Why is my skin yellow???

[misumena]

Four yrs. ago I had a very violent adverse reaction to the medication Cymbalta. I came to my doctor six months into starting this drug with complaints of dry skin and hair, involuntary weight loss, 2 missed periods, and mental confusion. I foolishly took her advice to double my dose (I started with 30mg) as she assured me that what I was describing was due only to stress. Not long after doing this I was a physical wreck. I convulsed, vomited, felt as though my heart was going to explode, and experienced an unrelenting sensation of pure terror and panic. I tried to stop the medication, but found that this only made the symptoms worse. I attempted to compromise with my body by taking as little as possible--just enough to keep the withdrawals at bay, but not enough to send me over the edge again. Well, it would seem that there was no real way out...my body continued to fall apart anyway. I have been living ever since with yellow, dry as a bone skin (I look 15 years older than I did before), dry hair with massive fallout, cognitive impairment (MAJOR), unrelenting exhaustion, food and chemical sensitivities, and insomnia. My biggest concern should be my loss of intelligence, but honestly my skin concerns me the most. I used to have milky white skin before all this (I am of Irish descent)...it was beautiful :( Doctors having found nothing though blood tests. For the first two years I had an overactive thyroid and amenorrhea, but these issues have since been resolved. Tests (including liver function) declare me as being "normal." I don't understand why I look the way that I do if that is true. Please help....

[Durrgen]

How much time do you spend in the sun? How much vitamin D do you get in general? It could be a case of jaundice, I am not a professional but I know that jaundice causes yellow pigmentation in your skin.

[misumena]

Hi Durrgen,
Usually when late spring and summer hit I try to get out as much as possible (4-6 times per week). I love to hike and solo camp....despite my energy levels being at an all time low. Reminds me of who I used to be. I take a vitamin D3 supplement----5000iu. I have long suspected jaundice as well. Not sure what else it could be. I am hardly chugging carrot juice on the daily....

Thank you for your reply. :)

[Durrgen]

I apologize for bringing up such a highly suspected answer but as I've said before I'm no professional, I hope you find the answers you are looking for I really wish you the luck of the irish, sorry for that, but seriously, good luck.

[misumena]

Thank you, Durrgen. Just so you know there is no need to apologize! I was in no way angry or annoyed at the mentioning of jaundice. It is a valid suggestion. I am simply fed up with my body and it's mysterious issues...my closing words were a reflection of that fact, nothing more I assure you ;)

[Durrgen]

Yeah, I didn't think you were angry I just know that it can get frustrating being told the same thing over and over when you know that's not it. I have my own issues too, there are no answers for it I am just told that its harmless and to ignore it, much like I am sure you are told that too. Anyway, its but been nice talking with you, if I find anything on the matter I will send it your way, although, I am sure youve already researched just about everything there is.

[tacolino]

Hi there from Ireland!
Well the first thing that normally causes yellowing of the skin is issues with the liver. Bile ducts can be blocked, resulting in the yellowing of skin.
Im not a doc but its worth a check. Its also possible the issue is the medication? is it a medication side effect?
I get the not being able to stop it. I was on beta blockers, they are the same, Im stuck with a small dose instead of stopping , or things go crazy.
You got the usual doctors answer; Double the dose. I have High BP and its same answer. Double the dose.
Its clear that cymbalta is a hell of a serious drug to stop. All over the net its full of cymbalta  horror stories.
Some people even filed lawsuits against its maker!!
A question; How was the thyroid issue treated?
Is treatment ongoing?
The dry hair may be due to your thyroid issue?
Have you had kidney function tests?
Liver function bloods could be ok, but maybe a CT would be a good idea, just to be sure?
Demand more from your doc.
I feel your pain

[misumena]

Hi tacolino,
My continued suspicion is that it is indeed an issue with my liver (or kidneys), despite multiple blood tests showing me as being "normal" in these areas. I suppose a CT scan would be the next step, as you have suggested.
As far as my thyroid issues go: I was diagnosed as hypo over ten years ago. Have been on the same dose of levothyroxine for the majority of those years. I don't know why my thyroid gland suddenly decided to become overactive, and why it stayed that way for a straight two years. However, after connecting with others online who have been through the withdrawal process, I now know that this is not unheard of. The theory is that your body basically goes insane and no longer knows how to communicate with itself. It could be that a generic thyroid med is the wrong choice for me, and that perhaps this has only recently become apparent....not sure. I may speak to my doctor about this.
  I am very sorry for your troubles with beta blockers! Also for your awareness of how dismissive and careless doctors can be at times. Some mean well, but in my opinion most have been brainwashed by "big pharma." It's a shame and a crime.
  Thank you for your reply. I greatly appreciate your help and suggestions.