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MARCH 2010 UPDATE

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Well, since my last update things have got more better than they have worse. On the negative side, another small patch has appeared (or disappeared), but it's really much smaller than the other patches started at, so here's hoping that it won't get any/much worse.

I've dropped the herbal remedies, removed the extreme stress from my life, and replaced with much more relaxing pursuits over the last 6 weeks, and something seems to be happening... Very fine hairs now cover (when I say cover I mean sparsely cover, but that's as good as 'thick' growth as far as I'm concerned) the large patch and the patch on top, even offering some resistance when I rub my finger over them, if you know what I mean. How cool is that?? It's growing back blonde, so in daylight the patches still look bald as a coot, but believe me the psychological difference of just knowing that something positive is happening up there on my bonce is something that makes me smile. Let's just hope it lasts and keeps improving.

I've dropped the beenie for most of my ventures outdoors, don't know why, almost starting to not give a toss. Just as well I'm bloody gorgeous... hahaha.

If you haven't donated yet, then please have a good think about it, then empty your bank account into here. Believe me, it really is a good cause. If you don't want to donate, no problem, you owe me a pint! ;)

Cheers, Dave

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FEBRUARY 2010 UPDATE

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Right, it's not getting any better. Trying all sorts of herbal remedies. All useless.

If you don't know about Alopecia, let me fill you in on a few pretty important facts:

1. It can  happen to anyone, at any time of their life

2. There is absolutely feck all you can do about it, theres no cure, no remedy, just deal with it, and pray every day that it doesn't get any worse... but it does.

3. It "does" look "that bad", no matter what you say. That's why the guys at the charity deserve a few quid, because they know what you're going through.

BIG ISSUE???? Can you spare a fag then big man?  ;)

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Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Few of you will know of my recent diagnosis of Alopecia, and those of you who have seen me without my beenie on probably wouldn't have noticed.

About a year ago (just after Movember 2008) a bald patch appeared (about the size of a 2p piece ) beside my mouth - yeah, my face. You can just about see it in the photo above, by the side of my mouth. Obviously thought nothing of it, who would?

Then about 6 months ago, one of my friends slagged me off for shaving my head too short on the back of my head. We laughed, naturally I thought I'd done just that, thinking I'd maybe shaved my head whilst drunk!

Not to be. The next time I shaved my head the 'patch' didn't grow back, and it gradually got bigger.

A visit to the doctor followed (after which I took photo 2, above), about this mysterious patch on the back of my head (which was then about the size of a penny). He didn't even look at the back of my head, just looked at my semi bald stubble and said "I think you have  Alopecia". When he looked at the back of my head, he said "yep!".

This 'patch' is now about the size of a couple of 50p pieces (see photo 3, above), and very gradually getting bigger. And tonight I found another small patch; which unfortunately I'm sure will expand.

I'm fortunate enough just now not to have "totalis" or "unversalis" alopecia, yet. But those of you who know anything about me will know how vain I am (me? never! haha), and I've never in my life had to really consider how something like Alopecia could affect someone.

I'm in the very mildest stage and I can only thank god its winter, and I have an excuse to wear a hat, but I can't wear it all the time, and when I don't I am monumentally anxious. My eyes have opened big and wide to this condition, and I almost feel ashamed for drawing attention to it given I'm only mildy affected on the surface; but I wholly understand the effects of this on one's 'self'.

I've started this page, with an indefinite end-date, to do my part for the Alopecia charity and community. Even if my patches grow back in time, I'll always know how worrying and soul-destroying it can be.

So, if you can spare a bob or two without my running 50 miles it would be appreciated. If you want to wait until I run 50 miles (or 5!), then let me know, I'll keep doing my bit.

Thanks, Dave

http://www.daveheslop.com