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Suggest Treatment For Itching All Over The Body After Gall Bladder Removal

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Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2015
Question: I had my gall bladder removed 2 weeks ago and I started getting itching all over. Sometimes it's my scalp, sometimes it's my foot or stomach or leg. Is this normal? Should I be worried?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Post cholecystectomy pruritus:

Detailed Answer:
The itching you are describing can happen following removal of your gall bladder. The gall bladder stores the bile that the liver continuously produces and then releases the bile into the small intestine after eating. When the gall bladder is gone, the liver continues to make bile which drains into the small intestine, but some of it can build up. The products in the bile, such as bilirubin, can increase in your blood and cause itchy skin. It can also make the skin look sallow.

You definitely should report this symptom to your gastroenterologist or the surgeon who did your cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). He or she may want to get blood tests including checking your serum (blood) bilirubin level. And he/she might prescribe medication for treating this problem, such as cholestyramine and ursodiol.

I hope you are feeling better soon! Please let me know if I can provide further clarification or information on this topic.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (12 minutes later)
Is there any immediate cause for concern or can this wait until Monday when the surgeon & my GI doctor are back in? Right now this is annoying but manageable.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is ok to wait until Monday.

Detailed Answer:
Yes, it is ok to wait unless you become very uncomfortable.

In the mean time:

Keep hydrated with plenty of water.

You may find some relief with application of cold to itchy areas, although it won't help when you are itching all over. For example in place of scratching you can rub the itchy area with an ice cube.

Antihistamines can also help - such as Benadryl or Zyrtec. Zyrtec is less sedating and lasts 24 hours. You can get either of these over the counter (without prescription) at a drugstore.




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (6 minutes later)
Ok, I'll step up the hydration. Thank you for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Glad to help -

Detailed Answer:
I hope you are doing better soon.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Itching All Over The Body After Gall Bladder Removal

Brief Answer: Post cholecystectomy pruritus: Detailed Answer: The itching you are describing can happen following removal of your gall bladder. The gall bladder stores the bile that the liver continuously produces and then releases the bile into the small intestine after eating. When the gall bladder is gone, the liver continues to make bile which drains into the small intestine, but some of it can build up. The products in the bile, such as bilirubin, can increase in your blood and cause itchy skin. It can also make the skin look sallow. You definitely should report this symptom to your gastroenterologist or the surgeon who did your cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). He or she may want to get blood tests including checking your serum (blood) bilirubin level. And he/she might prescribe medication for treating this problem, such as cholestyramine and ursodiol. I hope you are feeling better soon! Please let me know if I can provide further clarification or information on this topic.