one with the long hair) but in my 30s, I felt like I no longer needed long hair to be my distinguishing feature--and I already knew that at this point, I wasn't going to be the hottest, youngest girl in the room anymore anyway.
So with great excitment, I did the BC in March. And guess what--no regrets. Although I guess I'm more of a 4a than a 4b, it's all still naps to most folk. I'm sure there were some who looked at me slant eyed and think my hair is ugly, but the beauty of where I am in life is--"how do those people factor in my life anyway?" At this point, the only people who's opinions I care about are already behind me 100%. I love my hair--I think it's beautiful and it so happens that lots of other people do too! I still get an awful lot of attention (mostly unwanted, just like it was before the BC truth be told) from folks who still think my hair is pretty--they just don't use the adjective "long" anymore.
So I don't know if going natural will help your scalp/hair at all. It might not (there are natural heads that still suffer from various forms of alopecia). But don't let how you "might" look after the BC deter you from healthy hair and scalp IF you feel like going natural might be the solution for you. It can be done, and you might even love it! Best wishes.
nychaelasymone
Well-Known Member
Blu217 said:
what I'm about to say may seem a little crazy but stop worrying. You're actually adding to the stress. Honestly, I went crazy when I found out I was thinning and possibly balding. Everytime a piece of hair hit the sink, I'd have the blank face but I realized, it's hair and if I call myself a believe...God said it's my crown and I trust that whatever needs to happen will happen. I admit before I joined the boards I didn't take good care of my hair. I did whatever the stylist said do and I occasionnaly got braids and weaves (all could be contributing factors to my current demise). We all know that ignorance is bliss......but praise God that we now know how to properly care for our hair. You are now armed with knowledge and the right knowledge at that. Your hair will grow back....you know....as a man thinketh so is he! So you believe and watch it grow. I believe it for myself and I believe it for you. I wish I was technologically advanced enough to post pics of what I looked like in February.......thin, thin, thin, hair all over with these ultra thin patches at the crown and temples.....now I have progress. Oh and one other testimony.......the security guard here was bald (no exageration and nt from any known illness) two years ago and now she had a full head of healthy hair...........don't give up.....go through your emotions but pick yourself up and that attitude be positive even when you don't feel like it.....trust it will all work out. Tell God....."GIMME MY HAIR BACK" AND THEN THANK HIM EVERYDAY FOR THE BLESSING!
Blu217
Well-Known Member
Thanks; I appreciate it. I would like to know what the security guard did to get her hair from bald to beautiful again. And thank you, Cheleigh, for your replies to both my posts.
In my desperation over this diagnosis, I keep trying to get creative: Maybe if I just use super-thick base and have the stylist not perm to the roots and get the mildest relaxer on the market. Maybe the megadose of MSM I take everyday has made my new growth so amazingly soft and fine now I won't even need to worry about transitioning (yeah, right!). Maybe Phyto is somehow different from every other relaxer on the market, wouldn't harm my scalp any further and would be the answer to my woes. Maybe any day now I'm gonna turn on the telly or open a magazine and there will be the miracle product that means we no longer have to straighten our hair with harsh chemicals... yup, any day now... annnny day.
The new growth I've got is creating the illusion of thickness, so that always makes me feel less freaked about the thinning, if only for a spell. But I looked the other night and saw the first smooth, shiny, clean spot I've ever seen up there. It's tiny, about the size of a pea. But it sure looked bare. I guess, if the doc is right, that's a portent of things to come.
I admit that the thought of HAVING to go natural without much choice in the matter has made me feel sick. I feel like I've been told I have to change my world view, not just my hair. It's an unpleasant reality to say the least when your choices are natural and short when you don't want to be natural at all... or most likely bald.
This might be a weird thing to type, but I feel too old for this. I don't feel like starting my hair journey over again at 34. I guess because it's not my CHOICE to do so, if that makes sense. I truly resent this experience. But I am praying over it.
In my desperation over this diagnosis, I keep trying to get creative: Maybe if I just use super-thick base and have the stylist not perm to the roots and get the mildest relaxer on the market. Maybe the megadose of MSM I take everyday has made my new growth so amazingly soft and fine now I won't even need to worry about transitioning (yeah, right!). Maybe Phyto is somehow different from every other relaxer on the market, wouldn't harm my scalp any further and would be the answer to my woes. Maybe any day now I'm gonna turn on the telly or open a magazine and there will be the miracle product that means we no longer have to straighten our hair with harsh chemicals... yup, any day now... annnny day.
