Covid Hair Loss

I am blessed to have a lot of hair. It’s coarse and thick. My hair dresser swears it grows while she’s cutting it. It has always been healthy and recently, I have been letting it grow long. Next to my health, my hair is one of my favorite gifts from God.

I had a mild case of Covid back in July. I say “mild” because I was only sick and feverish one day.

It is now October and my hair is falling out!

When I mention it to other ladies around my age, they will say “oh yea, my hair sheds too”, or “It’s just hormones”. No. This is different. 

Now I’m gonna get a little personal here:

(not for the squeamish)

My hair actually comes out in handfuls in the shower. I can see and feel strands of hair running down my body as I rinse through my hair. It’s gross! It will just continue coming out util I finally just stop touching it and get out and wrap it in a towel for a few minutes. After I blow dry my hair, I will have to clean up another handful of hair off the bathroom floor. It’s devastating and leaves me in tears. This has gone on now for at least 4 weeks. I first thought it was from wearing hair ties so I started using hair sticks or claw clips to hold my hair back. 

If I were to measure wads of hair I lose each shower or brushing, I think it would be a cup full when normally I lose maybe a tablespoon amount. 

Just running my fingers through my hair in the shower, this is what I get each time. 

(Told ya it was gross) The bathhouse shower at the beach adds a special touch haha.

And this is more.. This is a photo after one shower. This has gone on for weeks.

Imagine losing this much every day. It freaks me out. 

 

This phenomenon is called “telogen effluvium”. 

I am afraid I will start seeing baldness if this continues. I think I have already lost 30% of my hair. I would almost say 50% but I will let my hairdresser determine the percentage when I go see her again at the end of the week. I may not have any other choice but to cut my hair to a shorter length just so it will look more evened out and fuller. 

I read that this can continue for a month or three months. I may need to go wig shopping. Seriously, This is scary! 

What am I doing about it? Well other than just letting it run its course, I have purchased some Pumpkin Seed Oil for hair growth. Crossing my fingers it works. I read on a hair loss group I follow, that this is a really good supplement to take and also has other health benefits. 

I also purchased a scalp massager to promote a healthy scalp and help with hair growth as well. 

I need all your prayers that this will end soon. My hair feels so thin now and do not know how much more I can take. Luckily, I have thick hair and still have a lot to lose. 

Have you or do you know someone who is suffering the same condition? 

(Note: I can’t blame it on the vaccine because I have never been vaccinated and never plan to). 

This condition is attacking those who have and haven’t been vaccinated all the same. 

The Vaccine

I’m getting really tired of hearing about that dern vaccine. I enjoy social media but it seems everyone is attacking everyone over a vaccine. I have had friends ‘unfriend’ me over political views, mask mandates and now vaccine choice. I think all of this should be part of our freedom and no one should be shunned or made fun of for their choice.

 

I have made my choice not to get vaccinated. I do not have a political reason for not taking the vaccine. It’s a personal health choice for me. I am afraid that one day they will force people to have the vaccine to keep their jobs or get a job. When that time comes, I will have to make a choice, but until it’s forced on me, I will say no. 

People say I’m being selfish because of my choice. No. I am not selfish and I truly believed that if all this mask and vaccines worked I would comply. I have enough since to keep my distance from people and take extra precautions about touching things. If I would ever feel feverish or sick, I would stay home and away from others. I’m a germaphobe like this anyway. 

You say non vaccinated people are selfish, we say people that say these things are selfish. It can go on back and forth all day. No one is right and no one is wrong. I just simply do not want to take the vaccine for health reasons and trust concerns too. I know people that have passed away within weeks of taking the vaccine. There is no proof that the vaccine was the cause of death but those that have died with covid have no proof it was from covid either. I’ll take my chances. 

I work hard to stay healthy. I have not been to the doctor for a cold in 3 years. If I make to December, It will be 4 years since I have had a cold. I never get a flu a shot either. I only remember getting the flu once in my life. I do not take any medicines other than a Tylenol for a head ache or joint pain. I eat healthy and take my vitamins. Why would I want to put an unknown, newly created, half approved so called experimental vaccine into my body? I need proof it works. I want to see the effects it has both short term and long term. Why is that selfish? Why should I be punished for staying healthy?

People say “well you took other vaccines when you were a baby and your fine”. Well it took years to approve those vaccines and they worked! It wiped out the disease (or virus) with one shot. You didn't have to keep taking a booster every year because of a new variant and they were not created or approved within a few months in the middle of a political debate or crisis.

