ITCHING

[Guest guest]

Hi, I use gold bond medicated powder in the gold plastic container, when my

itching

on my feet and leg gets so bad I can't stand it, usually at night. Works well

for

me. Lynn aih

Lynn wrote:

> From: Lynn <CEN32195@...>

>

> Hi Judy, you are always allowed to vent, and please don't appologize for the

> length of your posts! That was a very well written and informative one. Yes

> please, if you are not satisfied with what this Dr. does check around and ask

> people etc and find another one.

> I was lucky when my new Dr. listened and started taking tests, it was like

only a

> month for my diagnosis, and that was because we were waiting for all the tests

> coming back and they got side tracked with a blood test that was done wrong

and

> they had to start over. The way it seems to me is by the time you have all

these

> symptoms enough to see a Dr. you have already had this stuff for a while, so

you

> don't want to wait too long fiddling around with an incompetent Dr. It amazes

me

> how Drs. will stand there and act like you don't know what your symptoms are,

I

> just don't get it!

>

> Please let us know how it turns out, and I am praying they do if fast! Lynn

aih

>

> JBerry122@... wrote:

>

> > From: JBerry122@...

> >

> > Hi all,

> > I wrote several weeks ago telling you all about my Mom who recently died

> > from AIH and how I was shocked when researching the disease to find it

> > described me as well! Many of you responded with such helpful information!

> > I couldn't get an appt. with my GI any sooner than six weeks, so I decided

to

> > wait it out. I also recently had a gallbladder attack one night. (I realize

> > now that I should have gone to the ER.) TUESDAY was finally THE APPOINTMENT

> > with the GI. Like many of you, I came away feeling so let down in the

> > medical system. First, she was obviously in a hurry, and once I told her

I'd

> > had a gallbladder attack, I never *got to* my list of other symptoms. Also,

> > in thumbing through my chart, she casually mentioned that from the sonogram

> > of my gallbladder done in 1994, it showed I had a fatty liver. (LIKE WHY

> > WASN'T I TOLD THAT BACK THEN AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!) I had to hurriedly

> > inform her that my Mom had recently died of AIH and I also wanted to have

> > tests run. She questioned that she died from AIH? Yep, the death

certificate

> > says liver failure due to AIH. She accepted that and said she was going to

> > schedule a sonogram (?) of the gallbladder and if it showed no stones, then

> > they would follow up with a hidascan. SO, this morning during the sonogram,

> > the lady said " Whoa, WHAT did you drink this morning? " I told her I had

> > nothing to drink or eat since the night before. She said my stomach was so

> > full of water like I'd had a LARGE glass of water. Then she said I must be

> > diabetic and I replied no. Then I must be on pain killers, and I replied

no.

> > DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHAT OTHER REASONS I COULD HAVE FLUID LIKE THAT IN MY

> > STOMACH? I do feel bloated all the time, and have the swelling of my hands

> > and feet. So the sonogram showed no stones, so I have the hidascan done.

> > The guy injects me with the solution and we wait and wait and wait. After

> > about 2 hours, he FINALLY can see the gallbladder. I understand it usually

> > takes about 20 minutes for it to show up. Then, he said that it functioned

> > at 30 in emptying ... and that was not good, but not real bad, but all in

> > all, seems like the gallbladder is not functioning as should. He did

mention

> > during all this that it seemed from the sonogram that my problem was my

liver

> > and not my gallbladder. So, no doubt I was anxious to get the doctor's

> > opinion of all the results (including blood tests) which was to be in her

> > office today. I called and the receptionist said it would take 3-4 days for

> > her to review them. I guess I'm just anxious to hear. Oh an interesting

> > note that last night, after the doctor poking and proding the liver area, I

> > had a MAJOR itching episode. I have not been itching too much recently so

it

> > had to have been related. ANYWAY, sorry this is so long. The last few

weeks

> > I've been like in denial that I probably have some kind of liver disease.

