Guest guest Posted May 1, 2009 Report Share Posted May 1, 2009 I can understand the all the other symptoms of AIH except for the itching. Does anyone know why? Thanks! Robyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2009 Report Share Posted May 2, 2009 I never had itching with AIH and never heard of it being a symptom.wild guess, liver not removing toxins; will be interesting to read other responses.I only began itching with the onset of the PBC overlap. Kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2009 Report Share Posted May 2, 2009 I never had the itching until recently. It's on my abdomen & across my shoulders. I'm curious of what the others will say. Toni > > I never had itching with AIH and never heard of it being a symptom.wild > guess, liver not removing toxins; will be interesting to read other > responses.I only began itching with the onset of the PBC overlap. > > Kay > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2009 Report Share Posted May 2, 2009 I itched for two or three months before I saw a doctor; extreme jaundice came later, then mental confusion, which I tried to hide. Harper In a message dated 5/2/09 11:19:06 PM, jolingerluscusk@... writes: > My hepatologist once mentioned that it was possible to have jaundice > mildly enough so that the yellowing of the skin and eyes wasn't really > noticeable but the itching would be. Is your bilirubin elevated? > > JoAnn > ************** The Average US Credit Score is 692. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222376998x1201454298/aol?redir=http://\ www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072 & amp;hmpgID=62 & amp; bcd=May5309AvgfooterNO62) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2009 Report Share Posted May 3, 2009 My hepatologist once mentioned that it was possible to have jaundice mildly enough so that the yellowing of the skin and eyes wasn't really noticeable but the itching would be. Is your bilirubin elevated? JoAnn > > I can understand the all the other symptoms of AIH except for the itching. Does anyone know why? Thanks! > Robyn > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2009 Report Share Posted May 3, 2009 I have an appointment with him on May 7. I have a list to go over with him then. Toni > > Have you told your doctor about this? > Harper > > In a message dated 5/2/09 6:39:00 PM, twhite2@... writes: > > > > > > > > I never had the itching until recently. It's on my abdomen & across my > > shoulders. I'm curious of what the others will say. > > Toni > > > > > > > ************** > Check all of your email inboxes from anywhere on the web. > Try the new Email Toolbar now! > (http://toolbar.aol.com/mail/download.html?ncid=txtlnkusdown00000027) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2009 Report Share Posted May 3, 2009 Which RX are you using to lower ammonia levels? Lasix? For some reason my GI (former) didn't prescribe anything for itching or for confusion. A couple of years ago, I told my GP I felt muddled, and she prescribed Lasix, which is a standard for ammona problems. Fortunately, before I used it I discovered the difficulty was taking too little Prednisone for my particular situation. If you use Lasix or similar, some here have given advice on ways to avoid resulting " local irritation " . You ask if I still have problems with mental confusion. I believe that's gone. When I first was diagnosed, I couldn't even add or subtract without great effort. I told my GP, who made no comment. My GI never asked. I was so frightened by my dull-wittedness that I didn't want to pursue the subject. As my liver healed, the confusion and mental slowness vanished. Now, no one but me can tell that I'm not " on top of my game " at times. I took a cognitive abilities exam that lasted for many hours. I did extremely well until I became exhausted toward the end; then I couldn't do much of anything. This fits with what I see in myself: I'm fine until I become tired, which happens faster than I'd expect. Then my problem-solving abilities and short-term memory suffer. I've never really gotten on top of energy problems. My doctors keep promising it will happen very soon, but it hasn't. I take various medications for hypertension, and they sometimes affect my energy (and therefore my mental clarity) greatly. I'm not who I was before. I simply am not. I'm someone else, in some ways lacking what I had before, in some ways stronger, in some ways better than the person I used to be. It is what it is. I can't tell you what to expect. I hear from people who do spectacular things after treatment for AIH. Best wishes. Harper AIH dx 2000 CD dx 2002 In a message dated 5/3/09 9:45:12 AM, robyn@... writes: > My symptoms came in the same order, Harper. I talked with my GI and told > him the foggy mind and forgetfulness was really bothering me. I asked if > we > could check my ammonia levels with the next blood tests (I'm doing weekly > labs at my request) and he agreed. The results were almost