Hi Angel. I hope your hair appointment went well and you have come home looking gorgeous. I never had the hair issues with the Pred but I have developed panic attacks anytime I have to see a doctor for any reason, can't explain it, it's just weird. Autumm

hi angelamic, I lost some of my hair when I was first diagnosed with DM, I thought it was the Prednisone but my Rheumy said it couldn't be - seems there are various debates about this. Whether the Vit D helped in large doses I'm not sure but I do know after about 6 months in my hair started to grow back. I was very dubious at first colouring it as I have always had a full head colour and it was grey as I didn't retouch my roots for ages. I plucked up the courage to go to the hairdressers and we decided on a trim to take off some of the really thin bits at the end and to have a semi permanent colour on my hair. As I didn't want to put any colour at all on my roots I now have a highlighter cap on which is like a swimming cap with lots of holes in. They then pull through lots of hair through the holes and then colour. This way you won't have any colour at all touching your scalp. As you probably know with DM it is very unpredictable and I didn't want to inflame my scalp. Don't worry about going to your hairdressers - mine are very understanding and supportive and you are not the only one with problems like this - don't worry.

Hi Angelamic..
Hair falling out is trauma for many people. I sort of expected some hair loss with prednisone. Be careful with hair color too. Our DMARDs will cause some hair colors to come out with hues of purple. A good stylist would be able to tweek the color. Blonde is often the shade that has the purple difficulties.

You asked if any of us have a similar experience? I must admit that I felt like crying when I got the Prednisone belly that laps over my belt. I was 98 lbs most of my life. After Prednisone, I am 134 lbs with a belly that will not disappear. I am exercising and determined even with a fatty liver to make this belly go away!

I would not think that you are over reacting because you are young and beautiful. You can be determined to stay nice looking. I do think DM/PM is work when it comes to appearance. I appreciate that this disease has made me tough in so many positive ways. Look for the good things and positive things that come your way.

Enjoy your hair cut!

I sort of understand. I have an alopecia spot about the size of a quarter in my hair. Also, I lose hair everywhere so when they wash my hair, there are always strands of hair (more than normal) left behind. I also grow lumps in my scalp so either I am lumpy or I have lots of scars where I had them removed.

When I changed hair dressers, all these things made me embarrassed. But I just told him up front and he was totally fine with it. Last time I had my hair done, I know I was losing lots of hair. I just said "Sorry for all the hair". He said he was fine. My hair is thin but short of the bald circle, you can't really tell how thin it is. I do color my hair but changed to a salon that doesn't use harsh chemicals.

I too worry about the chairs but I found I am okay. They sit up the chairs before I have to get up so it is easier. I rarely have trouble putting my head back to be washed. The salon I go to, you don't have to dip back that far.

I do think hair is important to me. Having a hair style that is easy for me to work with and looks good on me is an important part of me feeling good about myself. Try to relax and enjoy it.

Thank you everyone for the replies :) well
I did it and it looks soooo much better! She cut it toy
Shoulders and I have 3 inches of new growth that is coming in even!' I lt even feels so much better :) I'll be able to shape or more in a month and she thinks I'll have a whole new look by the end of the year :) the chairs were easy too , such a relief !
I wish none of us have to go through this :( and anxiety sounds just terrible :/ specially knowing how many doc appointments we have to go to with DM/PM.
You guys are amazingly supportive

Last time I went my hair dresser added layers to make my thinning hair look thicker. I have wavy hair so this worked for me.
Washing my hair is hard. My hands don't want to do that motion. So shorter is better for me.
I hope your visit goes well.

Meow, Hi,

Layers and Texturizing helps my baby fine thin look fuller. I used to color, about 5 years ago, but got a weird feeling in my lymph areas. Scared me, so I accepted my natural graying ashy brown. Now I love my natural hair. I also use gel and volumnizer mousse. Also, I take Folic Acid. I've still got a full head of thin hair, but all the hair on my legs and arms is gone. Also, I shape my eyebrows and pencil in brown color.

Helps me deal with the moon face.

Purr,
=^.,.^=

she started to put some layers in the back but the front is still to thin :) im def rocking the do with some confidence now though :) plus i care less overall about appearance but also know its great to look AND feel good :)