> > Recently, I've been trying to catch up on all the posts which just seems to

> > reaffirm my fears. I've decided that if the GI just wants to sit on this

> > information, I am going to pursue another doctor, because there is no doubt

> > something wrong. I know some of you have had trouble getting a diagnosis.

> > In a way, it would be such a relief just *to know* what we're dealing with

> > here. Thank you all for allowing me to vent.

> > Judy

> >

> > ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Dear Joanne:

I haven't had any problem with the itching since my LFT's have been stable,

but the excessive dryness continues. I used the liquid extra mild 's

baby bath. It says it's the mildest available on the bottle. I used it for

both skin and hair. You find it in the baby section at the grocery store. I

still use it a lot. I used to have oily skin and hair and had to wash my

hair every day. Since the AIH, my skin and hair have been real dry. My

scalp and face were so dry in the beginning that I could only wash my hair

every third day or my scalp would be miserable. Since 'remission' I still

can't wash my hair every day and do it every other day. I still use mild

soap, but not baby shampoo. Although the baby bath is very gentle, baby

shampoo is real drying.

My skin on my face is still so dry that it looks like sandpaper up close,

although it's not nearly as bad as it was when my LFT's were sky high.

I'm sorry to say that I had to suffer through the itching. Since it comes

from within, I found that none of the surface remedies worked for me.

Perhaps your doctor can suggest a mild antihistamine. The drug I took for

anti nausea helped the itching a little (I was told that it was had

antihistamine characteristics). I can't think of the name of it offhand, but

will look it up.

I hope you are able to find relief and that the baby bath works for you.

Good luck! Take care!

Kathy (AIH)

Seattle area

PS: I take prednisone and have for the duration. I'm supposed to be starting

cyclosporine any time now, but my insurance company and doctor are still

battling it out over whether or not the insurance will cover it.

[Guest guest]

To add to the itching discussion. Since I am the queeen of bile.... I want to

throw in my perspective. My understanding of the reason for itching is that

bile gets into the bloodstream. Bile is very caustic. I believe it gets into

the blood several different ways but with AIH one of the most common is that

the liver gets inflamed and it backs out through the portal vein.... The

itching 'puritis' it is called, is considered one of the worst side effects

of liver failure. It is typically seen with an elevated bilirubin (I hope

everyone keeps copies of their regular lab results) I recall one time in the

hospital crawling out of my skin and nothing seemed to help. They tried

everything. Dr. Tzakis (of 's posts) told the nurses to give me IV

demerol on two different occasions to calm me I was so agitated. I had a

bilirubin of 10. For those of you not inclined to demerol it is typically

given IM (shot.. ouch!). Fortunately that level of torture didn't last too

long. They put me on Atarax which maybe helped some, cortisone creams which

didn't help me at all. Sarna was the best relief for me. Also they put me on

Claritin which I do believe helped.

The itchiness is a classic sign. my heartfelt sympathy to all of you who have

it.

One last comment. I find that as I read through the posts I recall situations

and think through those times. This is a therapeutic process for me and I

appreciate all of your letting me recollect...

Later, Patty

AIH post-transplant

[Guest guest]

To add to Patty's post:

I saw my GI today. I specifically asked him about the " internal " itching.

Actigall helps me tremendously. He said that although AIH doesn't attach the

bile ducts (but the liver cells themselves) that Actigall (which is a natural

bile salt) helps with the toxicity of the liver in general.

Warmly,

[Guest guest]

Hi Bonner, the closest I can come to the itching is when I went from hyper

to very hypo last summer. My ears and/or chest would turn bright red and

burn and itch!! It would last a while then disappear. This lasted until

hypo levels came down. Wish I could be of more help, Mona

Itching

What IS it about itching (low form of pain) in the scalp, ear and facial

areas? I thought mine was induced by the cranial injuries I sustained in my

auto accident in May which I was told would take 4-6 months to go away.