double what > they > should be so I'm trying to bring that down with yet another Rx.yippee!! Do > you still have problems with mental confusion, or does that go away? > > Robyn > > _____ > > From: iverSupport-Liv [mailto: iverSupport-Liv] > On Behalf Of flatcat9@... > Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 12:10 AM > iverSupport-Liv > Subject: Re: [LiverSupport- Subject: Re: [LiverSupport-<wb > > I itched for two or three months before I saw a doctor; extreme jaundice > came later, then mental confusion, which I tried to hide. > Harper > > In a message dated 5/2/09 11:19:06 PM, jolingerluscusk@ > <mailto:jolingerlusmailto:jolingmai> writes: > > > My hepatologist once mentioned that it was possible to have jaundice > > mildly enough so that the yellowing of the skin and eyes wasn't really > > noticeable but the itching would be. Is your bilirubin elevated? > > > > JoAnn > > > > ************ * > The Average US Credit Score is 692. See Yours in Just 2 Easy > Steps! > (http://pr.atwola. > < > http://pr.atwola.http://pr.atwhttp://pr.atwolahttp://pr.atwolahttp://pr.htt > p://www.freecreditrp://www.frp://www.frep://www.freecr & <wbr>amp;hm<w & amp;> > com/promoclk/ com/promoclk/<w com/promoclk/<w com/promo > http://www.freecredht > report.com/pm/ report.com/p report.c & <wbr>amp;hm<w & amp; > bcd=May5309Avgfoote bcd=M > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2009 Report Share Posted May 3, 2009 Yes, Joanne, my bilirubin is a bit elevated and my AST & ALT went up a bit this past week. Harper's response led me to the following explanation (posted below) with a web search and I think this was the explanation I was looking for. I found it at http://www.cancernet.co.uk/sym-itching.htm which is site for cancer patients with tumor obstructions of bile flow, but it addresses the liver related issue of itching. Thanks Harper. Robyn Liver related - If the flow of bile from the liver to the bowel is interrupted patients become yellow (jaundiced). This is due to a build up of bile in the blood stream which then gets deposited in the skin and whites of the eyes. Along with bile there is a second chemical called Bile salts - these also get deposited in the skin and cause distressing itching. Liver problems may be associated with pain in the right upper part of the abdomen, feeling nauseated and indigestion. Your doctor may already know why the flow of bile in your bile duct is impaired but if not several investigations can be performed:- * Blood tests - for bile levels (bilirubin), liver function tests * Liver ultrasound - looking for blockage in the bile duct * CT or MRI or the abdomen - to see if lymph nodes are enlarged near the end of the bile duct or cancer is seen within the liver. * ERCP - If the tests above do not find out the problem a scope can be passed through the mouth into the part of the bowel next to the bile duct. Dye is injected up the duct and an xray taken - this will tell the doctors what type of obstruction you have including non-tumor conditions such as gall stones. Treatment for liver related pruritis - The most effect way to relieve this itching is to correct the normal flow of bile. If this is caused by tumor at the base of the bile duct. Removal of this tumor may be possible either with surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. For tumors of the pancreas for example it may be possible for the surgeon to bypass the obstruction by moving the bile duct to another part of the bowel. It is also possible that a plastic stent can be inserted into the bile duct at the time of ERCP (see above) to drain the bile and bile salts. If physical relief of the obstruction is not possible the level of bile salts in the blood stream can be reduced by taking a medication called Cholestyramine. _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of JoAnn O'Linger-Luscusk Sent: Saturday, May 02, 2009 11:18 PM Subject: [ ] Re: What Causes The Itching? My hepatologist once mentioned that it was possible to have jaundice mildly enough so that the yellowing of the skin and eyes wasn't really noticeable but the itching would be. Is your bilirubin elevated? JoAnn > > I can understand the all the other symptoms of AIH except for the itching. Does anyone know why? Thanks! > Robyn > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2009 Report Share Posted May 3, 2009 My symptoms came in the same order, Harper. I talked with my GI and told him the foggy mind and forgetfulness was really bothering me. I asked if we could check my ammonia levels with the next blood tests (I'm doing weekly labs at my request) and he agreed. The results were almost double what they should be so I'm trying to bring that down with yet another Rx.yippee!! Do you still have problems with mental confusion, or does that go away? Robyn _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of flatcat9@... Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 12:10 AM Subject: Re: [ ] Re: What Causes The Itching? I itched for two or three months before I saw a doctor; extreme jaundice came later, then mental confusion, which I tried to hide. Harper In a message dated 5/2/09 11:19:06 PM, jolingerluscusk@ <mailto:jolingerluscusk%40> writes: > My hepatologist once mentioned that it was possible to have jaundice > mildly enough so that the yellowing of the skin and eyes wasn't really > noticeable but the itching would be. Is your bilirubin elevated? > > JoAnn > ************** The Average US Credit Score is 692. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola. <http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222376998x1201454298/aol?redir=htt p://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072 & amp;hmpgID=62 & amp;> com/promoclk/100126575x1222376998x1201454298/aol?redir=http://www.freecredit report.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072 & amp;hmpgID=62 & amp; bcd=May5309AvgfooterNO62) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2009 Report Share Posted May 3, 2009 I was given lactulose for my ammonia levels, lasix is a fluid pill to take fluid off your body. Lactulose helped me alot. Lori C. AH/ Liver TX 3-11-1997 Re: [LiverSupport-<wb > > I itched for two or three months before I saw a doctor; extreme jaundice > came later, then mental confusion, which I tried to hide. > Harper > > In a message dated 5/2/09 11:19:06 PM, jolingerluscusk@ > <mailto:jolingerlusmailto:jolingmai> writes: > > > My hepatologist once mentioned that it was possible to have jaundice > > mildly enough so that the yellowing of the skin and eyes wasn't really > > noticeable but the itching would be. Is your bilirubin elevated? > > > > JoAnn > > > > ************ * > The Average US Credit Score is 692. See Yours in Just 2 Easy > Steps! > (http://pr.atwola. > < > http://pr.atwola.http://pr.atwhttp://pr.atwolahttp://pr.atwolahttp://pr.htt > p://www.freecreditrp://www.frp://www.frep://www.freecr & <wbr>amp;hm<w & amp;> > com/promoclk/ com/promoclk/<w com/promoclk/<w com/promo > http://www.freecredht > report.com/pm/ report.com/p report.c & <wbr>amp;hm<w & amp; > bcd=May5309Avgfoote bcd=M > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2009 Report Share Posted May 3, 2009 I've started taking Lactulose Solution to loosen stools and move the ammonia out that way. He said that's the only way to remove the excess ammonia. I find that stress seems to trigger confusion. I used to be able to handle just about anything, now I get frustrated and have difficulty dealing with issues at work. Fortunately, I work for my husband and he is very aware of my situation and if I am having a bad day, I can just go home and rest. Here's another question for you. I'm getting ready to fly home to IL for 10 days. My entire family lives in IL and I used to fly home every other month or so. I haven't been home since Christmas and my kids and grandchildren are getting a bit grumpy and with my recent dx just want to see me to make sure I'm ok. Any thing I need to be aware of while traveling? I've never had to take Rx before, is there something I need to have with me to take this through security? Any other advice? Thanks, Robyn _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of flatcat9@... Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 10:35 AM Subject: Re: [ ] Re: What Causes The Itching? Which RX are you using to lower ammonia levels? Lasix? For some reason my GI (former) didn't prescribe anything for itching or for confusion. A couple of years ago, I told my GP I felt muddled, and she prescribed Lasix, which is a standard for ammona problems. Fortunately, before I used it I discovered the difficulty was taking too little Prednisone for my particular situation. If you use Lasix or similar, some here have given advice on ways to avoid resulting " local irritation " . You ask if I still have problems with mental confusion. I believe that's gone. When I first was diagnosed, I couldn't even add or subtract without great effort. I told my GP, who made no comment. My GI never asked. I was so frightened by my dull-wittedness that I didn't want to pursue the subject. As my liver healed, the confusion and mental slowness vanished. Now, no one but me can tell that I'm not " on top of my game " at times. I took a cognitive abilities exam that lasted for many hours. I did extremely well until I became exhausted toward the end; then I couldn't do much of anything. This fits with what I see in myself: I'm fine until I become tired, which happens faster than I'd expect. Then my problem-solving abilities and short-term memory suffer. I've never really gotten on top of energy problems. My doctors keep promising it will happen very soon, but it hasn't. I take various medications for hypertension, and they sometimes affect my energy (and therefore my mental clarity) greatly. I'm not who I was before. I simply am not. I'm someone else, in some ways lacking what I had before, in some ways stronger, in some ways better than the person I used to