Hi, I went to have my gallbladder removed on 08/17/22 as an outpatient. Everything seemed ok. 5 days later I had unbearable stomach pain went to the ER. Next thing I know they’re preparing me for surgery # 2. After they’d taken X-rays they saw a blockage in the abdomen.
I had a piece of intestine stuck in a hernia and sepsis. I could’ve died if I hadn’t gone to the ER. They put me in ICU I was in the hospital 15 days without anything to eat or drink. They had me on so many antibiotics. Moved me to a rehab where the second incision got infected. I was admitted to the hospital again and again they had me in more antibiotics. Since I have an autoimmune it took me 6 months to recover. I lost a lot of my hair, not all but a lot. Well, I want to know if it’s normal for my hair to be so thin, and damaged. Also, the new hair growth is coming out different, too wavy.
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Happylj
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Telogen effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss that usually happens after stress, a shock, or a traumatic event like entering ICU - there is normally a time lag of a month or so after admission.
Most people’s hair grows back, it can be a different texture or curlier. You may find your nails are ridged or weak and your skin can be dry and flaky too. Vitamin k, collagen, biotin vitamin D & B seem to help
Also had Sepsis after a procedure, due to how much medication and strength of it all, hair loss unfortunately is a side effect! I was left with strands only and ended up shaving it off, grew back a lot thinner but keep it trimmed as will get a little better over time, mine has gone curlier and frizzier aswell! Try not to worry too much, all takes time!
Post ICU my hair started coming out big time after 3 months home...wish someone had warned me! Has settled after 3 months of daily tears at the amount on pillow and EVERYWHERE in house. Got it cut really short and though still coming out, going greyer by the day! It WILL settle, but will be different!
Speaking about greyer by the day that’s another thing 🤦🏻♀️ on top of my hair being thin and straw-like there’s also the grey 😩 But I feel a sense of comfort knowing I’m not alone and to hear stories similar to mine and advice as well. I guess it could be worse.
hi! I am 4 years post-septic shock. I lost almost all of my hair. I cut it off and it all grew back. it is a bit thicker and curlier (mine was curly to begin with). ❤️ thankful for your recovery!!
Hello. I guess I shouldn’t be complaining being that I didn’t I didn’t lose my hair completely. But I did lose a lot and it was scary. Anyway, you are brave I wish I was brave like you and had the guts to shave my hair off. My hair is/was curly too but right now is different. It’s straw-like, thin wiry. That’s the best way I can describe it. Thank you!😊
Hi, I had the same fright as you! My hair fell out a lot, not all, but drastically. This happened 3 months after I had left hospital,having been in icu for 3 months of which almost a month on life support and pneumonia following respiratory failure. I was also reassured this was perfectly normal. 3 years on, my hair and nails are very weak/fragile. I'm still hoping it will improve in time. It is a lot to cope with, but we do have to remember to weigh up the seriousness of it all compared to what the outcome could have been. Ar least we are here to moan about it. X
Yes it was a very scary feeling. I think also whats taking my hair even longer to get healthy is the meds I’m on bc of my autoimmune disorder. So it’s frustrating and depressing at times. But I have try and look at the bright side of it all which is that I’m alive and have a family.
You’re right about us being here to moan about it. 😊
Hi, all of my long red hair fell out after I had septic shock and flu and pneumonia earlier this year. It happened about a month after I left hospital. I am upset about it but happy to be alive.
I read up about it and it's called tellogen effluvium. Your hair will grow back. Mine is all wispy but is growing back in again. I've bought a load of wee crocheted hats and caps on Amazon as I decided not to bother with a wig. It does feel like an extra trial after recovering from major trauma.
I'm taking collagen and B vitamins to help with growing it back.
As soon as my hair is long enough I'm going to dye it blue to cheer myself up
I was in UCU for 125 days and in hospital for a total of ten months. Lost all hair. Can highly recommend Jamaican castor oil to help with regrowth. Is used by people who lose hair sue to the weaves black women use and also for people who have alopecia. Mine has grown back thicker and curlier.
I had fabulous long, thick and dark hair. I also lost a lot of it after sepsis, amongst other things, and a prolonged stay in hospital. My hair grew back white in patches and straighter...
I’m sorry. It sucks going through unexpected illnesses with harsh side effects. But at least we’re here to tell our stories and support one another. It’s been a rough journey scary at times. But I always put faith over fear. That’s how I’ve made it this far. Hang in there it’ll get better.
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Sepsis & PVL
hair loss 
hair loss after septic shock
Sepsis
