Huge Hair Loss

Hi Everyone, Well, I'm just about a week out (tomorrow). I feel pretty good, mourning food in a big way though. My primary concern right now is hair loss. I'd noticed it BEFORE the surgery and figured it was from the stress. Now that the surgery is over, it's getting more apparent. For example, clumps in the shower grill, and if I clean out the brush before I brush my hair, it's completely covering the base of the brush when I'm done. I have a decent amount of hair, but this seems to excess. Does anyone know why this could be happening? What it could be from? I just had the surgery, so it can't be the protein thing, my labs were all fine pre-op so there aren't any deficiencies there, and I'm just plain stumped (and a little nervous). My friend who cuts my hair checked it, and told me there were no clumps where it was missing (I guess that indicates a medical problem). She thought maybe it was from the anesthesia (I was under for the endoscopy pre-op). Has anyone ever heard of this?? Please help! Anne

Hi Anne, First of all, congrats on your surgery. I am 3 weeks out (as of Wed.), and no hair loss yet (crossing fingers). My hairdresser did say that anesthesia does cause hair loss...the longer you are under, the greater your chances of losing the hair. It will come back. Make sure you take your vitamins. As far as mourning food, I know exactly what you mean! I was really surprised at how much I mourned the first two weeks. However, here is week 3 and I am doing great. Although, I dumped this a.m. I ate my egg to fast I guess...that was not fun. Good luck. JA

Anne, I am pre-op and only know what I've read, but I believe this may be the true reason why people experience hair loss. After surgery, we take in many fewer calories, and there is a shock to the system. Usually hair loss is experienced 3-5 months out, but who knows, everyone is different. It does not sound like it has anything to do with protein, lack of vitamins, or anesthesia. But like I say I can only go by what I've read. I would ask the doctor. He/She is really the one to ask.