Tell Me About Telogen...

Telogen Effluvium - Hair loss caused by traumatic stress to the body either physical or psychological. I saw my primary care physician on Thursday and he is pretty sure it is Telogen Effluvium. The condition is reversible but I could continue losing hair up to a year.  My blood results show that my thyroid levels are fine so my hormones are ruled out as the culprit.  Dr. Huynh referred me to a dermatologist for confirmation on the condition so I should hear back sometime this week. I've also reached out to Julie Chang at Zen Acupuncture because of the success I've had with acupuncture in the past, to see if acupuncture could help de-stress my body and get things restarted with the hair growth.

I picked up a couple of head scarves this weekend and a hat.  I even posted on fb to my friends about going wig shopping.  Everyone responded back with such kind words. It is after all only hair but as my dearest friend, Jill, confirmed, it's like I've lost 4/5 of my hair.  It is very very thin.

I saw Dr. Ellner for my 7 month follow up today.  I received a 1 mL fill today which brings my band up to 8.5 mL full.  I won't get to eat again until Wednesday so we'll see how I feel.  I've also joined Dr. Shapiro's Weigh 2 Eat counseling group, a 16-week program addressing emotional eating.  The group started on Valentine's Day and will meet until the end of May.  I haven't lost any weight but I'm just trying to get my body and mind in the right place. Right now, the hair-loss and de-stressing my body is priority one.  As long as I'm not gaining weight, I'll be OK...for now.