MY ALOPECIA STORY: IT STARTED WHEN I WAS 24

After three years of grappling with my alopecia journey, I finally found the courage to share my story. I hope that by opening up, I can help those who are struggling with any autoimmune disease find some comfort and understanding.

It all began on a seemingly ordinary day. As I absentmindedly stroked my fingers across my scalp, I felt a bald patch the size of a 50-cent coin. Shock and disbelief washed over me. How could this happen? I immediately turned to the internet, desperately searching for solutions to my sudden hair loss.

In my quest for answers, I stumbled upon Yun Nam, a well-known herbal scalp treatment provider. They promised to boost hair growth, and I was convinced to try their services. I’ll skip the drama of my experience with them—it wasn’t pretty. Unfortunately, the treatment didn't work, and I found myself trapped in a cycle of hope and disappointment, suffering even more hair loss. In a moment of frustration, I requested a refund for the remaining balance of my $700++ package, only to be told that it was non-refundable. Lesson learned!

Realizing I needed professional help, I visited a GP clinic to get a referral letter to the National University Hospital (NUH). I can still vividly remember sitting in that consultation room, tears streaming down my face as the doctor explained my options. Each choice came with its own set of side effects, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

Ultimately, I opted for topical treatments, which required me to visit the hospital every Friday. I dreaded those visits, but I knew I had to stay committed to the treatment plan. The months that followed were rocky; my hair continued to thin until the entire crown of my head was completely bald. This painful reality led to further chemical treatments at a local hospital.

A year later, I began to see signs of hope—new hair growth! However, stubborn patches still needed higher dosages to stimulate further growth. It was a slow process, but I remained determined.

Throughout this journey, I learned the most important lesson of all: to listen to my body. I realized the significance of slowing down and prioritizing my physical and mental health. Alopecia taught me resilience and self-acceptance, reminding me that beauty comes in many forms.

If you’re navigating a similar journey or any autoimmune condition, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to seek help, to feel vulnerable, and to share your story. Together, we can support one another on our paths to healing.

#alopeciaawareness #alopeciawarrior #alopeciatreatment #MyLemon8Diary #autoimmunedisease