The new growth I've got is creating the illusion of thickness, so that always makes me feel less freaked about the thinning, if only for a spell. But I looked the other night and saw the first smooth, shiny, clean spot I've ever seen up there. It's tiny, about the size of a pea. But it sure looked bare. I guess, if the doc is right, that's a portent of things to come.
I admit that the thought of HAVING to go natural without much choice in the matter has made me feel sick. I feel like I've been told I have to change my world view, not just my hair. It's an unpleasant reality to say the least when your choices are natural and short when you don't want to be natural at all... or most likely bald.
This might be a weird thing to type, but I feel too old for this. I don't feel like starting my hair journey over again at 34. I guess because it's not my CHOICE to do so, if that makes sense. I truly resent this experience. But I am praying over it.
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Sosoothing
Well-Known Member
Aww...
.
I can only imagine what an ordeal this has been and continues to be for you. I will be praying for you too.
. I can only imagine what an ordeal this has been and continues to be for you. I will be praying for you too.
vickid
Well-Known Member
"Scalp scarring" can come from almost any kind of chemical treatment such as relaxers, colors and even continuous burns from hot combs. I had 1 biposy and it came back negative and had the coritsone shots for about 6 months including using cortisone lotions. My derm also told me that depending on the sensitivity of your scalp, it can be scarred by even the use of certain shampoos and conditioners. Also, you can't reverse a "scarred scalp." If you've been diagnosed with alopecia and thinning hair (as I was), you can beat it but it will take time and money since insurance claims hair loss is not life threatening. Good luck and don't give up!
nychaelasymone
Well-Known Member
Blu217 said:
I don't know if this will help you but it helped me. I printed out the verse in the Bible that says: Long hair is a woman's crown.... and then I posted pics of myself when I had beautiful long hair. I taped it to my bathroom mirror. Each day, I just said, thank you Lord for my hair......even when I see those sheds of hair in the sink (the ones w/ the white bulbs on the end) I still just say, thank you Jesus. Actually the security guard lady is here today.....I'm going to ask her what she did.
vickid
Well-Known Member
Blu217 said:
I think a combination of things brought my hair back. The shot and cream calm down the scalp and stop the inflammation making it easier for healthy hair to grow. My hair was falling out by the handfulls (literally) so it was getting pretty thin and I had about 4 small bald spots in my head. It took a good 6 months to to slow down the scalp inflammation. My derm had me dousing my scalp with tea tree oil which is a natural alternative to the cortisone lotion and I used SLS free shampoos. Thanks to good "hair growing" advice here on the board, my hair started to grow and fill in during month 8. It took 2 years for all the bald patches to grow back. My derm constantly said 2 things--keep your scalp free of grease, dirt and styling products; stay away from irritating chemicals like relaxers, color (my #1 irritant), tension (like weaves and braids) and heat;keep your scalp stimulated by massaging and chill out! If something is stressing you out--GET AWAY FROM IT as stress only aggrivates hair loss.
nychaelasymone
Well-Known Member
vickid said:
That's wonderful to hear. I heard it takes about 2 years for hair to heal from "trauma". That's so encouraging. I'm on my second round of cortisone shots and I use the cortisone cream daily on my scalp. She didn't tell me to stop oiling my scalp but I may just do that. I've only been using Amla oil and natural sulfur on my scalp and I try to keep it clean. Honestly, from February you could never tell my hair or scalp was damaged. I haven't totally stopped relaxing but I'm learning to strech longer and longer.
Wow your story is such inspiration to people like me!
WomanlyCharm
New Member
Blue217,
I'm sorry this is happening. I know when you are faced with losing your hair, the frustration and fear can be tremendous.
It's natural to feel this way, believe me, I know.
But no matter how angry or upset or defeated you feel, YOU CAN'T GIVE UP! This is a knockdown-dragout battle sweetheart, one I know you can win.
And when you feel down, we'll all be there to hold you up.
You will not be defeated. I promise. Just remember all the positive stories the ladies here have told you, and know there can be a happy ending.
I'm sorry this is happening. I know when you are faced with losing your hair, the frustration and fear can be tremendous.
It's natural to feel this way, believe me, I know.But no matter how angry or upset or defeated you feel, YOU CAN'T GIVE UP! This is a knockdown-dragout battle sweetheart, one I know you can win.
And when you feel down, we'll all be there to hold you up.
You will not be defeated. I promise. Just remember all the positive stories the ladies here have told you, and know there can be a happy ending.
nychaelasymone
Well-Known Member
I finally talked to the security officer (Delcia) and she said what she did was found scripture and replaced any words (pro-nouns) with her name. She said she didn't do anything out of the ordinary to her hair, just annointed herself and prayed continuously and God answered. She also told me to tell you that EVERYTHING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE! She and I both are praying for you.
