Question:
I am almost 6 weeks post-op and I am going nuts itching everywhere, any ideas ......
why or what can be done to relieve some of it? I use lotion but that dosnt seem to work. — Reeda (posted on October 13, 2003)
October 12, 2003
Could you be having an allergic reaction to any medications. Post-op our
bodies absorb medicine different than pre-op, plus, it is just a whole new
ballgame. If it is a possibility, try some benedryl. If it is allergy
related, that should give you temporary relief until you find out what it
is.
— Denise B.
October 12, 2003
Honey- I hear you. I went NUTS with the same thing. Goodness, I itch now,
just thinking about it. Here's some things that worked for me. First- get
a good hypo-allergenic lotion like Keri or Nutrogena. No fragrances or
'fancy' stuff. Make sure you use the lotion once or twice a day- have
somebody help you with the 'hard parts' if possible. (they always seem to
be the places that itch most!) Other things you can do- get Gold Bond
medicated anti itch cream- a real life saver for itchy spots (don't use
powder- it will make your skin dry), take a milk bath in warm (not too hot)
water for a few minutes (don't soak too long, or your skin will get
drier)Take an antihistamine if your doctor will let you. (be SURE to speak
with Dr. first) In a few weeks you should feel better. It turned out for
me that I was slightly allergic to my pain med. It could be something you
are taking or a residual effect of something you took in the past. Hang in
there- it will get better soon if it's from something in the past. If it
doesn't get a bit better soon - continue talking to your Dr. and seee if
you can figure out what is causing it. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!
— LMCLILLY
October 13, 2003
Sweetie, I had the exact same problem, itched like crazy! I was having a
reaction to the meds. Makes me crazy now thinking about it. It felt
terrible! But my doc told me to use Benedryl, worked great! But ask your
surgeon to make sure he/she says it is ok. I am not a doctor or play one on
TV so you should double check. Hang in there, it will feel better soon!
— tpalmer
October 13, 2003
I have the same problem and I am 9 mos out. The only thing that controls
it for me is an daily Zyrtec. I went through extensive testing with an
Allergist when this started at about 3 months out and she was unable to
determine what was causing the itching and rashes. As I said the Zyrtec
was the only thing that I tried that could control the itching.
Good luck!
— sherry H.
October 13, 2003
My nutritionist is working with me on this issue - came up about 2 months
ago (I'm 14 months out now) and we've kind of come to the conclusion that
I'm lacking essential fatty acids (oil) in my diet. I am now adding them -
if you want to know if it worked, drop me an email in a couple of months
lol.
— [Deactivated Member]
October 14, 2003
I had the same thing happen after all my surgeries, 2 c sections a
hysterectomy and the gastric bypass....My surgeon suggested
Benedryl...helps me sleep too....personally I think it has something to do
with the anesthesia from surgery.
— nani68
October 14, 2003
OH, MAN! I itched so badly I wanted to peel off my skin. I was completely
rescued by hydrocortisone ointment (1%) and Aquaphor ointment (by the
makers of Eucerin). The hydrocortisone completely stopped the itch and the
Aquaphor kept my skin moist all day long. That combo is the only thing I
tried that truly worked for me. The itching didn't last long at all so
hang in there. I'm 7 weeks out now and itch free.
— jenpatalano
October 15, 2003
The same thing happened to me - my doctor said to up my water, I did and
within 2 days - I had no more itching. You body needs more fluid and will
pull it out of your skin. Hope it works
— tara821
October 15, 2003
This is very very common. It is also a short term side effect. It is more
annoying than anything esle and isn't a dangerous side effect. Drink a lot
of fluids to minimize itching, but I don't think there is anything you can
do to make it totally go away. In time, it will completely dissapear.
Don't worry.
— Melissa C.
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