A Question for you all . . .

Hello I had surgery in Jan 06 and I started shedding my hair (not clumps Praise God) in May. I wanted to know if you experienced hair loss has it stopped yet? I know you are further out than I am and I want to know are you still losing it or is it growing back now? I'm taking all my vitamins plus a hair and nail vitamin and biotin. I also keep my protien up with two shakes a day and with my food consumption always protien first. I'm afraid I will be in wig by the end of summer so any encourgement or advice you can provide is appreciated. What an inspiration to read about all your success - You Go!!! Many Blessings! Jean

Jean; Unfortunately this is one of the situations where everyone is different and we can only guess what the outcome will be. I've always had very thick hair. I started losing a lot of hair at 5 weeks post-op. I've pretty much stabilized now. From January through April was the only time in my life that my hairdresser hasn't had to use the thinning shears on me. I have a friend who had DS in summer 1999. She always had thin hair to the point, she wore wigs in situations where she might be photographed (for instance, my wedding). When she had her surgery, she lost even more hair and it's never come back. I now haven't seen her without a wig since October 1999. The quick weight loss messes with our hormones, which in turn can also cause hair loss. Every time my SIL has another child, she goes through a six month period where she loses tons of hair. After 4 kids, most of her hair has come back, but she has to keep her hair a certain style so the places where it didn't come back don't show. Sorry there isn't a stock answer for you. Just keep your protein intake high and your vitamin regimine in place and at least then you know you'll be a thinner, healthier person even if you have to wear a wig. Blessings, Jennifer 253 / 169 / 137

Hi Jean, I also lost a LOT of hair, to the point that I bought a wig, just in case. I have now stabilized, and I attribute that to making sure I had enough protein and also when I checked with my doctor, he recommended some blood tests for zinc levels and B-vitamin levels. I was a little low on both, so I now take a B12 supplement, and also a zinc supplement (60 mg). My hairdresser also recommended Nioxin shampoo and conditioning treatments, which I alternate daily with Pantene reconstructive shampoo and conditioner. I have never had to wear the wig (I'll gladly send it to you if you send me your email... ) and now my hair is coming back. Patience was not in my vocabulary, but that's the advice I got from everyone. Good luck! Diane C.

Oh Jean! I really know about the hair loss. I had surgery in November 05 and the hair loss started in February. Everytime I brushed my hair, washed it or changed clothes.. I looked like a sheep dog was on my lap...lol. I had labs checked.. nothing wrong there. My doc suggested that I up my Zinc, which I did. I also had very long hair and got it cut to shoulder length. Both of those things helped, but it was still coming out.. so I got it cut really short and started to use salon products, instead of Suave and the off the-rack stuff. That has helped also. Now tha I am into month 7.. is seems to be under control. I hope this helps you and your hair losses stop soon. Jacki K from PA

Jean I had hair loss but it is coming back already. Some is still coming out but it has slowed. I am healthy. My doc thinks it was just the shock of the surgery to my system. Amy