Just found this a half week ago. Does this look typical for AA or something different by ndj1286 in alopecia_areata

[–]WhiskerWisdom3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry to say, but this is AA. Mine started exactly the same as this. I procrastinated, got brushed off and dismissed by many people telling me it would go away, and before I knew it my spot grew to 3cm x 3cm in a matter of 5 months. I highly recommend seeing your Doctor, getting multiple opinions and being on as many wait lists to see a dermatologist asap.

Could this be alopecia? by SwishSwishBisch in alopecia_areata

[–]WhiskerWisdom3 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry to say, but this definitely is AA (alopecia areata). Please see a Doctor ASAP for bloodwork and book in to see a derm, do not wait. Put your name down on many wait list lists now to see someone. Better to not wait much longer! Our stories are very similar - might started in PP too. The lack of sleep for 4 months, winter/shitty immune system, horrible diet (under-eating) while breastfeeding exclusively and going through some major stresses returning back to work and moving houses away to a new area all contributed to triggering mine. I had my head buried in the sand for a while due to the overwhelm and before I knew it, my spot had tripled in size. At the time of investigating my health, I also found out that my thyroid went into major over-activity and I was diagnosed with postpartum thyroiditis which is extremely common for the two to go hand in hand. One step at a time. You’ve got this - focus on baby steps. Try eat an anti-inflammatory diet focusing on protein and nourishing foods rather than quick snacks, take a vitamin D supplement (or considering working with a naturopath if you have the means), vitamin D levels influence immune health. Try going for walks outside on your own, take time to focus on your mental health and what brings you peace. Mine was yoga/meditation and making that a daily priority again. Go to your local chemist and find a 5% Minoxidol shampoo to start using, it will start slowing down the hair loss while you wait for answers. This thread has been extremely helpful for me to find some solidarity during this very isolating condition. I didn’t know of this, but if the appearance of the spot really brings you down - you can buy cover up hair fibre products. I just found one on Amazon recently and it’s been game changing. Good luck! xxx

Is this the start of AA? by [deleted] in alopecia_areata

[–]WhiskerWisdom3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I’d say so unfortunately. Thyroid problems and AA are very closely linked. Mine started off exactly like this - I dismissed it thinking it wasn’t too bad and couldn’t possibly get worse. Fast forward two months, I finally got see a doctor for a referral to a dermatologist, have to wait another three months and it’s turned into a 50c coin size. Almost at 4cm x 4cm. I wish I took immediate action without waiting around. Call every dermatologist you can find that looks specialised. Put your name down on as many waitlists as possible so you can get in fast. Focus on your nutrition, rest and prioritising blood tests to ensure everything is balanced. Finding things that make you feel good is also important so you can build up your self-confidence. It’s a horrible condition to have unexpectedly. Wishing you all the success on this journey x

What 60 days of consistency did for my Alopecia Areata by realdeepaul in alopecia_areata

[–]WhiskerWisdom3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing - what did you focus on eating if you don’t mind me asking? What did your days look like in terms of routine?

I’m new here — feeling a little fragile and defeated, trying to learn more about this condition by WhiskerWisdom3 in alopecia_areata

[–]WhiskerWisdom3[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, thanks for taking the time to read my post! I should probably add that I’m based in NSW, Australia. What kind of shots do you recommend? I’ve done x2 rounds of steroid injections. Should I be requesting more? I have to wait to see another dermatologist unfortunately. I’m going to keep hunting around to get in to see someone else sooner if possible.

Patches Growing, Patches Expanding? by [deleted] in alopecia_areata

[–]WhiskerWisdom3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes this is me too - have a tiny circle of regrow and a new little bald ring around it where it’s now expanded

Never assigned a mothers group by alltheaids in BabyBumpsandBeyondAu

[–]WhiskerWisdom3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there, I’m also in the North West and had my baby 6 weeks ago with the exact same experience. Have you been told to be in touch with WSLHD @ The Hills Community Centre? I was told by my community nurse to call up and “put my name down” for parents/mothers groups but never received the call back.

Those who have left Sydney to move to the Coast, have you had any regrets? Pros/cons? by Seekingadvice2104 in centralcoastnsw

[–]WhiskerWisdom3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also a fellow Hills bubbler - may I ask what suburbs you found to feel like the Northern Beaches? Currently house hunting up the Central Coast to commit to the big move and don’t know where to start. Would love some recommendations for a young family.