The HIV / AIDS dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association specializes in working with patients with immune disorders like HIV / AIDS, hepatitis and infectious diseases. You can find a dietitian at the American Dietetic Association. Include your zip code or city / state and the type of service you want (individual consultation) with expertise in HIV / AIDS (immune disorders).

Considering your history of Crohn's disease, protein absorption may not be optimal in your remaining small intestine depending on which 8 feet were removed. Protein is absorbed as amino acids in the lower duodenum and the jejunum. Also, lupus causes an increased damage to connective tissue (protein) which shows up as higher creatinine levels in your blood which is excreted by your kidneys.

The vitamin shots will not stop your hair loss as vitamin B12 is not involved in the growth of hair. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the small intestine so taking the shots supplements any remaining absorption in your intestinal tract. You will need these shots for the rest of your life due to the removal of part of your small intestine. Vitamin B12 is necessary to free folic acid so that folic acid can produce mature red blood cells. Vitamin B12 also functions in maintaining the cover around nerve fibers and a deficiency would cause paralysis of nerves and muscles starting in the hands and feet.

Hair is mostly rigid protein and responds to the quality and quantity of protein in foods you eat. Hair thinning gradually increases with age due to lower estrogen (menopause) and testosterone (hormone) levels in the body. Hair loss also increases because of prescriptive drugs like steroids (prednisone) prescribed for lupus and radiation or chemotherapy used in cancer treatments.

When hair loss suddenly increases without accompanying disease it can reflect protein - calorie malnutrition which can be caused by inadequate consumption of protein and / or calories or poor absorption of protein from the intestines. BTW hair analysis is useless in telling what nutrients the body needs.

I would suggest you see a registered dietitian who can read your medical chart and can assess your nutritional status. My concern for you is protein absorption which may be improved with a liquid amino acids supplement of depending on what small bowel you have left. Because of a shortened small intestine, you may have vitamin deficiencies which will not be "cured" by vitamin supplements because you may not have the absorption sites for these vitamins in your remaining small intestine. A vitamin pill may pass through your shorter intestines unabsorbed. You may need other vitamin shots as well because of a shortened small intestine. A dietitian can assess this and I would suggest you make an appointment.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It is treated with aspirin for mild cases or steroids like prednisone for severe cases.

If you start taking steroids to reduce inflammation, then you will need to limit salt / salty foods and follow a diabetic nutrition therapy. Weight gain is another problem as steroids will increase your appetite. Steroids increase fluid retention and blood pressure, blood sugar and bone loss due to interference with calcium absorption. Limit caffeine containing beverages and food. Also, steroids, depending on the dose, can cause skin to become thinner and bruise more easily. You should stay out of the sun which can cause lupus flare-ups and wear sun screen when you are outside to prevent sun damage to skin thinned by steroids.

A healthy balanced eating plan that contains adequate protein and calories appropriate for your height and weight is recommended for persons with lupus. Try the Healthy Body Calculator to find out how many calories you need depending on your weight goal.