I'm losing my hair!
#306616 - 05/05/07 03:47 PM
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jen1013
Reged: 05/06/05
Posts: 1322
Loc: the wabe
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Okay, I haven't been around much lately, so not sure who remembers me (*hi* to those who do). Anyhow, I have autoimmune issues and now I am seriously losing my hair. A LOT of hair -- there is way more scalpscape showing.
I went back and reread the thread from when Michele was losing hair, but the only suggestions people had were for hats or scarves or wigs. Is there anything that will help stop hair loss? Or, anything that might be accelerating it?
I have been taking prenatal vitamins with extra folic acid for awhile now -- I tried switching to one of those hair/skin/nails vitamins, but it made me extremely ill. I didn't see any shampoo that was designed for falling-out-hair (except for, you know, the Ms. Rogaine stuff, but I so don't want to admit that I need to go there), but I did switch to a tea tree oil shampoo that was supposed to be gentle on the scalp. I don't color/perm/straighten my hair or any of those other chemical-y things. I really can't totally avoid blow-drying my hair, but I try to minimize the exposure to it and I've stopped using hair clips and ponytail holders to avoid tugging on my hair. I have thought about getting it cut, but it is already fairly short (around shoulder-length) and I don't really know if lopping off a couple inches is really going to help anything.
Other than that, is there anything else I can do??? I really don't want to go bald.  And I look crappy in hats and scarves no matter how cute they are -- I look like something that ought to be mounted on a pole in a cornfield to scare away the birds.
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jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC
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Hi, Jen--
Of course I remember you!
I'm going to assume that you're seeing some kind of a rheumy or other doctor who specializes in autoimmune issues?
The only things I can think of to try are increasing your protein intake and maybe trying traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture.
I hope your health issues get straightened out very soon! (((Hugs)))
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Christine
Those who can do; those who want it done better teach.
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Try the Rogaine. I lost a lot of hair from an illness and the Rogaine really helped grow it back quickly. Good luck
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Ojon
#306632 - 05/05/07 08:29 PM
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Gracie
Reged: 11/25/05
Posts: 1967
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Although they can't make a medical claim for it, many people have reported that their hair grows more after using Ojon . If you read through the testimonies one person had bald spots where hair hadn't grown for years, then after using Ojon it started to have some growth. Good luck, I really hope you find something that helps you.
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Jen,
Another product that I have used, with great success, is called Nioxin. It is only available at salons or distributors, but it works.
It is a multiple stage system. Shampoo, conditioner (called scalp therapy), then a leave in drippy lotion, and there is also a concentrated lotion for trouble spots. Nioxin works by increasing the blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. If you drip the lotion on your hand or face you will notice it turns red - it's increasing the blood flow to that area.
I used it, and it works. I lost about 1/2 of my hair because the hairdresser didn't rinse out my perm. It fell out in clumps. And my hair is over half-way down my back. I had patches the size of golf balls that were literally bald. After a few Nioxin treatments my hair started to grow back, rapidly. I know that because of some illnesses and medication counteractions Nioxin doesn't work. But talk to someone at the salon who knows a lot about it, or even check online. I used to sell the product when I worked for a salon distributor. The other nice thing - it's all natural, no drugs.
Good luck!
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Cassandra
Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.
IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up! 
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Oh sweetie, I am so sorry. I have lost at least 50% of my hair. First, just the general ai issues, than the mtx injections and now the adrenal exhaustion.
You need to be taking at least 4 mg of folic acid a day, check how many milligrams are in your vitamins, your doc can write you a script for just the folic acid and its cheap.
The best product I have found is from aveda. Its called scalp solutions. I can't say it helps to regrow any of my hair that I have lost however it helps my scalp to be less dry and everything more ph balanced and helps my thin hair feel thicker. Its just a shampoo and conditioner you use in the shower and is moderately priced.
As for styling, well, I cut 14 inches back over the winter. I actually have an appt at 3pm today to get it cut more. I got really upset Saturday night and had one drink after taking my pain pill and got a little brave and took scissors to my hair! I have a headband on today and hope the damage isn't too extensive. Do yourself a favor and HIDE the scissors when you are in a bad mood! I find the shorter the better and layers help. A light weight spray hairspray helps to fluff it up, nothing sticky or heavy.
I have several bald spots and do try to style my hair around them. I dye my hair and its usually fairly dark, someone mentioned trying to go a bit lighter and it will make the contrast between the hair and scalp seem less noticeable, I am going to ask my stylist today and will let you know.
Its a very upsetting thing to deal with. It sucks enough to be sick but then add the humiliation of losing your hair and in my case, weight gain and moon face from steroids. So not fair.
I am afraid I have no real definite answers. I have not tried the prescription rogain or anything like that yet. I just try to do what I can with my products and I find that I am wearing more make-up to try and compensate for my insecurities, a pretty lipstick does wonders! 
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Re: my haircut
#306738 - 05/07/07 02:09 PM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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Very 70's shag but I think it works for me!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Love it! And the color! You'd never know you had any loss at all!
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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Lisa, IBS-C (Vegan)
Stable since July 2007!
Mommy to Rhiannon Marie (Dec. 13, 2008)
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Beautiful! I love it!The cut and color really bring out your eyes. 
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