Pancreatitis - Itching?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi, a family member was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in Nov 2014. Doing better now, but still has some gastro issues (pain/bowel movement issues, etc.)   However, in the last few weeks has developed widespread itching.  Was recommended to a dermatologist and allergist.   

However, I just wonder if the itching is related to the pancreas or other possible gastro issues.

This person's blood work is all fine.  Weight is being maintained since pancreatitis, no vomiting, no jaundice.  Their gallbladder was removed years ago.

Has anyone suffered from this?  Any other questions I can answer to give more info?  Thanks

1 like, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • Posted

    i have pancreatitis and had gallbladder out....i don't think itching is part of it...i have had allergic reations to things (food and enviromental)...even hospitalized for it...and that will cause hives and itching....dry winter skin can cause itching....especially if you live in a cold snowy area...i think a dermatologist and allergist would be best...good luck & let us know how you do.
  • Posted

    If you don't mind me asking, when was your gallbladder removed vs. your diagnosis of pancreatitis?   
  • Posted

    gallbladder removed april 2012,  pancratitis diagnosis december 2008
  • Posted

    Not mean to worry you but I had acute pancreatitis in october2014 had a hard time getting over it then started having itching thought bug bites then had a EUS with biopsy and found a rare pancreatic cancer that causes itching now having treatment for the cancer. Have you had a EUS or ERCP after the attack?
    • Posted

      Thank you for sharing this.  Did they catch yours early?  My family member was told ERCP was risky based on  age/weight.  Their blood work (WBC, etc) has all been fine.
    • Posted

      I had the EUS cause they told me the ERCP was to dangerous for me but they did a biopsy with the EUS and yes very early stage they think the can put it into remission but without the EUS it would not have been found until it was too late which generally people don't live long with pancreatic cancer if found after it becomes stage four mine is only stage one
    • Posted

      Hi janet can you pls descrbe how you itch?

      Was it severe itching or like pins and needle

      Which part of your body itch?

      Did you itch all the time or was it in and off

    • Posted

      It was an off and on itch thought at first it was bug bites would get some raised areas mostly on my arms but the itch at times was all over it was a severe itch when it occurred started five days after the acute pancreaitis attacked but didn't have the EUS until four months later Had the EUS cause I seem to not get over the pancreatitis so they thought I Had CP with maybe gallbladder problems 
    • Posted

      Hi janet

      Thank you for answering my question of you dont mind me asking what was your symptoma before diagnosis

      Did you have jaundice after itching pr stomach pain can you describe it pls

      Thank you

    • Posted

      No jaundice just chronic Pancreaitis which they were trying to find out why is the reason for the EUS with biopsy I started the itching a week after the acute pancreaitis which all test didn't show anything wrong but the pain and nausea wouldn't go away after four months of feeling crappy with the itching the doc decided to do the EUS which found the cancer
    • Posted

      Thank you for your information so far.  I hope the best for you.   

      How bad was the pain post acute attack?  Did you have blood tests between hospital test and EUC?  (WBCs, RBCs.)  Were they in normal range?

      My family member still has varying degrees of abdominal pain since the Nov 2014 acute attack/hospital stay.  Bloodwork has been fine.  (Lipase, amalyse, blood counts, liver functions)  Itching began a month ago.  Saw a dermatologist/allergist.  Only thing helping is Aveeno products.   

      No jaundice, no eye yellowing, no fatigue, no vomitting, weight has stayed the same after an initial 10 pound loss while in the hospital.  Able to work full time since the Nov 2014 hospital stay.

      They are heading to see gastro next week for follow up.  Obviously the dreaded C word scares me, but only a few of their symptoms match.

    • Posted

      Pain was anywhere between mild to terrible depending on if I ate solid food or not they gave me enzymes which help with not being able to eat solid food but still had pain and nausea with solid food. I lost 45 pounds in four months which was a lot 
    • Posted

      Hi janet

      Thank you again for answering

      Frim one to 10 what level was your pain and can you describe the pain you were feeling and whick part of your abdomen

      Your in my prayers

      God is good

    • Posted

      It would vary depending if, I ate food or not solid food would give me a ten before the enzymes with enzymes a four it was middle and to the left under ribs I still have pain with solids right now I am on protein shakes while on treatments and enzymes to help with digestion of protein
    • Posted

      Thank you again for replying

      Did your pain radiate to the back or to the left leg

      Did you have the whipple surgery?

    • Posted

      Sorry it took me so long to reply haven't been feeling good I didn't have wipple pain just radiated to back no pain in legs I am having chemo under a new study first then they may be removing pancreas after treatments 
    • Posted

      Hi janet

      Tnx for replying

      Im so so sorry your not feeling well your in mu prayers

      Btw how old are you?

      I still dont have diagnosis

      Still in pain upper left radiates to the back but it doesnt get agrivated by food theres just always pain

      Hoping that i dont have pancreatic cancer it scares me everyday

      If you need someone to talk to pls dont hesistate ti msg me

      God bless you

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