Gall bladder removal complications and now with itching all over

[lilykool]

Hi there, my mom had a gall bladder removed and the stone in her CBD removed.  The doc also did a so called by-passed, and ended up with a post-surgery bile leak. A PTC through her liver inserted, the original surgical drain is there to drained out out the leak. It has been 3+ months, and still waiting for the leak / holes to heal.  She is now back home for a week.  She started having itch especially on her face (cheeks) and through the body, don't see any rashes... only place with rashes is the drain site, which the stoma bag is attached.

Q1. what is the cause of these rashes?  Is it something about her diet?  
Q2. Throughout these 3+ months, her resting heartbeat is always average 110.  Doctor does not seem to able to find a cause and let it be.  

I am concerned but does not know what to do.

thanks!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Generally an increase in bile pigments causes an itch. It can also be the side effect of some medication. Another possibility is skin dryness due to antibiotics, and other drugs she must have been on.
Also since she has tachycardia or high pulse rate, there could be some infection inside at the surgery site. Slightly lower BP can cause tachycardia. It can also be due to anemia, hyperthyroidism, fever, low blood sugar, anxiety and panic disorder, heart causes like sinus tachycardia and palpitations, alcohol, coffee, effect of certain drugs etc.
Since I cannot examine your mother and know other related conditions she could be having, nor is a detailed history possible on net, I have listed the various possibilities that should be looked into. Please consult her treating doctor to run tests and examination to clinch a diagnosis.
Take care!

[ChristineMP]

Itching can be a symptom of liver disease. You should contact her health care provider.

What kind of blood work has been done and how recently? Particularly liver panel and thyroid panel.