Fingernails

Have any of you had fingernail issues post surgery?  I've always been able to grow nice, beautiful nails that have been very strong.  For the past 2 months, my nails will not grow long and break as soon as there is any growth at all.  I asked my surgeon and my pcp, and both have said that they are stumped.  They did suggest, and I agreed with the theory that the nails that are breaking off now have taken at least 6-9 months to grow out, and were "formed" durning the time of my greatest loss.  I'm wondering if anyone else had these issues and how long did it take to resolve? Thanks,

I'm in the opposite situation right now - I've always had really flimsy nails that grow slow (and hair) but since surgery my nails have grown very fast and very strong (hair fell out but is now coming back very quickly and seems to be growing a little faster too).  Now, I don't know if in a few months when I am farther along, this will change, but I'm happy about it for now!  Have you considered upping your zinc or taking biotin?  I know both of those are "supposed" to help with hair and nails.  Or maybe its because you are in the water so much?  Your nails might be softer from that? 

I do take biotin, zinc and b1 along with my multivitamins and calcium.  I'm just really bothered by the fingernails that break so easily.  When I drink a canned protein drink, I cannot open the can without using something to lift the tab.  My nails will hardly even scratch an itch!  My hair has been growing back just fine, and my toenails aren't affected as badly, but my fingernails are really, really bad!   Thanks Jennifer for your comments - I hope that mine will soon be doing better.

Well, I have never had pretty nails, but I find that mine are a bit weird these days.  I also tend to bite them more than I used to if I allow them to grow more than a centimeter past my fingertips.  There are times when I bite them in my sleep (I still haven't figured out how I can bite my nails and not know it, but I wake up with chewed-up nails.  Maybe my sister is sneaking in my room at night and chewing on them!  ) I take supplemental zinc for my skin, but I don't know if it has any effect on my nails.   My toenails, however, are so strong I practically need hedge clippers to trim them.  Go figure! Kix