I had proctocolectomy surgery, removing my large bowel completely. Since then, I've been noticing more hair shedding than I ever have. It's possible that it is just genetics, being a 39-year-old male, but I don't know. I read the large bowel's job is to absorb water and nutrients, keeping the body hydrated.
Maybe my scalp is dry because it's not getting hydrated anymore?
Any thoughts?
Trauma can cause temporary hair loss. So if your surgery was recent, that might be a reason.
Although, in my case, I think my hair thinned and didn't recover. Or maybe I'm just getting old. Lol
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My surgery was on May 2nd, so it was 6 months ago. I'm not sure if it's from the trauma of the surgery, me getting older, or the loss of my large bowel dehydrating me.
Members here have noted hair loss due to trauma, anesthesia, and meds.
It's real. You being 39, don't think it's from old age; however, can it be genetic? Does your family have a history of hair loss at a young age?
Supplements and shampoos are available, but I think, for you, it might be from surgery. Not to worry. Hair comes back after surgery...just takes time. Avoid hair dryers if you can.
Hi, what Susan and Warrior said: trauma, stress, or anesthesia can cause hair loss. A few weeks after my last surgery, my hair also fell out significantly. To be precise, I had surgery in March, and my hair started falling out in June. But then I also have to mention that I had COVID in January and a stomach virus in February. My hair loss was so severe that I had it cut very short. My hair is now healthy again.
G-Day Milhouse,
It could be either trauma or age, but keeping hydrated is very important once you lose your colon. And not just 2 liters plus a day, but with electrolytes.
Regards, IGGIE
My colostomy surgery was last February, and beginning in June of last year, my hair began falling out. A lot. This continued for about 6 months and gradually stopped. I did not take supplements, but some do. I do think it was from the anesthesia and trauma from this surgery.
I have had many surgeries and never experienced hair loss like this. I was, however, very sick 🤢 after my colostomy surgery for quite a few weeks and never experienced that before, so I'm guessing that's part of the reason. Your hair will grow back if it is due to anesthesia/surgical trauma. Mine finally did.
I went through four surgeries in a two-year time frame, and my hair was falling out like never before. After things calmed down, it stopped. I'm sure that's all it is in your case.
Terry
Not able to comment on the reason for dry scalp and hair loss but can offer some advice. I lost my hair during chemo, and my scalp became sore. I started using rosemary oil/cream each day (make sure it's for hair and scalp - Amazon). It made a huge difference. Much better than harsh chemicals, and it smells nice! Hope this helps 🤓
Check your labs, especially ferritin; it has to be in the higher range to stop the shedding (at least for me, once I stop taking iron supplements, I shed as much as my dog). They will check your zinc, thyroid….
If you excluded alopecia, you can use anti-fall topical treatments like Isidin or Elvive Fall Defense. I used minoxidil for a while too, but this is preferred to be with a doctor.
If you think it's a hydration issue, are you staying hydrated? Drinking lots of water and electrolyte drinks? It's important to keep drinking because you do lose a lot of fluids through your ostomy. It can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can be a problem for your kidneys as well. Do you know the signs of dehydration? If not, look it up. I lose a lot of hair too. Every time I shower, I get out and brush my hair, and tons of hair come out. Then I dry my hair, and tons more hair comes out. I am not sure why, as I have had my ostomy for nearly 3 years. I think it's because I wear a ponytail much of the time to keep my hair from getting in the way when I empty my bag. I don't think that is probably an issue for you being a male. But I can't presume. Maybe you have long hair. Anyway, you can take a hair growth supplement if you are concerned about hair loss. There are many products out there.
Oh my gosh yes, my hair is falling out so freaking fast. I had emergency colorectal surgery back in June due to blockage from a large polyp, and they found a cancerous nodule. All was removed successfully, but I ended up with a colostomy. Big surprise for me, and it's taking me a while to get used to setting a routine for myself with self-care and all that acceptance of my situation. I have found a good GI doc that I have faith in, and he has done a second colonoscopy two weeks ago, and I haven't heard any negative feedback from him, so I'm assuming all is well. He won't do a reversal any less than 6 months, so I still have a little ways to go here and keeping my fingers crossed that when the time comes, everything will be in line to do that. I don't know what I would do if it had to be a permanent colostomy. I just know those of you who have to live the rest of your life have the best life that you could live under these circumstances. So my comment was originally about hair falling out, and my blood work came back where I was severely vitamin D deficient. My primary doctor told me to get on vitamin D, so I'm taking D3. I don't get much sun because here in Arizona you couldn't be out in the sun during the summer, but now that it's cooling off a bit, I've been trying to get out a little more. I haven't seen any change in hair loss since I've taken vitamin D 4 months ago, but reading other people's comments here, I agree that probably stress and the surgery and all the chemicals from procedures are contributing big time to my hair loss. I used to have nice thick semi-curly hair, and now it's so thin and straight that neither a barrette nor ponytail elastic stays in my hair. I have to mention that I am 74 years old and up to now have had several surgeries, but not for internal health reasons. I consider myself pretty strong health-wise, so I know I'll get through this too. It's good to hear that hair will regrow after all the procedures and surgeries and stress and chemicals are gone. I hope everybody has a good day and is able to do what they enjoy doing.
Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the input. I should get some lab work done for imbalances, I think. I have rosemary oil as a topical to keep my scalp healthy. My surgeon believes it's the shock of the surgery and will resolve with time. I'm drinking lots of water and purchased electrolyte tablets as well.
Take care
Oh my gosh, me too! Ever since I came home from the hospital 2 months ago, my hair has been coming out a lot more than before. I'm hoping it's just a temporary response to the shock and stress of undergoing surgery and hospitalization. It's growing back too, which gives me hope! We're the same age, and shedding is also seasonal, so there's that part to remember too!
In August 2022, my mom had emergency surgery for a perforated colon. She was hospitalized for 30 days and had two surgeries during that time, and there were lots of complications and setbacks while in the hospital.
In November 2022, her hair started to thin, and by December, she lost most of her hair and wore a wig. We contacted her doctor, who said it was from the stressful events she experienced. Mom started to use shampoo and conditioner for hair thinning along with a hair serum. She took biotin, and her hair grew back very quickly! I was amazed.
Good luck to you. I hope your hair grows back quickly like my mom's.