Has anyone experienced hair loss after an ostomy?

You are truly an inspiration and a blessing to us all. Thank you for your insights. Bette

I’m 76. I had major colon surgery two times in October 2023 keeping me 27 days in the hospital and discharged with 60% less large colon, and a stoma and ostomy pouch. I found my hair was falling out every time I brushed it. My hair dresser told me the body reacts as a whole and a natural response for stress like that is hair loss. She said as I recovered things would improve and showed me the very short new hair already coming back in. My research took me to try Evening Primrose oil and Black Currant oil supplements. My hair loss lessened gradually and I was happily on the road to recovery! I decided against reversal and possibly unwanted results as things were working just fine as is. Then In January of this year I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Hair loss again and as I recovered, so did my hair. So far I am a cancer survivor having cystoscope procedures every 3 months after successful BCG treatment. I am eternally grateful and blessed now having a full head of hair albeit of different lengths, free of cancer and master of my ostomy pouch. Hope is out there. As Emily Dickinson said, … “Hope is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all.” Keep a positive attitude no matter what challenges come your way my dear. You are not alone.

Thanks, Sally! Good to know. I will. Yup, every time I combed my hair for weeks it would fill the comb but then that stopped and my hair is growing. But it has turned crazy curly and unmanageable. But who cares. It is hair! Will check the ferritin level for sure. Thanks! Bette

I had telogen effluvium type hair loss after my surgery. I too was told it is common after major surgery or pregnancy. I lost about a third of my hair, but it grew back.

I hope yours comes back too. Make sure you get your ferritin checked next time you are having blood tests, as this can be another culprit.

@memiller15140 Definitely, fingers crossed. I decided not to do a reversal— too much risk for me at my age (82). Hair is definitely growing back in, and I do hope your’s does, too! Bette

5 months from surgery and my hair comes out in handfuls. I’ve started taking collegen as I’ve just had colostomy reversal. Fingers crossed no more surgery 🤞

Do you take advantage of them, Kathy? And do you do your exercises between visits? I am in Florida, US, but if I were closer I would come and do them with you🤗

@kasandphyl1 In my district...East central Ontario, we have home visiting therapists. Six free visits to get you going. You can call your local community organization to see what you can access.

Kathy, are you getting physical therapy? Do you live anywhere near a Senior Center? They have exercise classes for seniors that help a lot of people. There are also chair yoga classes offered in many libraries and similar places. Truth be told, you can either give in to this or fight it. You need to fight. Bette

@bettes
Thank you for replying. I hope it will stop falling out soon because I am getting worried about it.
If it doesn't I will get the shampoo that you are using and some more vitamins. I think I take more vitamins now than meds. I am 80 and not used to being so weak and tired and loss of muscles. Thank you again Bettes............. Kathy