One step forward (i hope)

So the last 24 hours have been pretty productive in terms of my trich. I think writing about it really did help since it motivated me to stick with what I posted and talk to my sister and friend just like I mentioned. I'm pretty proud of myself for the follow through and the fact that I have not pulled a single hair since Sunday night (and i'll attribute Sundays "slip" to my Jets losing- damn you Colts). We are now almost 2 days and counting.

Not only did I talk to my fabulous sister (who was supportive as always- which really helped me continue the productivity) but I also sent an email to Danielle (who today sent me back an incredibly supportive email). Both have agreed to check in on my progress regularly so that I am forced to step out of my comfort zone and talk more about my trich (as well as become accountable to more people for my ups and downs). The progress didnt stop there.

I did some research online and decided to explore some new avenues. I'm not sure I believe that something as strong and all encompassing as trich can be controlled by a diet cutting out caffeine and sugar (and really, those are 2 of my favorite things- how would I function without my 2 large starbucks each day?) Looks like some people really believe it works but I think, for now, this just isnt the answer for me.......

I then placed calls to 2 hypnosis centers, signed up for an online message board to get some new ideas about trich, and called a behavioral therapist to get some more information. Very skeptical about the hypnosis but I'm seriously at the point where I'll consider anything (although it is kind of expensive and I have MASSIVE law school loans that are hard enough to pay right now). That said, I would LOVE to hear peoples experiences, good or bad, with hypnosis because I'll find a way to come up with the money if people think its worth it. (talk more about hypnosis tomorrow or later this week).

Next, I called my mom and we spoke about it for the first time in years. Turns out my mom had more of a struggle then I thought (or she previously told me)- she said she had it for a few years but stopped (1) after she finally pulled them all out, (2) by changing all her habits (she mostly pulled while in bed and would force herself to get up), and (3) by pulling at a koosh ball instead (remember these?) It was hard at first relating to her since I dont think she could comprehend the extent of my trich and I found myself getting a little defensive. But after we hung up the phone, she called me back a few times with suggestions and info she had found from doing some online research of her own- that meant a lot.

One of the places she had found online was a place called the Advanced Behavioral Health LLP which is above Grand Central Station- seems like they deal quite a bit with trich patients so I also left them a message requesting more information on their treatment options (i've been playing phone tag with them all day).

At the very least, I'm feeling a renewed sense of confidence that there are options. Telling friends and family that are very supportive also make it so much easier to continue this path of openness and give me confidence to tell other friends and family. I know I wont always feel this positive and good about beating my disease but for now, I'm just going to go with it and hope that anyone that reads this feels that they also have options.

Reason #3 to stop: Pictures/closeups which seem to make the lack of eyelashes that much more apparent.

Reason #4 to stop: Camping/outdoor excursions- (I LOVE the outdoors but always hold back on going on trips where I know I will be around others but will have to come up with an excuse as to why i'm fixing my make up on a nature hike!)