This weekend, it will be 6 months and now, I'm not so sure. Every day,

periodically, I'm rubbing my head trying to make the sensations go away. My

endocrinologist has asked whether I feel tingling in my fingers or face, but

he's never asked about the itching. Sometimes, at night, when I have no

other distractions, it seems almost intolerable and I smear on a little

hydrocort (over the counter) gel to make the symptoms abate. While I hate

to think others are subjected to this, I HOPE someone has an answer!

=====

Bonner

eGroups Sponsor

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<http://adimg./img/9627/5/_/6563/_/973728836/PassionFish468x60.gi

f>

[Guest guest]

Dear Liz,

Unfortunately, itching seems to be one of the symptoms of hyperT - that's

what my GP said, and I read it in some medical text books too. I have been

itching for months and months. It feels like it gets worse as soon as I go

to bed, but I think that is just because lying in bed is a still time and so

you notice it more. I drag my finger nails all across my skin most of the

night... drives me nuts. It's particularly bad on my scalp though that has

improved since I had my hair cut off to an inch.

Are you still registering hyper in your blood tests? I am quite interested

in why we seem to get symptoms when our blood is normal..

DAWN

>From: lixx0191@...

>Reply-hyperthyroidismegroups

>hyperthyroidismegroups

>Subject: itching

>Date: Sun, 03 Dec 2000 22:51:04 -0000

>

>Does anyone one know why I would feel itching all over my skin yet

>could not find any rashes or anything on the skin? I am taking PTU

>300mg a day and beta-blocker 30mg a day. Supplements I took includ

>copper (6mg), zinc (17mg), Selenium. thanks.

>

>Liz

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

_____

Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Have any of you tried the Dermarest products? They are products to relieve the itching due to Psoriasis, but the products appear to work for any kind of itching. I use all four of their products and have gotten much relief. I also appear to be getting thicker hair since using Dermarest shampoo. I think the constant itching on my scalp must have affected the quality/quantity of hair follicles as well.

Dermarest Products

from California

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/15/00 3:17:18 PM Pacific Standard Time, KOOLMOM@... writes:

To All,

I am farmilar with the itching accociated with liver disease and have had it but when my liver functions were high I did not itch now that they are back in the normal range I itch like crazy.I am on so much Benedryl that at night I feel I am comotose. Has anyone else had this same experience.

I just have a moment right now -- I responded to someone about itching a couple of days ago. I don't know if my comments apply to you or not -- you might check. Got to go now -- more later.

Harper (AIH 5/00)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/15/00 3:17:18 PM Pacific Standard Time, KOOLMOM@... writes:

To All,

I am farmilar with the itching accociated with liver disease and have had it but when my liver functions were high I did not itch now that they are back in the normal range I itch like crazy.I am on so much Benedryl that at night I feel I am comotose. Has anyone else had this same experience.

My comments of a couple days ago were under the heading "Pruritis."

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn Rose

I itch all over, without stop. I have had RAI and am not on any anti-thyroid

meds. In fact, I am on synthroid. But I am hyperthyroid at the moment. The

doctor has decided to wait one more month before changing my meds dosage again.

The shock to my body and mind seems extreme at each dosage change. Anyway, if

it helps to know, I confess to being also very very itchy. I think it is partly

due to very dry skin that I now have. And possibly due to the new growth of

hair. Although my replacement thyroid hormone isn't right yet, it's close

enough that my hair has finally decided to come back.

dawn rose wrote:

> Dear Liz,

> I complained of itching all over but I can't remember when it started, after

> or before medication with ATDs - anyway, Drs told me it was a symptom of

> Graves' Disease and that it will go away if I have treatment. Actually, the

> itching on my head has really decreased... but then it was so bad my hair is

> now half an inch long and that seems to help!!! Maybe the dr was right ....

> I am feeling much better generally after 5 or so weeks of Carbimazole (UK

> ATD) and am itching less. Mona's hives (past tense!) can't be explained in

> this way though can they?? How does one know if you are itching due to

> illness or due to medication???