I believe if you think you need to take the vaccine, then you should take it. But if you don’t want to take the vaccine then it’s your choice. If you have taken the vaccine, you shouldn’t have to worry about catching the virus, right? 

My daily vitamins include: D3, Zinc, Calcium, Heliocare, Magnesium, Turmeric. 

Mask

There seems to be a lot of controversy about wearing mask. Some people are so afraid of catching covid, they will wear them in their own homes. Some people will half way wear them and then some refuse to wear them at all. I see people arguing with others about their choice all day long and it is ridiculous. 

If you want my opinion, I do not believe the mask work in preventing the spread of this virus. They could eliminate some germs from others but I still believe social distancing and washing your hands and surfaces are the best remedy. I feel like the mask mandate is a way the government is trying to control us. But thats just me. 

I actually have my mask with me everywhere I go. If I have to wear it to get in the door, so be it. I will put it on not to cause any controversy. Usually once I am in the store I will drop the mask off one ear and carry on with my shopping. It’s my right. However, if I am in an area of the store where several people are around me, I will simply put my mask back on out of respect. I do respect others concerns for their own health. If I unfortunately catch the virus, I will stay at home and hope and pray I get though it. 

Why has no one wanted to wear a mask during flu season? Again, during flu season I take extra precautions on touching my face and keeping my hands washed. But still, why not a mask? 

No matter what someone chooses to do, why is it anyone else business? Why do you feel its your place to scold those for not wearing a mask or to make fun of those that choose to wear a mask? I see this happening every day on social media. If you are afraid to be around someone not wearing a mask, simply avoid them. If someone chooses to wear a mask, respect their decision. 

Speaking of mask, check out this hand made card I created for my Etsy shop the other day. Cute huh?

New Normal?

“Welcome to the new normal” or “Be prepared for the new normal”.

I am hearing that a lot lately and I’m not on board. 

Maybe I don’t want a “new normal.”

When I hear that phrase, it makes me think people are accepting the way things are right now and willing to just live with it. 

I don’t think we should give up so easy.

Not that I liked the “old normal”, I mean, that didn’t really work for me either. 

Why can’t we strive to make a “better normal?” 

Who wants to wear an unnecessary mask everywhere they go? (Don’t get me started on that!) 

Who wants to have to worry about where their next dollar is coming from?

We need a better normal or just go back to how things were. I don’t know.

But I refuse to make this mess we are going through right now a “new normal”.

It sucks.

I see you- An Open Letter To Grocery Workers

Dear grocery workers,

I see you. You did not have that friendly smile on your face today as you were ringing up my groceries. It’s ok. I can only imagine your life right now. Though I fuss and cuss that I do not have a job to go to, I would not want to be in your shoes right now. 

You are essential. However, I do not see your titles in the headlines of the observer or news. I do not see businesses offering you free shoes to wear or free meals. Instead, I see customers arguing with you for not having an item in stock. I also notice the only thing protecting you from customers is a piece of plexiglass the size of a computer screen. 

I see you working endless hours filling orders for grocery deliveries and curb side pickup because others are afraid to risk their health while you are sacrificing yours.

Your hair is a mess and you simply did not feel like applying make up or shaving today. I get it. You are working overtime so everyone can go home to their families and pack their cupboards. You are tired, yet you are not complaining or asking for handouts.

You didn’t ask for this. You did not get up one day and say “I want to be a grocery store clerk”. No, you took a job because you needed an income. Your pay is on the lower end of the scale and you probably live paycheck to pay check. You had no idea you would one day be on the front lines of a pandemic war with a virus claimed to be so contagious that they shut down Churches, schools, beaches, and dental offices.

You come face to face with every person in the town not knowing if they are carrying a virus or a cold. 

I pray for you and all other essential workers every day. You sacrifice your health so others can stay safe. You are appreciated.

Thanks for all you do.

We see you.

Mask Extenders

The world is so weird right now. I have so many mixed feeling toward this pandemic, quarantines , closings and social distancing.

I still think its 40% contagious and 60% political. None of this makes since to me. I have never seen the world jump so fast on shutting down. 

But that’s just me. Just in case, I still take precautions and urge others to do so too. Rules are rules.

Do you have a mask yet? I purchased a few mask for my household from a neighbor. Each one in different prints just to be fun. I never knew face mask would make a fashion statement.

