Connect
Has anyone experienced hair loss after an ostomy?
I realize I am almost 82, but I have always had a thick head of hair until my colostomy. I have shed so much it is shocking. I know it is a relatively small problem, and my hairdresser says it is normal after a trauma. But I guess I need a pep talk from others who have experienced this and gotten through it okay. On the bright side, what I have left of my hair has turned curly!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Ostomy Support Group.
Connect
We all have bad days. But it beats the alternative. I get counseling. Can you do that? It is a life saver.
My name is Kathy and I had a colostomy bag in April 18th 2025 for Diverticulitis and perforated bowel. I have had curly hair all of my life and since my hair is falling out and very kinky at the ends. I fear that I am going bald. I thought it was from the Predisone that I take for PMR, but I have been taking it fir a year and had no problems till April. So..........what do we do about it?
@kasandphyl1
So, Kathy, I have taken heart from all the comments I have seen here. My colostomy was late March, so we are close to the same timetable. I have been using biotin shampoo and am taking a biotin vitamin. I think (hope) they have been working, but in any event, when I now comb my hair it has stopped coming out. As I noted, my hairdresser said that it was the trauma I had been though and that it would get better. And she was right. At my age(82), I had a very thick head of hair with lots of body. Not that way any more. But it is better and a bet yours will be, too. Keep the faith😇. 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
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
@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.
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🤗
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 🤞