Alopecia part 4

About six weeks ago I told you we took Ava back to a third dermatologist hoping for a better prognosis for her head. This doctor was pretty optimistic that a certain wart treatment would have the side effect of hair growth, and had apparently worked wonders in several of her patients. They tested a small area on her arm with a strong dose with the intent of "desensitizing" her before putting it on her scalp three weeks later. I was told to expect a "poison ivy-like" reaction. This is what we got instead: (I felt horrible!)

It's taken me this long to want to blog about it. Needless to say, we didn't go back for the scalp treatment. (You'll have to click the picture and look closely at her left upper arm to see the scar in the second photo):

A friend highly recommended a homeopathic doctor specializing in endocrinology instead, so I took her there, hoping to find the root of the problem. Three weeks ago we went and this is what happened:

The saliva test, which I'm told is more accurate than a blood test, indicated that her body systems are functioning normally: thyroid, liver, kidney. When we came to the hormone/emotion part, everything was off. The test showed she has experienced "emotional trauma, child neglect, child abandonment, stress, overstimulation, frustration". That and she tested positive for a bacteria which the doctor said is very common for kids adopted from Eastern Europe. How weird is this? I am still not exactly sure how I feel about homeopathy, but I have to say I was very impressed with this saliva test. If anyone can explain to me how it works I would be fascinated to hear more about it. From what I understand the saliva contains a blueprint of every chemical the body produces in response to certain conditions, traumas, etc. It even told us she had a bruise on her head recently without knowing I had slipped and fallen while holding her a few weeks before while walking up my porch steps in the ice storm, leaving a bruise on the back of Ava's head!! (Weird.) So I am giving her homeopathic supplements for awhile to stabilize the stress hormones. No guarantees it will grow her hair back, of course but if it will help her emotional adjustment, it is worth it to me.

So there you have it, Chapter 4 of the ongoing saga of the Bald Beauty.

Meanwhile, a blog reader sent these beautiful bows, hats and headbands for Ava. She finally kept one on today long enough today not only for the picture but also all the way to school! Making progress. Thank you Shannon from Cary Hairbows!!! Please check out her amazing creations on her blog.