 

My mom just completed several mask too. They were all donated to healthcare groups. She also made a few for other family members.

I had people contact me about making some mask extenders for the nurses in the ER. The elastic straps on their mask that fit around their ears are becoming irritating and their ears are taking the toll. These little straps fit around the back of their head usually over a pony tail and the elastic can button to it leaving the ears free from strain. 

So, I made a few for the ER nurses here in town. I received a message yesterday that they were very grateful for them as they have been a big help in relief. 

Now I have been working on creating more incase anyone else needs them. Its’s all I could do with the buttons I had. I have resources for more buttons if needed. 

So far I have not been over run by them so it’s been relaxing to sit and crochet. This also gives me something to use up my scraps of cotten yarn. 

What are some things keeping you busy while your staying in?

It’s Different Here

We packed the Ford Escape (aka Betty) and headed to the beach. Before we got out of the drive way, a little bird was flapping around the hood of the car in a frantic. Nick said “I bet she has a nest under the hood”. Sure enough, she did.

We hated to do it, but we destroyed the eggless nest and went on our way.

We got wind that the county would be making everyone stay home, so we got out while we could. We wanted to stay at our “other home” since it had a better view. We still practiced our safe distancing. We carefully filled the tank with gas not to touch the grip bare handed. We have kept our hands washed and make sure to sanitize our hands constantly.

We were able to stop at our half way point near Darlington got take a pit stop. They have clean restrooms. We also grabbed some fresh veggies and some Angel food cake. 

The roads were clear with only minimal traffic. That was nice. Once we go to our camper and set everything up, we headed out for a walk. It was quite.

It felt odd and strange.

I get up every morning and have breakfast then walk out to the beach for some quiet time with Jesus and coffee. 

(This cute cup was a surprise gift from Jean at “bjsweetnothings” blog)

There are usually lots of people out, but not this time. It’s just so different here. Sort of a weird vibe. This is normally a busy time of the year. Everyone is behaving, minding there own business and keeping their distance. I’m not complaining though. I actually like it. Throwing up a hand wave and a smile with everyone is fine with me. 

We have been able to get curb side or carry out food from our favorite restaurants and have a stock of food in the camper to get us by for a while. The grocery stores are still open but we are trying to avoid going. We can smell the grills cooking all around the campground. We will be doing some grilling out too. 

We did a lot of walking and tomorrow morning I will be running a 5k...Alone. This is an event I registered and paid for in my home town, but it got cancelled due to this crazy pandemic. They ask that we all do it on our own and turn in our times. What a better place to do it than here at the beach. 

I’ll let you all know how I did in my next post. Wish me luck. I’m not really prepared for running and I’m still sore from a workout I did at home last week.

Handling Social Distancing

I never thought I would live in a world where we would have to keep a 6 foot distance from people. But actually, I’m ok with that. I’m not real fond of people walking on my heels or breathing down my neck anyway. If I can hear you breathe or smell your cologne, then it’s to close for comfort for me. However, I never usually turn down a hug, no matter who it is.

Businesses are closing, so I feel so sorry for the employees. 

I know the feeling of panic setting in when there is no income. 

I know what it’s like to all of a sudden not to get up and go to a job you did for many years.

At least most people out of work can enjoy some time off, because they know they still have a job waiting for them when this crises ends. I on the other hand have lost hope in finding a job while this pandemic is going on. 

Restaurants are closed and only allowing curbside service or takeouts. We ended up with takeout Saturday night. This is still safe to do! Covid-19 is not found in foods. It attacks the respiratory system through contact with an infected person through cough, sneezes or droplets then touched on your face or in the air. 

If you get take out, make sure to tip them. It’s not the waitresses or cooks decision to close and they are all in this with us. 

Schools are closed leaving it up to the parents to home school their children. Some children are not safe at home. Some schools are closed for the rest of the year which interferes with sports and graduations. Keep the kids in mind. They are struggling and stressed like everyone else. As far as I know, teachers will continue to get paid. 

Churches are closing. I had to listen to my pastor give his sermon through facebook live. 

It was nice, but not the same. If your church is closed, remember churches still need tithes to keep the bills paid. We have drop off times at our church for those that wish to give or mail it in. 

We went to the grocery store today for our weekly shopping. There was no one hardly shopping and the shelves were bare. No bread, eggs, or milk.

Toilet paper was still gone but luckily we have enough to get us by a few weeks or so. As I turned the corner and saw more bare and broken shelves, I almost lost it and my eye filled with tears. It was so sad how life can change so quickly. There was not even any dry beans left, and what is Lentils?

