itching,loss of appetite, hands/foot pain

[BlueYear]

Hi,

I was here around 2 years ago, worried about my liver due to abdo pains and palmar erythema. I had normal bloods, ultrasound and MRI (benign cyst seen on MRI). I've had normal bloods since. I'm 35. I drank heavily (up to 50 units a week I would say) in my 20s. I now generally drink within govt guidelines but do occasionally go over. This week I've been on annual leave and it's been my birthday so have drank more, but not shockingly so except one night when did drink too much and felt horribly anxious and guilty, generally though maybe 4 units a night. I've noticed my appetite has decreased rapidly over the week. Itchy skin for around 3 days (like an insect crawling). Hand and foot pain, especially around joints such as knuckles. I'm now freaking out again this is my liver. I've actually joined the rheumatoid arthritis forum as well as also questioning this. No GP appts available but booked in with a healthcare assistant Wednesday telephone. Back at work tomorrow, haven't had an drink in a few days which is fine, but panicking. I've read itchy skin normally non alcohol related cirrhosis? Would appetite drop this suddenly? I normally eat too much! Also the hand and foot pain, would this be an early sign? I know no-one can diagnose me one way or the other , I'm just panicking!

Thank you for

[Positive001]

You panicking will be affecting your appetite, calm down. Stay off the booze, it causes anxiety.

[BlueYear in reply to Positive001]

Absolutely you are right. The appetite loss did pre-date the anxiety though, the hand and foot pain has come later. Also some coughing at night when laying down. Very confusing. Thank you for responding with a calm comment!

[x007jcp]

Hi - have had both incredible itching and arthritis-like problems in hands and feet. In my case itching was pruritus - no firm diagnosis or treatment for it despite repeated questions and suggestions to GP. Only real solution is stop drinking, use moisturizer and/or calamine. Again in my case no diagnosis for finger pains - no visible arthritis symptoms like swelling. Again, stop booze worked. Feet - constantly ache - diagnosed peripheral neuropathy. Irreversible nerve damage. Told worst case scenario here can be amputation. Believe cause to be vitamin deficiency whilst drinking, ie suppressed appetite. All roads lead to Rome! Solution in your hands.

[BlueYear in reply to x007jcp]

Thank you for your advice. I have read that about vitamin deficiency but this seems strange to me as generally eat a varied diet, never had issue with appetite before (other than it being too large), don't drink during the week etc normally (or particularly binge at the weekend, but am aware I might go slightly over guidelines depending on social occasion). Can I ask if your blood tests showed anything up? I plan on requesting these again if I can get an appointment. Thank you