My Hair Has Stopped Growing!!

I dyed my hair about a week before my surgery, which was four weeks ago. Usually, by now, I would have a wide grey "skunk" stripe down the middle of my auburn brown hair. (Yes, I'm 39, and what can I say? This hair of mine is going grey!)

Well, evidentially since surgery, my hair has totally stopped growing or is growing very slowly. There's only about an 1/8 inch growth that I can see. And my hair is very limp. Doesn't fluff up at all like it used to.

I know anesthesia messes up your hair. I had planned to get a perm before surgery, but my hairdresser recommended that I wait because of the effects of the anesthesia could mess up the perm.

Has anyone else had any post-op hair problems? And if so, how long before they clear up? I really do need a perm, but I'm afraid of spending $100 for one and then it flop.

Thanks and s,

Lisa

Don't have the perm for at least 6 weeks after surgery because it will not take. Believe me, I found out the hard way. I failed to mention to my hairdresser that I had had surgery/general anethesia. This was several years ago.

On the other hand, I am having extremely dry skin on my legs and arms. Flaking as if it were winter or I had a sunburn! My good lotion that I used every single day of my life is not working now. Anyone have experience with dry/flaky skin?
TC

TC, my daughter the other night was lying on the floor watching TV and she looked at my feet and said my skin was peeling off of them. Well, I can't reach my feet to put any lotion on them!

I've also noticed some dry, peeling places on my fingers. Guess this anesthesia just messes everything up!

s,

Lisa

Shashi,

Just think of how much you will save on haircuts

My hair seems fine (REALLY fine, thin & limp. but that is normal!!!) but boy can I relate to that dry skin. I have gone through more moisturizer in the past month than ever before. I have an appointment (scheduled for many months) with a dermatologist on Monday. I will let you know what he says.

Caren

Anesthesia is a real Drag.
I wonder how many of us are simply having detox anesthesia
problems that we are mistaking for hormone problems?

Yes, it is AT LEAST a 6 week wait on that perm. I'm a cosmetologist. It might be even a bit longer depending on how your body throws off toxins and how much fused with your existing hair shaft.
I would suggest using a good clarifying shampoo followed by a moisturizing shampoo and then wrap your head with a deep conditioner and put a plastic bag on it and kick back for 30 minutes.
I like that Deep Conditioning Balm that comes in a jar by
Biolage.
Your hair needs TLC just like your skin after surgery.
Drink water water water like it's goin outta style.
You can try color if you want but don't be surprised if the roots are resistent. Try to only do root coverage as your ends are probably fragile.
If your roots are resistent you can color in with those wax color sticks they sell at the beauty supply stores.
You have to apply them when the hair is wet and they are good in a pinch.
Depending on how you wear your hair a good complimentary cut right now to work with the natural state of your hair will be a good compromise while you are waiting for perm time.
kamie.

Shashi,

Wow, that was great advice from Kamie!

My hair has started growing at the speed of light! I am one year post op. I suppose it's the hormones. I used to be able to go 4 months without my color, but now I have to get it every other month. And if for some reason, I can't get it cut in 4 weeks, I look like I have a mop on my head!!!

My skin was incredibly dry until I started taking Estratest fs. My skin is no longer dry, but I have an acne break out about once a month. But, I feel like a human again. I was on premarin .625 and it wasn't working. Now I take the Estratest FS, progesterone, and zoloft. It's working very well.....except the acne.

Take care,

Kristi

First exfoliate. Gently. I know that might sound strange but you need to get the dead stuff off and after anesthesia the skin might not be shedding right.
Use something nice and gentle.
there are some nice oatmeal body scrub bars that come with an exfoliant in the bar as one.
Then when you have cleaned fresh skin.......apply olive oil all over
in a nice thin layer. For those ladies with vaginal dryness problems
Use it inside and out. Works wonders vaginally.
For the body get an extra light olive oil as it is less odrodific and easier to apply. Vaginally, I happen to think the greener the better for healing.
After you have treated your skin to the olive oil, let it totally absorb and then try some of your favorite lotions and see if they work better.
If you are really really dry you might try shea butter or cocoa butter. These are very heavy substances and are found in extra dry skin creams or creams formulated for mature skin.
But really, the big key is exfoliation........but oh so gently.
Kamie
P.S. Dry unestrefied Vitamin E and B vitamins are a wonder too!
Pretty Pretty Skin
Repair from within

For that acne try the Keri Lotion in the dark blue bottle with alpha hydroxy.
Clears estrogen acne up real fast.
Estrogen does cause acne.
I had it when I still had my ovary and it was due to my condition of estrogen dominance.
Once the surgery was done my acne began going away.
Now it pops up but with less notice on the new side with the remaining ovary.
I also used a tea made out of reshi mushroom and used it as a spritzer on my face for a while when my skin was real bad.
Got everything under control.
kamie.
Hang in there ladies, most things are fixable

Hi ladies:

I was sitting here reading and thought, my hair is different, too. Not worse, just seems a little different in texture. I have also noticed that my adult acne problem is getting better, and that my once oily skin requires a moisturizer now...and this is all at 3 weeks post op. I did not get to keep my ovaries, and am taking Premarin 1.25.

Something else to add, I got into a tanning bed today for the first time post-op...and OUCH! I forgot that Premarin can cause photosensitivity. So if there are other bronzing beauties that like to tan, take care..LOL.

Dana

TAH/BSO 5/30/02

I did notice my hair is shinier but I do have hair like Caren
really fine, thin and limp. With sisters saying they lose hair, I was a bit concerned, I cant afford to lose hair -

I tan very easily but I did notice I burn quicker.

Learned something more tonite did not know estrogen caues acne, always had over abudnace of estrogen b4 surgery no wonder I always had acne.

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