be. It is what it is. I can't tell you what to expect. I hear from people who do spectacular things after treatment for AIH. Best wishes. Harper AIH dx 2000 CD dx 2002 In a message dated 5/3/09 9:45:12 AM, robynbottens (DOT) <mailto:robyn%40bottens.com> com writes: > My symptoms came in the same order, Harper. I talked with my GI and told > him the foggy mind and forgetfulness was really bothering me. I asked if > we > could check my ammonia levels with the next blood tests (I'm doing weekly > labs at my request) and he agreed. The results were almost double what > they > should be so I'm trying to bring that down with yet another Rx.yippee!! Do > you still have problems with mental confusion, or does that go away? > > Robyn > > _____ > > From: iverSupport-Liv [mailto: iverSupport-Liv] > On Behalf Of flatcat9aol (DOT) <mailto:flatcat9%40aol.fla> fla > Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 12:10 AM > iverSupport-Liv > Subject: Re: [LiverSupport- Subject: Re: [LiverSupport-<wb > > I itched for two or three months before I saw a doctor; extreme jaundice > came later, then mental confusion, which I tried to hide. > Harper > > In a message dated 5/2/09 11:19:06 PM, jolingerluscusk@ > <mailto:jolingerlusmailto:jolingmai> writes: > > > My hepatologist once mentioned that it was possible to have jaundice > > mildly enough so that the yellowing of the skin and eyes wasn't really > > noticeable but the itching would be. Is your bilirubin elevated? > > > > JoAnn > > > > ************ * > The Average US Credit Score is 692. See Yours in Just 2 Easy > Steps! > (http://pr.atwola. > < > http://pr.atwola. <http://pr.atwola.http:/pr.atwhttp:/pr.atwolahttp:/pr.atwolahttp:/pr.htt> http://pr.atwhttp://pr.atwolahttp://pr.atwolahttp://pr.htt > p://www.freecreditr <p://www.freecreditrp:/www.frp:/www.frep:/www.freecr & > p://www.frp://www.frep://www.freecr & <wbr>amp;hm<w & amp;> > com/promoclk/ com/promoclk/<w com/promoclk/<w com/promo > http://www.freecred <http://www.freecredht> ht > report.com/pm/ report.com/p report.c & <wbr>amp;hm<w & amp; > bcd=May5309Avgfoote bcd=M > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2009 Report Share Posted May 3, 2009 That's what he gave me, Lactulose. Just started it last night, had my second dose this morning, but haven't seen any results yet!! Robyn _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Lori Cummins Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 10:48 AM Subject: Re: [ ] Re: What Causes The Itching? I was given lactulose for my ammonia levels, lasix is a fluid pill to take fluid off your body. Lactulose helped me alot. Lori C. AH/ Liver TX 3-11-1997 Re: [LiverSupport-<wb > > I itched for two or three months before I saw a doctor; extreme jaundice > came later, then mental confusion, which I tried to hide. > Harper > > In a message dated 5/2/09 11:19:06 PM, jolingerluscusk@ > <mailto:jolingerlusmailto:jolingmai> writes: > > > My hepatologist once mentioned that it was possible to have jaundice > > mildly enough so that the yellowing of the skin and eyes wasn't really > > noticeable but the itching would be. Is your bilirubin elevated? > > > > JoAnn > > > > ************ * > The Average US Credit Score is 692. See Yours in Just 2 Easy > Steps! > (http://pr.atwola. > < > http://pr.atwola. <http://pr.atwola.http:/pr.atwhttp:/pr.atwolahttp:/pr.atwolahttp:/pr.htt> http://pr.atwhttp://pr.atwolahttp://pr.atwolahttp://pr.htt > p://www.freecreditr <p://www.freecreditrp:/www.frp:/www.frep:/www.freecr & > p://www.frp://www.frep://www.freecr & <wbr>amp;hm<w & amp;> > com/promoclk/ com/promoclk/<w com/promoclk/<w com/promo > http://www.freecred <http://www.freecredht> ht > report.com/pm/ report.com/p report.c & <wbr>amp;hm<w & amp; > bcd=May5309Avgfoote bcd=M > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2009 Report Share Posted May 10, 2009 Well I went to my appt. on Thursday & my numbers are up. He upped my predinsone from 5mg to 20mg. & gave me a ranitidine tablet to take at night along with my nexium in the morning for my stomach. I have to go in 2 wks for more blood work along with a test for my azathioprine levels. I have never had that one done before. I did feel a little rushed at this appt. The office was packed when I got there. My appt. was for 3 & I didn't get to see him until 4. I have never had that happen before. I usually in & out within a 1/2 hr. Toni > > > > Have you told your doctor about this? > > Harper > > > > In a message dated 5/2/09 6:39:00 PM, twhite2@ writes: > > > > > > > > > > > > > I never had the itching until recently. It's on my abdomen & across my > > > shoulders. I'm curious of what the others will say. > > > Toni > > > > > > > > > > > > > ************** > > Check all of your email inboxes from anywhere on the web. > > Try the new Email Toolbar now! > > (http://toolbar.aol.com/mail/download.html?ncid=txtlnkusdown00000027) > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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