If your bilirubin levels are normal, I have an unproven theory that post-surgical neuropathy is the cause, and that it presents itself as itch instead of the more typical pins and needles or numbness most would experience. Itch is essentially mild pain.
Elevated bilirubin levels after gallbladder surgery need to be evaluated right away. Although it is common for patients with high bilirubin levels to experience pruritis (itching), it is actually the deposition of bile salts in the skin that is thought to cause the problem. In cases of bile duct obstruction both the bilirubin and the levelsof circulating bile salts are elevated. Following removal of the gallbladder elevated bilirubin levels may be caused by a stone in the common bile duct blocking it, a narrowing of the bile duct due to technical complication, or sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. One must also rule out reasons unrelated to the surgery such as tumors, sclerosing cholangitis, hepatitis, etc. I have also seen profound jaundice caused by reactions to medications.
Hi Im going through the same situation and I'm DESPERATE!!! alot of itching, bilirubin levels are high... did you found any solution for the itching???? please h
HELP!!!!!
I read your info about your mother's gallbladder removal and the itching she experienced. Since it was three yrs ago, I wonder if your mom ever found a solution to the itching. I'm experiencing the same thing she did and am about to go crazy. Please help if you can. Thank you!
Are her palms red and itchy? Is she displaying any form of a rash? And, as an outlier, is there any history of gluten-intolerance in her family anywhere?
bilirubin level is at 4, within normal range. so far this is about all we have.
I agree with CalGal. Problems with the liver are often accompanied by itchy skin. Definitely time to have her bilirubin levels checked.
Is there any possibility that she could have high levels of bilirubin in her system? Has her doc measured her liver enzyme levels lately? It's possible she might have continuing problems with 'processing' the bile she's making.