> DAWN

>

> >From: Liz Li <lixx0191@...>

> >Reply-hyperthyroidismegroups

> >hyperthyroidismegroups

> >Subject: any alternative ATD?

> >Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 12:28:47 -0600

> >

> >I had itching skin after 3 weeks on PTU. My doc halted my PTU, so I am

> >only on beta-blocker now. But I feel beta-blocker only not enough--I'm

> >still feeling tired all the time. I wonder if other brand of ATD will

> >have the same side effect or they are all the same.

> >

> >liz

> >

> > " Horten, Mona " wrote:

> > >

> > > Hi Marcia.....I've been on ATDs (PTU) for four years and finally going

> >into

> > > remission. I considered RAI two years ago but discovered it can worsen

> >TED

> > > (thyroid eye disease) and decided to hold off. I'm glad I waited.

> >You

> > > should check the ithyroid.com website for additional information. Also

> > > foods such a brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage are good for hypers.

> >Reduce

> > > your intake of fish, salt, and seaweed until his thyroid levels are

> >stable.

> > > " The Thyroid Solution " by Dr. Arem has lots of info too. Check out the

> > > vitamin list at ithyroid too!

> > >

> > > Remember, it takes time for the meds to stabilize the thyroid so be

> >patient

> > > and reducing his stress level will help too. Take care, Mona

> > >

> > > Re: radioactive iodine treatment

> > >

> > > > Can you tell me which alternative methods you used?

> > > >

> > > > My husband has just been diagnosed and is facing a long relationship

> >with

> > > > antithyroid drugs.

> > > >

> > > > We haven't been able to find very much information on alternative

> > > treatments

> > > > for hyperthyroidism and don't know where to start.

> > >

> > > Hi Gillian: You may wish to check out the following website. Read the

> > > articles, follow the links, and be informed! Also read the information

> >on

> > > aspartame - very scary stuff!

> > >

> > > Take care,

> > > Me.

> > >

> > > http://webhome.idirect.com/~wolfnowl/thyroid.htm

> > >

>

> _________________________________________________________________________

> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kate,

I too itch when I'm hyperthyroid or ingest too much iodine. The hives I

recently had turned out to be from too much iodine. My skin is also dry and

itchy if I stop taking essential fatty acids. I'm now taking 1000 mg flax

seed oil daily and an omega 3-6-9 essential fatty acid combination. My skin

and hair look so much better when I'm on this regimen.

[Guest guest]

I read somewhere and I wish I could remember where (or remember anything for

that matter) that itching is a fairly common symptom for us GD people and that

even when hormones are balanced itching persists. I have started taking

evening primrose oil cautiously. I am still suffering from diarrhea from

overdose of synthroid and am really careful what I take.

Anyway, the message seems to be 'scratch on'.

Peace to all,

Kate

daisyelaine@... wrote:

> Hi Kate,

> I too itch when I'm hyperthyroid or ingest too much iodine. The hives I

> recently had turned out to be from too much iodine. My skin is also dry and

> itchy if I stop taking essential fatty acids. I'm now taking 1000 mg flax

> seed oil daily and an omega 3-6-9 essential fatty acid combination. My skin

> and hair look so much better when I'm on this regimen.

>

[Guest guest]

I'm glad to hear that you have seen doctors; I was afraid you were still waiting to get a serious review. I woke up last night worrying that I'd been too emphatic, frightening, perhaps, when you had no choice about waiting to see the doctor in January.

I believe the itching is a pretty clear sign of elevated bilirubin levels. If you can get a prescription for Atarax, which is commonly prescribed for skin allergies, you should have immediate relief from the itching, although it will make you quite sleepy until you get used to it.

And, if Prednisone is suitable for you, many of the other symptoms may lessen quickly. Of course, then you'll get a whole new batch of weirdnesses from the Prednisone!

