Hi everyone!

I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience, or could shed some light.
I am about 1 yr. post TD, and have been off and on Cipro (although mostly off) since the operation because of a couple issues with Pouchitis. I had Pancreatitis also in June, which they could not find the cause of. Mind you, I hadnt had Cipro for a long time before those symptoms started, so we know it's not from medication.
Well, my hair had also fallen out for about 6 months prior to the operations, due to medications, and for a year after, do to the stress, meds, etc. It was growing back nicely, and all of a sudden-it's falling out again. I was in the hosptial in June (Pancreatitis), but didnt take anything that would cause that, and was only sidated for an endoscopy and pouchoscopy. Any ideas? It's been weeks and I'm getting rather depressed.

Thanks so much.

Hi Laurie,

It's not just meds and anaesthetic that can cause you to lose your hair. I start to lose mine if I have any gut problems. In fact I can usually predict if I'm going to be ill about a week before because of the hair loss. Any stress to the body can cause it.Your nails and hair are right down at the bottom of your body's priorities when you are unwell because it is using all it's resourses in the healing process. It will grow back in again, you just have to be patient, not that it's any consolation to you right now though.

Good luck and take care.

Shell

Shell,

Thanks so much for your reply. I understand, but just feel that I'm well enough that my body isnt in any "stress". From what I understand the loss can occur weeks after a stressful event. That is why I was trying to blame the Pancreatitis for it (at least that gave me piece of mind). I havent been that bad in any other way, that it would be a "stressful event" on my body. Oh well. I guess there will be nothing to do, but wait, as you said.

Thanks again.

Laurie, it is not the pancreatitis, which is caused mostly by medical reaction(three attacks here!), alcohol or something with the gallbladder.

I like Shell's answer-most likely is stress. I think anyone who goes through what we went through, and are going through to a large extent, is more stressful than we realize or want to admit.

Laurie,
after a rather stressful year and 4 major procedures in 10 months I found my luxurious mane looking like a rat's tail...holes in my scalp where my hair used to be!
I got a little info from various sources and discovered that 'head and shoulders' is a great way to stop the fall out and encourage the regrowth...something to do with the zinc in the formula....it can not hurt to try it. I now have my (not quite but almost) fabulous mane back again!
Sharon

Hi Laurie,
I had this problem around the time of my surgery, and my PCP suggested I take a biotin supplement. I have been taking it since then, and my hair is thicker and shinier than ever before!!!! I most likely had a deficiency, which causes the hair to fall out, and the nails to be brittle and peel. Good luck!

My hair falls out everytime I have a surgery. Not really sure of the cause but now I know it happens. I remember the first time I was diagnosed, TPN, perforated bowel, colectomy, antibiotics..... (you get the picture). After a month in the hospital my husband (the saint) rinsed me off in the shower and I saw all this hair circling the drain. He just rinsed it away. I had him cut my hair really short and it grew back in, but I still keep it really short because it still seems thin after 8 years. Ditto to the nail problem although that has resolved itself.
Jennifer