Gender
Female
About
Location
Austin, TX
Birthday:
November 15
Relationship Status:
Single
About Me:
I have had vitiligo for 7 years. It started out as a couple of spots on my legs. The doctors tried treating it as fungus at first but since I am in the medical field myself I knew better. The first derm I went to said it was eczema. When I questioned his opinion and asked for a biopsy, he turned me down. I went to another derm and asked right away if it was vitiligo, and he confirmed. I started crying right away. I asked for him to biopsy and he said it is not needed but sure. That is the kind of provider all doctors should be like. Of course it said it lacked melanocytes and per the discretion of the provider to confirm. He tried steroids, that didn't work. As the spots started to appear in other areas he sent to me to another derm that had a PUVA machine. WORST DECISION I EVER MADE!!! 6 spots turned into 40% of my body in the matter of 2 months because of the damage caused from the drying and peeling. I have tried allopathic and naturopathic measures, most a waste of time and a lot of money. I did my undergrad project (over a year of research) on the history of vitiligo and most the treatments, so I feel I am quite knowledgeable with the the disorder. I also have a BS in Integrative medicine and still going to school to get my RN to DNP. I would like to connect with others like me in regards to support, treatment, friendship,etc. I am open to questions if I can answer them, as well as open to any treatments I am unaware of. I am glad to have found this website as I really don't know anyone else that suffers from this condition. It definitely is a life changer. I have not shown my legs in public in over 6 years and just starting to show my arms. I have not been in the sun for just as long (I use to be on swim team and a beach bum so that has been very hard) so my skin has become light enough that I am not as self-conscious about my arms as I was. I hope this website helps me to find more confidence as I have lost it over the years due to this awful disorder.
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Hello Shauna, beautiful photo. My name is Lena. I have initiated a campaign, "Redefining Beauty" since the definition for beauty is so narrow. I have a handbag line "INVINCIBLE" that will feature people like yourself who embody strength and courage while facing adversities. I would like for you to check out my two topics that start with "Redefining Beauty" on the forum. After reading the write up, I really hope that you will be interested in joining the team. This is not an attempt to exploit or garner sympathy or empathy, but to spread awareness, address bullying, educate and share wonderful stories in your own words. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks Lena
BELATED HELLO AND WELCOME TO VITILIGO FRIENDS!!!!!!
This is a place to talk free about Shauna :)
Hello and Welcome !!!! Glad you joined our group !!!! :) :) :)
Hey Shauna welcome