Bruising, HE and Itching

[FlippinOut]

I’m newly diagnosed with cirrhosis from NAFLD and trying to sort all this out.

What causes bruising? I have normal platelets, albumin and INR. Why do I have bruises in odd places? They’re in areas where I know can’t be from bumping into something.

Another thing I have is brain fog and insomnia, but my ammonia blood levels are normal. What else besides ammonia can be causing the HE?

Another thing is itching but my bilirubin is normal.

Seems I have symptoms that aren’t reflected in my blood levels. Anyone else have this happen? It’s so frustrating and confusing. GI doctor just says lose weight and try not to worry.

[Roy1955]

Worry can certainly make minor symptoms seem like a serious illness and it's doubtful if what your describing means you have HE. If your very overweight your Dr's advice is probably correct.

[FlippinOut in reply to Roy1955]

Oh ok. I read that brain fog, sleep disturbances and insomnia can be early signs of HE. I really have to stop doing research online. It’s probably making things worse and making me feel crappy.

[Bigbluemonkey]

I'm exactly the same. Itchy skin, random bruises & brain fog. My bloods are back to normal so I can only think it's the medication.

I was diagnosed with auto immune hepatitis & I take 2.5mg Pred & 2000mg Mycophenalote Mofetil (Cellcept) daily. These meds do have lots of side effects & may be the cause so maybe its your meds causing it.

It's odd we have exactly the symptoms. Could be our damaged livers causing it?

I mentioned it to my consultant & he just shrugged his shoulders. It's baffling.

[FlippinOut in reply to Bigbluemonkey]

Yes I think it’s the damaged liver causing these symptoms. I’m not on any new medications, just the same ones I’ve been on for years so I don’t think it’s that (for me). This whole disease is baffling. There’s so much conflicting info online and my doctor doesn’t seem able to give me any answers.

[PollyO]

I started using protein mix over a year ago and as long as I use it often I do not bruise. Protien shores up you blood vessel walls. I use Ascent slow burning protein at night. It also helps with muscle loss.

[FlippinOut in reply to PollyO]

Thank you I will try this.

[Ubwa]

you where correct in your initial thoughts, stop googling and feeding your imagination and fears. You will have a much happier life 👍