tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740281322907713507.post4221036205630279443..comments2013-11-16T07:39:08.190-08:00Comments on Inner Workings of a Writer: Hair-o-logyRachelle Bronson (Gagne)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16884072854060734259noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740281322907713507.post-38165813534605754862011-07-07T17:37:21.673-07:002011-07-07T17:37:21.673-07:00Rachel, I just "found" your blog via Fac...Rachel, I just "found" your blog via Facebook (I am also in publishing). I was diagnosed with IC in 2006 after months of pain and discomfort. Thankfully I lived not far from one the country's experts, so was diagnosed fairly quickly. About a year from the initial start of symptoms I had surgery and thankfully for me it worked well. But I, too, take Rx, and I too have thick, long hair and when it comes out in my brush I panic. <br /><br />I have only met one other person with this illness, until I saw your post. I am so sorry for what you have gone through, because I know how painful and isolating this can be. I found some comfort in the IC organization website and participated in a research study. Thankfully, my IC has stayed in remission, but I still take Rx and have to be vigilant in avoiding triggers. <br /><br />In Feb. of this year I had a tooth abscess that was seen by a doctor and treated with antibiotics but overnight became facial cellulitis, which I struggled with for about six weeks. The dr. said it was "life threatening" and I worried I would lose part of my jaw/cheek/chin. I was so worried because, as I told my husband, "I was just starting to like my face!" (at 55). Thankfully, I healed, but I can relate to that feeling of re-evaluating what really matters. During this time I wrote a five part blog series on pain, with input from many supportive people. It is on my blog, Appalachian Morning.<br /><br />I wish you all the best with your health and look forward to following your blog and book reviews. If you ever need more books to review, just let me know if any at www.luckypress.com interest you and I'll be happy to send them to you. (I founded the company.)Janice Phelps Williamshttp://www.appalachianmorning.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740281322907713507.post-12772830371416276992011-06-19T08:28:30.948-07:002011-06-19T08:28:30.948-07:00Love this post because until we decide to break th...Love this post because until we decide to break the stigmas from above, we will never grow as a people towards something better for ourselves. I'm sorry you have to go through this pain, but am so honored to have you as a friend. I hope your strength can rub off on others since there are so many other things out there that deserves people's energy. It is horrible when people worry about wrinkles or uneven skin tone, or in this case hair loss. Our bodies aren't meant to last forever - but our souls are. The memories of a person are what stick with us through the thick and thin. <br /><br />Keep up the good fight and prayers/good wishes to staying healthy.Stannoreply@blogger.com