Hair loss after tss or sepsis: I suffered from... - ICUsteps

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Hair loss after tss or sepsis

alex87 profile image
10 Replies

I suffered from Septic shock (or was initially diagnosed with Toxic Shock Syndrome) in February. 2 months after I left the hospital, I had my initial hair loss that lasted only 2 weeks. This second round started 2 months ago and has yet to stop. It has lessened but my hair is very thin now.

Are any of you using any special shampoos? I have been taking biotin, zinc, and have tried other natural supplements and jojoba oil. I know this requires patience, as with everything.

I also almost lost some of my toes, as for my survival my body did not consider them important. Thankfully in the end, only the nail fell off, after all the blood blisters shedded.

Have any of you had issues with nail regrowth?

I hope all of you are doing better! I set a goal to walk a marathon with a friend in September! A goal that seemed out of reach after I left the hospital.

Thank you!

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alex87 profile image
alex87
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Sepsur profile image
Sepsur

I asked the outreach nurses what I should do, they advised me to carry on combing/ brushing hair to stimulate growth.

Eventually it grew back. Maybe ask your local chemist if they can recommend anything.

4 months after leaving ICU, I climbed Moel Famau at 632m high ( I believe) - I don’t know how I did it to be honest knowing how weakened I was.

kelsey1988 profile image
kelsey1988

Hi Alex,

It seems like we've had very similar experiences with the ICU and sepsis. I went into septic shock from a kidney infection in November 2019. I was on a ventilator for 3 days, and as a result lost blood flow to my hands and feet. I'm very glad you were able to keep your toes! I had to have all of mine amputated, and am still struggling with a lot of pain and balance/walking issues.

I also almost lost my fingers on my left hand, but ended up only losing my finger nails. My finger nails have grown back since, though! And look just as good (if not better) than before :) They were completely grown back by March, so it only took about 4 months for me. I'm sure the biotin you're taking will help speed up the regrowth process.

I also had a lot of hair loss. It mainly happened around March, so took about 4 months to begin and lasted for about a month or two. I was worried that I would lose all of my hair, but I didn't, it just got very thin. I took the SugarBear Hair Chewable Vitamins and used a special shampoo and scalp oil to reactivate hair growth. I'm sorry, I'm at work right now and can't remember the brand, but I'll get back to you with it because I have seen a lot of improvement! Before I was sick, I had long, thick, curly hair, so this hair loss was a hard blow for me. It seemed vain and like I should consider it a small problem after fighting for my life, but it was very hard on me, especially because it was a tangible, noticeable sign of my sickness. Anyway, I cut my hair short to help hide how thin it was, and it is beginning to grow back in! Much curlier than before, which is nice.

Please feel free to reach out if you would like to talk more. And I'll let you know about the hair products when I get home to look at the brand :)

Hang in there!!!!!!!

-Kelsey

alex87 profile image
alex87 in reply tokelsey1988

Thank you very much for your reply! I would love the shampoo recommendation!

L178 profile image
L178 in reply toalex87

Would like to know more about the shampoo recommendations for my husband please

kelsey1988 profile image
kelsey1988 in reply toL178

so sorry that took a couple of days, I kept forgetting to look at the brand! It is Davines NaturalTech Energizing Shampoo and the Energizing Superactive Scalp Treatment Oil. They're both available on Amazon and worked wonders. Kind of pricey, but I just used it every other day and it has lasted for about 6 months. Here are the links:

amazon.com/Davines-Energizi...

amazon.com/Energizing-Seaso...

alex87 profile image
alex87 in reply tokelsey1988

Kelsey you are amazing!

Thank you!

Will definitely try it out!!

Sepsur profile image
Sepsur in reply toL178

Biotin, collagen powder & hairburst chewable vitamins worked too.

kelsey1988 profile image
kelsey1988 in reply toalex87

Hi Alex, so sorry that took a couple of days, I kept forgetting to look at the brand! It is Davines NaturalTech Energizing Shampoo and the Energizing Superactive Scalp Treatment Oil. They're both available on Amazon and worked wonders. Kind of pricey, but I just used it every other day and it has lasted for about 6 months. Here are the links:

amazon.com/Davines-Energizi...

amazon.com/Energizing-Seaso...

Beagledog profile image
Beagledog

This is most of what I know from experience. My hair was thinning in two 25 cent US size spots on the top-front portion of my head. Started Fenesteride and at the same time started using a "Light Helmet". Basically a bicycle helmet with 128 x 650 Mhz red LED lights inside. Wore it for 20-30 mins. x 2-3 times/wk . After 9 months was very pleased with the results. I will keep using the helmet and may quit the drug. Drugs can have side effects. I imagine the helmet is safer but I can't sign off on that. I got my nice helmet on Anazon or eBay for $180 USD. You can spend way, way more but I don't think one will get any more benefits.

I imagine your hair loss is worse than mine was. But maybe that info can help you or someone else.

Beagledog profile image
Beagledog

Propecia works but only on the crown of the head. Recall the place on the top rear area on the head bone where the hair starts swirling out from? That is the center of the crown and the crown is as large as the flat of one's hand. Or look up a better definition on Google.

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