I hope having some place to write, some place to ask questions, is helpful for you. Remember, none of us (as far as I know) has a medical degree; we just pick up bits of information along the way, in process.

Harper

[Guest guest]

Harper

Thanks for the answer back, and no you where not too empatic,

or frightening you just sounded concerned about another human being,

thank goodness for people like you and the others, here at this web

site. I understand that no one at this site can offer medical advice

they can just offer a shoulder and sometimes that can be the best

meds

of all.

I love to say the line " how old would you be if you didn't know how

old you where " ? Well, now on most days I would not want to answer

that question! but

It has been a good day for me today, and tomorrow will be better. I

wish the same for you.

Wishing everyone a very joyous holiday.

Keep faith, love, and hope in your hearts

April

> I'm glad to hear that you have seen doctors; I was afraid you were

still

> waiting to get a serious review. I woke up last night worrying

that

I'd been

> too emphatic, frightening, perhaps, when you had no choice about

waiting to

> see the doctor in January.

>

> I believe the itching is a pretty clear sign of elevated bilirubin

levels.

> If you can get a prescription for Atarax, which is commonly

prescribed for

> skin allergies, you should have immediate relief from the itching,

although

> it will make you quite sleepy until you get used to it.

>

> And, if Prednisone is suitable for you, many of the other symptoms

may lessen

> quickly. Of course, then you'll get a whole new batch of

weirdnesses from

> the Prednisone!

>

> I hope having some place to write, some place to ask questions, is

helpful

> for you. Remember, none of us (as far as I know) has a medical

degree; we

> just pick up bits of information along the way, in process.

> Harper

[Guest guest]

Connie,

I understand your frustration. Itching will drive you nuttier than a fruit

cake. It is pure torture.

One thing that helped me, besides taking dyphenhydramine before bed and when

I wake up, is not using a towel to dry, but just wiping off the excess water

and then putting on plenty of lotion all over my body. Winter is particularly

dry, but I know the itchiness we get because of the HCV is yearround.

Also, scratching just makes it worse. If you can ever get to the point where

you don't scratch, and I know it's hard not to, that may help.

Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Connie,

Have you seen a GI? I copied this off an other

list:

" Ask your doctor (preferably a neurologist)

about the prescription med

Neurontin for the itching. My neurologist said it is

not understood how it

works, but I too was nearly crazy from itching and

Neurontin worked

miracles. None of my doctors found any reason for the

itching, except for

the liver, and/or perhaps some type of neuropathy.

Good luck. "

Claudine

--- Constance Dickson

<constance_clearwater_florida@...> wrote:

> I am so ITCHY it is driving me " NUTSSSSSSSS "

> I have antihistamine pills and liquid, they are not

> working. I am not going to have any skin left in a

> few days!.........HHHHHHHEEEELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPP

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Connie,

Have you seen a GI? I copied this off an other

list:

" Ask your doctor (preferably a neurologist)

about the prescription med

Neurontin for the itching. My neurologist said it is

not understood how it

works, but I too was nearly crazy from itching and

Neurontin worked

miracles. None of my doctors found any reason for the

itching, except for

the liver, and/or perhaps some type of neuropathy.

Good luck. "

Claudine

--- Constance Dickson

<constance_clearwater_florida@...> wrote:

> I am so ITCHY it is driving me " NUTSSSSSSSS "

> I have antihistamine pills and liquid, they are not

> working. I am not going to have any skin left in a

> few days!.........HHHHHHHEEEELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPP

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

The scripts that I have are for Hydroxyzine HCL 25 mg

pills and also the syrup one, it is generic for

Atarax. I will ask the Dr who is helping me for the

Neurotin, Thanks

--- claudine intexas <claudineintexas@...>

wrote:

> Hi Connie,

> Have you seen a GI? I copied this off an other

> list:

>

> " Ask your doctor (preferably a neurologist)

> about the prescription med

> Neurontin for the itching. My neurologist said it is

> not understood how it

> works, but I too was nearly crazy from itching and

> Neurontin worked

> miracles. None of my doctors found any reason for

> the

> itching, except for

> the liver, and/or perhaps some type of neuropathy.

