Serious Crisis - Hair Questions

[Amerie]

Hello Ladies:

I have a question that I am hoping that someone can help me with. Back in September I got sick and was in the hospital for about a month. During that time I had a delicate kidney surgery and was on antibiotics intravenously for a month and orally for two months after. Well physically I have recovered, but my hair is coming out by the pound and I don't know what to do.

My hair was in braids when I was in the hospital. I took it out and hooked it up when I came home. It was a little thick but fine. I got a touch up and it was fine. A few weeks later my hair started coming out. I braided it in big cornrows and box braids to give it a rest but it made it worse. My hair continues to come out. When I came home, my hair length was way past brastrap length down the middle of my back. Now it's like up to my shoulders. I was in tears today and I am really heartbroken because I put so much time and effort into caring for my hair and self.

I asked my doctor for prenatal pills to help stop the breakage and I am taking biotin 5mg and some folic acid. The only thing I am doing to my hair is washing it with Keracare, conditioning with Humecto and putting oil on my hair. Any suggestions? I read it was common for hair loss to result after surgery - has anyone else experienced this? I was literally in tears today because I am really at a loss. Any insight or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[RosesBlack]

Are you taking a good multivitamin too? A lot of people lose a lot of hair after major surgery. It's kind of your body's way of going WTH is going on here.

I've lost hair after major illnesses and I lost a lot after all three surgeries I've had. The best thing you can do is get yourself healthy and give your body time to heal. HTH.

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

I don't have any advice that I think would help. I just wanted to give you a It'll be ok.

 

[anniev2]

amerie, i'm sorry 2 hear about your surgery but i'm glad you are making a recovery. Now let's talk about hair...

one of the first things i learned here is that on a basic level, depending on the hair, it needs a balance of moisture and protein. here are some useful articles from a LHCF member, sistaslick about this

http://www.associatedcontent.com/ar...hedding_or_breakage_understanding.html?cat=69

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/278612/the_fine_art_of_protein_and_moisture.html?cat=69

i've also read that garlic supplements are helpful with shedding.

is your diet protein rich or have your eating habits changed b/c of the surgery? what about your stress levels?

 

[nakialovesshoes]

Another member that I think had hair fallout due to medical issues was rhapsdyblu. Here's a link to a post of her progress. She's truly an inspiration (& a nice lady, too). U may want 2 PM her.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?p=5524933&highlight=#post5524933

 

[GoldenBreeze]

I totally understand. Each time I go through a major flare with Lupus, I have problems with my hair.

IV, injectable, and oral antibiotics are notorious for causing major shedding. It is important to take a deep breath, and know that your hair WILL regain health and start to grow again. One thing that works for me is the Alter Ego Garlic Hot Oil/Conditioner. Don't worry, it smells great. Before I learned about that, here on LHCF, I used to infuse oils with fresh green garlic. That doesn't smell as great, but I stops the shedding just as well. Keifer really helps my intestines get back in balance, after medication overload. I've just made it a habit of drinking some everyday.

HTH, please try not to be so upset, because that can add to the problem. No more.

Take care, and be well.

 

[Amerie]

Are you taking a good multivitamin too? A lot of people lose a lot of hair after major surgery. It's kind of your body's way of going WTH is going on here.

I've lost hair after major illnesses and I lost a lot after all three surgeries I've had. The best thing you can do is get yourself healthy and give your body time to heal. HTH.

Thank you so much for responding. I am taking a good multivitamin my doctor prescribed. I think I agree with you - my body is reacting to the medical issues. I am really dedicating myself to stay stress free and work on my health. I have some time off to be able to do that. I am glad that you have come through your medical issues as well. Thank you again for sharing.

 

[Amerie]

I don't have any advice that I think would help. I just wanted to give you a It'll be ok.

Aw. Right back at you girl! I appreciate it - thank you so much!

 

[gissellr78]

I totally understand. Each time I go through a major flare with Lupus, I have problems with my hair.

IV, injectable, and oral antibiotics are notorious for causing major shedding. It is important to take a deep breath, and know that your hair WILL regain health and start to grow again. One thing that works for me is the Alter Ego Garlic Hot Oil/Conditioner. Don't worry, it smells great. Before I learned about that, here on LHCF, I used to infuse oils with fresh green garlic. That doesn't smell as great, but I stops the shedding just as well. Keifer really helps my intestines get back in balance, after medication overload. I've just made it a habit of drinking some everyday.

HTH, please try not to be so upset, because that can add to the problem. No more.

Take care, and be well.

I second this advice...

