Sitting in front of the TV beside my husband Jerry, then 46, I ran a hand over the base of my skull. It was December 2013 and I could feel a smooth patch the size of a 50p coin. Worry coursed through me, I loved my long locks.
‘What’s this?’ I asked.
Jerry carefully examined my head. ‘Just a small bald patch,’ he soothed.
Panic took hold.
I booked an appointment with my GP. She explained there was no definite test, but diagnosed me with alopecia areata – an autoimmune condition that can lead to unpredictable hair loss.
‘It often develops for no reason,’ she explained. ‘It’s more than likely your hair will grow back.’
I hoped she was right, but over the coming weeks, clumps of hair began appearing in the shower. I felt anxious and upset but tried to hide my worries from my children, Maddie, then seven and Alexander, four.
Thankfully the kids were too young to ask many questions, but Jerry was amazing. He held me when I cried and gave me the confidence to try wigs to cover my patchy hair.
Esta historia es de la edición April 10, 2023 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 10, 2023 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
A BAD ROMANCE
From drink and drugs to affairs and arrests, these famous ladies can't resist striking up with a bona fide rebel
'I DON'T SUFFER FOOLS GLADLY'
Dame Joan Collins on success, dealing with rejection and what's next for her
SUNSETS AND SOUKS
Head to Morocco's boho seaside town of Essaouira for an easy, breezy break in cinematic surroundings
Help! MY HUBBY'S HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS
Julie Cook's husband has gone from a calm, classically dressed gent to a leather-clad, zip wiring thrill chaser!
THE TRUTH ABOUT BEING A POLICE DETECTIVE
Crime dramas like Happy Valley make for gripping TV, but how close are they to reality? DCI Fiona Wynne of North Yorkshire Police reveals all...
MY NEIGHBOUR TO BURN ME ALIVE
Faced with an inferno, Laura Wiggins, 53, only had only one option
HELD HOSTAGE BY MY EX
Rhianon Bragg is living in fear after the ex-partner who terrorised her was released from prison
SALON NAILS at home
Nail a DIY manicure with our easy and affordable step-by-step guide
YOUR SPEEDY SHAPE-UP
Put off your new season slimdown and now in a panic? This clever plan promises fast results
ARE YOU TOO STRESSED TO SLEEP?
Avoid restless nights with these calming tips to help you nod off