This topic is about dealing with hair loss after colostomy surgery, particularly when anemia is also a concern. If you've recently had colostomy surgery and are noticing more hair on your furniture, in the shower, or around the house, you're not alone. Here are some insights and advice from others who have been in a similar situation:
- It's quite common to experience hair shedding after major abdominal or ostomy surgery. Many people report losing about a third to half of their hair around 2-3 months post-surgery. The good news is that this shedding usually stops, and hair regrowth begins within another 1-2 months.
- Anemia can make hair loss worse. Addressing low iron or vitamin B12 levels can often help improve the situation.
- When it comes to iron supplements, some people have found success by taking a standard oral iron tablet every other day for about two months. This approach helped resolve anemia without causing constipation or blockages. Another person noted that while their output was thicker, it didn't lead to an obstruction.
- For those with pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 injections are commonly recommended. It's a good idea to consult with a physician and check out resources like the Pernicious Anaemia Society website for more information.
- Some have found a multinutrient regimen helpful for supporting hair health. One person used quick-dissolve tablets that taste pleasant and melt in the mouth, containing Biotin, B12plus, Zinc, and Vitamin C/Iron. They tried brands like Barimelts and EZ Melts, starting about two months after surgery. By the third month, their hair shedding stopped, and new "baby hairs" began to appear.
- It's also important to consider other factors that might contribute to hair loss, such as stress, overall nutritional status, and any undiagnosed vitamin or mineral deficiencies. If hair loss seems excessive or continues, basic lab tests are recommended to rule out these possibilities.
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