post ileostomy pruritus

I am a British physician. 10 years ago I had an ileostomy and internal for intractable ulcerative colitis. Shortly after discharge from hospital with an ileostomy bag I noticed severe itching all over my legs and then over my body. Nothing helped. When the ileostomy was connected to the pouch in hospital some 6 months later I developed an obstruction and for a week was on a drip. During this time the itching disapeared. My first food was a milky chocolate drink and immediately the itching re-commenced. I thought I was allergic to milk protein and stopped drinking milk. There was some improvement but from time to time the itching would flare up on my ankles and thighs. Recently I started itching on my face at night; then during the day and now over the whole of my body. The facial itching is very unpleasant with a pricking burning feeling resulting in insomnia. I have been on a strict dairy free diet, stopped all my drugs - including atorvastatin, been on an exclusion diet - to no avail. When I fast the itching stops; when I start eating again it returns. Recently I have had attacks of diarrhoea.
I am at a loss to account for it. Is it some sort of Vit B deficiency? I am normal weight for my height and otherwise in good health. Non smoker, very light drinker. On one occassion recently my bilirubin was 26 declining to 21.
Aljoby

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say.

A referral to an allergist to determine any food allergies that may have developed in the interim.

I have also seen cases where patients were allergic to the ileostomy bag or tape itself - leading to the itching.

The elevated bilirubin level can be considered as well.  Disease like PBC or PSC can lead to itching, and can be discussed with your gastroenterologist if this is suspected.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[B_Johnson]

My guess would have been the bilirubin. There is a strong correlation in patients with UC and primary sclerosing cholangitis.  Was the elevation in dBil?  Have you had any signs of jaundice? ALP? LFTs?

[NickyIsHere123]

Hi, have you tried cabbage juice? If I were you, I would go buy a juicer. I am not belittling your problem at all. You may or may not know this, but cabbage has been known to heal ulcers in the stomach and intestinal tract. When you put the cabbage in the juicer, try also a cucumber ( skin and all). Cucumber  is great for allery or inflammation of any kind. Note: YOU must drink 4 8oz of this juice a day for a month and in a minute from juicing it ( otherwise the active enzyme is destroyed). Again, I can't stress how vital that is. See how it works, and report back if you want:)

Good Luck

[NickyIsHere123]

For got to mention, cabbage is loaded with vitamin B....

Add a carrot for extra support too.

:)