Don't know what to do about my stress-related hair loss

mebarb · 11-13-2012, 02:45 PM

Hi,

I've read here about stress causing hair loss, and it definitely did that for me. And I do not want to sound like I am complaining - I just want to state the facts so I can figure out what I can do to make my hair look better.

A year ago I got something called Trigeminol Neuralgia, which most people have not heard of. It, for no reason, strikes the nerve of the same name which is above the jaw and causes excrutiating pain in the teeth (whenever it feels like attacking) only on one side. So, for 6 months I chewed on the other side. Then, 6 months ago it hit the other side (very rare) making it impossible to chew on either side. It's a condition for life.

The stress of this has been overwhelming and I did lose at least half of my hair. Eating healthy is very difficult, though I do puree all of my food. Some food when pureed is impossible to eat. It's just that I never got my appetite back. I do try to drink a lot of protein shakes. I lost about 18 lbs. and I was not heavy before.

The unfortunate problem that goes with this is that I have a very bad back (after 3 surgeries) and can't do any type of exercise. So when I feel stressed there's not a lot I can do. Even walking hurts me.

Now I've been told my hair is breaking off and i have to stop flat ironing it. I hate my hair curly because with it's thinness you can actually see through the curls. That's a stressor too.

So, what I need is products to make my hair look better! It hits just about 2 1/2" below my jawline and the bangs are growing every so slowly!! I'm not a big fan of bangs with curly hair. But what can I do???

Since it's stress-related, my dermatologist didn't think Rogaine was necessary, but he did put me on the female version of Propecia. I'm seeing him after Thanksgiving and maybe then he'll have me use Rogaine.

Please, don't feel sorry for me, just suggest some products so I can feel better about myself! When I used to wear my hair curly it was so thick I could hardly get a hair band around a pony tail - now it goes around 3 times!

I feel all your pain with thinning hair, believe me! I've been using Deva LowPoo, Deva One Conditioner, Deva Angel and Deva's styling cream.

Thank's for listening!

curlypearl · 11-13-2012, 03:25 PM

I'm very sympathetic. I know you weren't looking for pity or commiseration but I do feel you've had an awful time. I think Rogaine will help! I use it and I recommend it.

For the stress, have you considered a support group or just someone to talk to, like a counselor or social worker? Is there any prospect of medical or surgical intervention?

As far as products, I suggest Deva Volumizing Foam. Many curlies with fine hair find that a mousse or foam is lightweight enough so that it doesn't weigh hair down. If you use too much it can tend to be sticky. I hope other curlies will chime in with their recommendations and I hope things improve for you! Please let us know how you are doing, and post again.

mebarb · 11-13-2012, 06:37 PM

I am in an online support group through the National Association of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Helps a little - thanks! There is possible surgery down the line. I am on gobs of medication for it now and giving that a chance first. The surgery doesn't always work and can leave bed side effects.

Thanks for asking.

I will try the Deva Volumizing Foam (or Mousse) - I can't remember - I'll have to look at what you called it again. Sounds like a good idea.

I do hope other ideas come in too. Thanks for answering.

curlypearl · 11-13-2012, 07:17 PM

Bumping - hoping others will have good ideas and chime in!