The most important thing for you right now is your health dont worry or stress your hair.....but try garlic shampoo and the Alter ego garlic...is wonderful

 

[Amerie]

amerie, i'm sorry 2 hear about your surgery but i'm glad you are making a recovery. Now let's talk about hair...

one of the first things i learned here is that on a basic level, depending on the hair, it needs a balance of moisture and protein. here are some useful articles from a LHCF member, sistaslick about this

http://www.associatedcontent.com/ar...hedding_or_breakage_understanding.html?cat=69

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/278612/the_fine_art_of_protein_and_moisture.html?cat=69

i've also read that garlic supplements are helpful with shedding.

is your diet protein rich or have your eating habits changed b/c of the surgery? what about your stress levels?

anniev2,

Thank you so much for the articles - I am reading them now! I haven't had much of an appetite since I've been home. I pretty much am keeping up with the same bland diet I ate in the hospital. As far as stress goes - I'm taking it all in stride - pretty much stress free. I'm generallly a laid back, optomistic type of person. I have time off from life to recover. I just feel sad about my hair. Question, I am diabetic type II and they have me on insulin temporarily while I am recovering. I did some research and found no correlation with hair loss and lantus the brand I am taking. Still, do you think this could be a factor? Going to the health food store to get garlic supplements! Thanks again!

 

[BGT]

I would also avoid any direct heat at all (flat-ironing and blow-drying). That's bad for everyone but especially you because your hair is so delicate. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[Amerie]

Another member that I think had hair fallout due to medical issues was rhapsdyblu. Here's a link to a post of her progress. She's truly an inspiration (& a nice lady, too). U may want 2 PM her.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?p=5524933&highlight=#post5524933

Nakialovesshoes, thank you so very much, I'm checking it out now!

 

[Amerie]

I would also avoid any direct heat at all (flat-ironing and blow-drying). That's bad for everyone but especially you because your hair is so delicate. Hope you feel better soon.

Thank you. As a rule, I generally don't use much heat on my hair at all. I ususally do the Cathy Howse thing and wash my hair every few days,and air dry but you know I am afraid to do ANYTHING to it at all.

 

[Amerie]

I totally understand. Each time I go through a major flare with Lupus, I have problems with my hair.

IV, injectable, and oral antibiotics are notorious for causing major shedding. It is important to take a deep breath, and know that your hair WILL regain health and start to grow again. One thing that works for me is the Alter Ego Garlic Hot Oil/Conditioner. Don't worry, it smells great. Before I learned about that, here on LHCF, I used to infuse oils with fresh green garlic. That doesn't smell as great, but I stops the shedding just as well. Keifer really helps my intestines get back in balance, after medication overload. I've just made it a habit of drinking some everyday.

HTH, please try not to be so upset, because that can add to the problem. No more.

Take care, and be well.

Thank you so much for the information. I will try the Alter Ego Oil and Conditioner. Reading your post I thought back and realized that this isn't the first hair crisis I've had, just never to this magnitude. Tell me, do you make the keifer yourself or purchase it? I am sorry to hear that you have Lupus. I have a cousin who has it and I know how difficult and painful it can be. I am glad that you are so positive - you are very encouraging thank you. And I am really trying to stay positive as well and not stress. I am going to take some of the suggestions from here and get to work. Thanks again.

 

[Amerie]

Ladies, thank you all so very much. I feel so much better. I am off now to shop for some of these products! I will keep you posted on the progress.

Cheers!

 

[tarheelgurl]

I had surgery a long time ago and my hair fell out, broke off and everything else crazy. My doctors said that I just had to wait it out. My hairstylist back then wouldn't relax it either. It took some time but it finally got back on the right path.

My suggestion is try to keep it moisturized and drink lots of water to help flush out the meds.

 

[GoldenBreeze]

Thank you so much for the information. I will try the Alter Ego Oil and Conditioner. Reading your post I thought back and realized that this isn't the first hair crisis I've had, just never to this magnitude. Tell me, do you make the keifer yourself or purchase it? I am sorry to hear that you have Lupus. I have a cousin who has it and I know how difficult and painful it can be. I am glad that you are so positive - you are very encouraging thank you. And I am really trying to stay positive as well and not stress. I am going to take some of the suggestions from here and get to work. Thanks again.

I purchase the plain flavor keifer, and add fresh fruit and 1/2 to 1 tsp of organic raw honey. Thanks for you kind words. Lupus can be a bear, and has put me in the hospital many times. However, I'm just like the energizer bunny, I keep going, and going, and going. I'll keep good thoughts, and prayers going for you and your cousin.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Be sure to ask your doctor about adding protein to your diet since you had an issue with your Kidneys. Just be sure to run everything (foods and supplements) by your doctor(s) for his/her approval before you change your diet to be on the safe side.

I am so sorry to hear about your illness and your hair but it will definitely grow back when you get back in balance. Using topical garlic and sulfur will help with the shedding.