(before)Before today my last real haircut was in June of 2008. Today I had 12 inches of my hair chopped off to be donated to Locks of Love. From their website:
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.
I first learned about Locks of Love when I was in college about ten years ago. A couple of my friends donated their hair at a special event that provided free haircuts to those who volunteered on the spot. My hair wasn't long enough to donate at the time, but the concept stuck with me.
I've actually tried to grow out my hair at least one or two times before, but each time I became frustrated with the unruly nature of very long hair and got a haircut. This was my first successful attempt at growing out enough hair that I could donate (but still have something left for me).
The irony in this hair-growing adventure is that I went through a period of several weeks during which my hair was falling out at an alarming rate. I was losing my hair at the same time I was trying to grow it out to donate it to people who had lost their hair. Huh?! Fortunately, the rate of my hair loss has slowed somewhat, and my hope is that it continues to slow to a normal rate.
In all honesty, I probably should not have gone out today because I'm fighting off a crash. I suppose I went out anyway because donating my hair was something I wanted to do sooner than later and because I have not left the house on a weekend since Sunday, July 19 (I know this because I've been keeping track of my activities on my blog).
Perhaps, going out today was my way of rebelling against my disease. Take that, CFIDS! Of course, I will be resting the remainder of today.
The good news is that my hair will soon be on its way to a new head!
(after)
Today's Activities: home & haircut. Today's Most Annoying Symptoms: exhaustion, headache, mild nausea, pain in right lymphnode in neck, mild sore throat, asthma attack; active eczema on left and right underarms, and right ankle.
Mood (10 is best): 7
Energy (10 is best): 2
Physical Discomfort (10 is worst): 6
11 comments:
Alyson, wow. Thanks for sharing. After reading your entry today, I just had to submit a comment. Keep in mind, this is my first submission on any blog ever, so it is truly a big deal for me. The only words that can come to mind, is that you are truly an amazing person. I am so proud of you. You have persistence, inspite of your circumstance. You have determination, inspite of your circumstance. Don't stop. Keep writing and sharing to the world your experience.
God Bless You,
Fitima
Fitima, I'm honored that you posted your first blog comment on my blog. Thank you for the kind words of support. They brought tears to my eyes.
Good for you! What a great idea. Even if we can't do anything else, we can still grow hair! Now if only there was a market for house dust... ;)
What a fabulous hair cut!
Well done Alyson!! It's great that you are still thinking of others when you have so much of your own problems. What a beautiful head of hair you had. Not that it's not lovely now. I have quite thin hair so it never looks that good when its long. I also cut my hair that short last year. It is so much easier to look after, although I am growing it again...
I hope you are feeling stronger again soon.
I also rebelled against the CFIDS this weekend... How naughty of us : )
That's so wonderful, Alyson! I've always wanted to do that as well, but my hair falls out in clumps all the time, so I don't do well in trying to grow it out. :-) My mother often tells me I should save what falls out to make a wig. :)
I think what you did was wonderful, and very compassionate and giving -- especially with all that you are going through yourself. I hope you feel proud!
Your new hair cut looks great! :)
What a great thing to do! Sorry you're fighting a crash...I know what you mean about rebeling...
What a wonderful thing to do! My hair has been short since 1985, so this is not something I could do. This is the perfect time to get your hair cut - should be much cooler!
I've had times with CFIDS when my hair was falling out a lot, too. When I'm doing better, the hair loss improves, too.
Hope the outing didn't wear you out too much!
Wow! Thanks for all the fantastic comments! Losing 12 inches of hair takes some getting used to.
I find it interesting that a couple of you have also experienced hair loss. Hmmm...I wonder if it's another symptom of CFS/ME...
I've had hair loss too. Lots comes out in the shower, and it is thinning at the temples. According to Chinese medicine this is a sign of low kidney energy, which also causes fatigue, so it all ties together.
It sure does tie together, Sylvia. I'm "lucky" that my hair has been falling out pretty evenly. That is, there are not obvious bald spots. Though it is certainly thinner than before.
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