> Good luck. "

>

> Claudine

>

> --- Constance Dickson

> <constance_clearwater_florida@...> wrote:

> > I am so ITCHY it is driving me " NUTSSSSSSSS "

> > I have antihistamine pills and liquid, they are

> not

> > working. I am not going to have any skin left in

> a

> > few

> days!.........HHHHHHHEEEELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPP

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Yes it does drive you nuts. Has been really bad for

about a week, now, 24/7. The more you scratch the

more you itch and where my skin grafts are the skin

has no feeling so is no relief at all. The worst is

the palms of my hands and bottoms of my feet. Thanks

for the advice I am going to take a shower now and try

your remedy. I keep trying not to scratch but it is

not working....Thanks you all, Connie

--- GWhel@... wrote:

> Connie,

>

> I understand your frustration. Itching will drive

> you nuttier than a fruit

> cake. It is pure torture.

>

> One thing that helped me, besides taking

> dyphenhydramine before bed and when

> I wake up, is not using a towel to dry, but just

> wiping off the excess water

> and then putting on plenty of lotion all over my

> body. Winter is particularly

> dry, but I know the itchiness we get because of the

> HCV is yearround.

>

> Also, scratching just makes it worse. If you can

> ever get to the point where

> you don't scratch, and I know it's hard not to, that

> may help.

>

> Gene

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

If you have any good ideas for not scratching I'm all ears, I know it makes

it worse but can't help it at times, mine (skin) has places which are worse

than others at times and unbearable.

Suzy

From: GWhel@...

Reply-Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C , giworld-hepatitis

Subject: Re: " ITCHING "

Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001 00:14:21 EST

Connie,

I understand your frustration. Itching will drive you nuttier than a fruit

cake. It is pure torture.

One thing that helped me, besides taking dyphenhydramine before bed and when

I wake up, is not using a towel to dry, but just wiping off the excess water

and then putting on plenty of lotion all over my body. Winter is

particularly

dry, but I know the itchiness we get because of the HCV is yearround.

Also, scratching just makes it worse. If you can ever get to the point where

you don't scratch, and I know it's hard not to, that may help.

Gene

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

A chamomile tea bag (dampened) or poultice of chamomile flowers often

helps smaller itchy areas....

Suzy Balone wrote:

>

> If you have any good ideas for not scratching

[Guest guest]

A chamomile tea bag (dampened) or poultice of chamomile flowers often

helps smaller itchy areas....

Suzy Balone wrote:

>

> If you have any good ideas for not scratching

[Guest guest]

Thanks will remember about the tea bag idea because I have several small

areas with more popping up every day, latest is one of my armpits!

Suzy

From: Tatezi <tatezi@...>

Reply-Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: " ITCHING "

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 22:45:22 -0600

A chamomile tea bag (dampened) or poultice of chamomile flowers often

helps smaller itchy areas....

Suzy Balone wrote:

>

> If you have any good ideas for not scratching

[Guest guest]

I had the same thing mostly on my chest I tried every thing nothing

helped.

when I got off of tex it went away in about three weeks. The Aveno oat

meal baths helped a little.

I have been off tex for about 7 weeks it feels so good to feel good. I

haven't felt this well in a long time. Hang in their, their is light at

the end of the tunnel.

LUV, Jessie

E-Z DOES IT

[Guest guest]

Hi Kate,

I'd recommend pure niacin for itching. Niacin is one of the vitamins that is often deficient in hyperT. It can relieve itching in 30 minutes or less, and is especially fast if chewed and swallowed on an empty stomach.

Niacin will cause a flush if taken in 100 mgs or more, so be aware that this can happen. Afterwards you'll feel very relaxed and sleepy and hopefully itch-free. You may need 100-300 mgs and need to take it daily for a while to build some up.