We got enough foods to get us through a week or so. Hopefully we can go down to the beach soon, so we do not need to stock up too much. 

It’s not really all that bad around here, It’s just different. 

The good thing about this social distancing thing is that families might now eat together around the table. Parents can teach their children new things around the house like cooking, creating, cleaning and yard work. Dads can show their kids how to change the oil in a car or change a tire. 

Makes me think of the olden days. We are just back to the simple life for now and that’s not such a bad thing.

Hope everyone reading this is doing ok and you all are in my prayers!

St. Patricks Day☘️

Hope everyone had a nice St. Patricks Day.

In the wake of the Corona virus pandemic, they announced for North Carolinians to stay in and not go any place where there are groups of more than 10 people. 

All resteraunts have closed their doors for dining. They are keeping drive thrus open and you can call in orders for pick up.

Stores are now closing their doors to shoppers and are asking everyone to shop online and pick up at the stores. This all seems so weird. 

The weather was cool and misty during Most of the day. I was feeling bored, so I decided to make the best of St. Patricks Day by baking some green sugar cookies. 

They were delicious and were prefect for an afternoon snack. 

My house was smelling great as the aroma of the Corned beef brisket was drifting from the crock pot. It had to slow cook for 8 hours. We sat down to enjoy our traditional St. Patricks Day meal with corned beef and cabbage. I made a side of horseradish sauce for dipping. 

My daughter will usually come and enjoy St. Patricks Day dinner with us but with everything going on, we didn’t decide to cook until the last minute and she had forgotten it was even St. Patricks Day. We also hated to call her home in the chaos. We will be seeing her on Thursday as we go help her get moved into her new apartment. We are taking her some cookies. 

Guess who else was in the St. Patricks Day mood and put on their green coat?

Loui!

Loui is a lizard that lives in my shutters. He comes out for a chat when the temperatures are above 50. He will even let me pet him. He has been dark skinned all month until today. He decided to turn into a leprechaun.

Funny story: I walked out the other day and said “hey Loui” and three more lizards popped out of the shutters. Now I do not know which one is the real Loui and neither do they. Haha. 

How I Feel About it

There are no statistics or proven fact in this post. It is simply my own opinion. 

This Corona Virus (COVID-19) is all I have heard about on the media and news lately. Should it be taken serious? Yes, but here is how I feel about it. 

I am not worried about getting this virus any more than I worry about getting the flu. However, I could as easily get it as anyone. 

People are going crazy and going into panic. Why? Because the media is playing this thing up. I personally think it’s just another political plot and something for media to thrive on. 

The flu is killing way more people than this new Corona virus. To my understanding, It’s contracted the same way. Through being in contact with someone who has a fever and/or coughs close around you.

I am a somewhat a germ phoebe anyway, so I am always taking precautions. I keep my hands washed, I do not touch door handles, rails or buggy handles with my bare hands. If I have to, then I always have sanitizer. This does not mean I will not catch a virus or cold but it helps. Knock on wood, I have not been sick with a virus or cold in three years. Not to say other things haven't ailed me. 

It has crossed my mind many times that this is some sort of warfare test from another country, just to see how we would react in a crisis. So far the world has gone into a panic. Here in the US, we have closed schools, events, towns, churches and even Disney World. How can you close Disney World? This is with only a tiny percentage of people that have tested positive. You would think the sky is fixing to fall. People need to chill out and stop being manipulated by the media and politicians.

I still can’t figure out why toilet paper has become the biggest need during this crisis? Toilet Paper!!! Fortunately, we always stay stocked up on it, but this is just a luxury. Seriously. We have running water and washcloths. We can survive without toilet paper if we have to.

This is what our Walmart toilet paper isle looked like this week.

(Photo taken by my sweet friend)

Why is no one making food as much of a necessity? It snows and people buy up all the bread and milk. We have a pandemic and everyone needs toilet paper!?! 

I really hope everyone stays safe. Keep away from sick people and refrain from hugging or shaking hands for a few weeks. If you are sick or feel like your coming down with something, please stay away from public places as much as you can. There are elderly and babies that may have low immune systems and have the hardest time fighting off any sickness. 

I pray that everyone that contracts this virus or any other sickness has a fast recovery. I also pray for those who or have family in quarantine. I also hope people will go about their normal activities without living in fear. This too will pass.