Hair Loss

One more question before I head to bed:) At 8 months post-op, I am still experiencing hair loss. It really peaked at around 3-4 months post-op and has slowed down some, but I am still losing more than normal. I have lots of tiny hairs growing back in... so no worries about regrowth. I just fear that all my old long hairs are going to fall out leaving me with a head full on short new sprigs of all different lengths. My pony tail is half the width of what it used to be:( I had really low protein levels around the time of surgery due to being malnourished from UC... not to mention being on Prednisone, Remicade and just the stress of surgery, recovery and being sick in general for a while before surgery.

Anyone have experience with hair loss? How long did it last?

Yes, my daughter had the samething. Hers started before sugery, she had her hair in pony tail and put her hands through it, I couldn't believe the hair that came out in her hands. Called the doctor and she said it was normal from her being so sick that even your hair gets sick. I know what you mean with the ponty tail not as full as it used to be. Her doctor recommended bioton she has been taking that. Three months post-op and now she can take a shower and the tub isn't full of her hair. Hers is also growing back. Hers just thinned out never lost any of her long hair. She had a couple of places where it was really thin. Could see some of her scalp. When she does pull it back you can see the baby hairs growing in.

Do I understand it right; that it is common to have a hefty phase of hair-loss after a collectomy? Or after a run of collitis? Because I had surgery in April and for the last month have been losing tons of hair all over the place, also have some short new hairs sticking out of my head. Looks frizzy. And a year ago the same thing happened after a flare and a round of cortisone. Is this really related to surgery?

I use a biotin b complex shampoo. Google it and buy it! it's in a blue bottle and only like $12 with shipping. Also taking biotin orally is good.

I've heard that hair is a little behind the body, since it's dead cells from your body. Don't worry if it takes a while. Your body has been through lots of trauma with sickness, medication, and surgery.

Blueglass- for a while after surgery I hardly had to shave my legs as the hair wasn't growing much. Still had to shave my underarms though. It is weird. Body, can I trade the underarm hair for some on my head please?!

     While on some meds with the UC, I did experience some thinning of my hair.  My hairdresser suggested Nioxin and it does work.  I use the shampoo and conditioner.  about 4-5 months post op my hair really starting falling out.  I noticed little bald spots  in places.  Thank God it was winter and I purchased a wig.  I went to the dermatologist with my husband in January and mentioned my hair problem to her.  She said it was from the anesthesia and it should start coming back in around April.  She was right on target...it did start coming back in April.  I no longer have any bald spots and my hair seems even thicker than before my illness!

     Blueglass...you mentioned the fact that the hair under your arms seems less.  I noticed you are 48 yrs old.  I believe it is hormonal.  When I went through the change, I was done with my period by age 44, the hair under my arms ceased growing altogether!  Wish the hair on my legs would ...lol.

I was just talking about this subject yesterday.  3/4months post op, I was horrified with my hair loss.  I was otherwise OK, hemoglobin still borderline low and platlets high, but OK and wasn't on meds.  I brushed my hair every few hours, the brush was full.  When I would take a shower, the dead hair would get tangled in with the others and couldn't brush/comb my hair out after due to tangles.  Couple times I had to cut my hair loose like when a child gets gum in her hair.  Also, all that hair in the tub and all over me was disguisting.  So, I would only wash my hair once a week.  Would pull on my hair and clumps in hand, even brushed my hair outdoors.  3 weeks later, I saw my primary physician for a follow-up and spoke my concern.  She told me it would just have to go through it's course.  But I told her that I would like to start taking extra Selenium (did this regarding the hair loss, which wasn't nearly this profound, after the birth of my 2 children) and Biotin.  She approved my suggestion and started taking them that day.  1 Week later improved drasticly.  I have always had very long, straight, full hair.  To loose 2/3 of it was amazing and the little new hair growth were spikey all over, my beautician had a hard time highlightening it.  12 months now, not full, new growth is about 4/5 inches, it's getting there and will get there for you too!!!

Hope the biotin helps quickly. That's really interesting, thanks. I eat a lot of eggs, that might have helped me avoid this complication.....

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I ate a lot of eggs before and after surgery, as it was one thing my body tolerated very well both with UC and then after the surgery plus I was trying to amp up my protein levels. Doesn't seem to have made a difference for me. Oh well. I will try the Biotin and see how it goes. It is reassuring to know it will grow back eventually.

It's usually a result of our sick bodies, meds and the effects of anesthesia and shock of surgery.

SZM glad the biotin is working. B-12 does wonders for growth, too.