Itchy all over

[jivemonkey1]

Hi, started itching in June 2024. Went to a doctor who did LFT and all normal so told probably something else then GP did not pursue it. Tests were alp, ast, alt, bilirubin, albumin, globulin, ferritin, lympocites and creatinine. Felt relieved as seemed pretty comprehensive and all okay.

About 8 years ago I was told fatty liver. Lost 3 stone and told.it had gone away after tests. Weight crept back up and here I am again but this time itchy. Was not before. Just turned 49.

Itching got worse and went back to GP December 2024. Blood tests showed normal ALP and ast but ALT 108 and they did GGC (not done before) and it was 151.

Been reading online and very worried. NHS own website says cirrhosis but other sites say itching can be at any stage of liver disease?!??. Google AI seems to say i am very seriously ill. Confused by the conflicting info but presumably nhs is the right site to follow?

Seeing a specilist in mid Janruary and googling telling me that itching all over for 6 months means I have cirrhosis. Wondering if that is likely to be true and if so what the likely prognosis is?

Been reading forums of people saying they are okay 15 to 20 years later?

Does itching mean my liver is seriously damaged or could it be less advanced and if so can it be fixed?

Wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and how they are getting on?

[LilacPoppy]

I am not medical but I had a lot of serious itching for a good year or so. All tests thus far point to significant scarring. I have a biopsy on 20th to give a definite answer as to the state of my liver.I also developed high blood glucose after pneumonia and steroid induced type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. With the Hepatologist's agreement, I now take Metformin which has bought my blood sugars down. Since starting late October, I rarely get itching. If you Google how Metformin helps the liver, you may see why. Type 2 also causes itching.

Has HbA1c been tested and shown to be normal?

[jivemonkey1 in reply to LilacPoppy]

Yes that was tested a week ago and shown to be normal. Not sure what that means though. Seeing a hepatologist today and going to pay for private tests as wanting to know what is going on. Feleing very anxious about all of this

[LilacPoppy in reply to jivemonkey1]

Good luck. Let us know how you get on 🙂

[jivemonkey1 in reply to LilacPoppy]

Turns out my liver is fine and not fatty and I have fatty pancreas so told to avoid alcohol and lose weight and hopefully it will resolve itself. Itching has been referred to dermatologist following scans of entire digestive system. Seeing this as a warning sign to change my ways.

[QuietButBold in reply to jivemonkey1]

Itchy skin can be associated with e.g. stages of hormonal change plus all sorts of other reasons - so it might not only be liver health related.

I found this NHS webpage educational and it reminded me of the "do's and don'ts" around skin hassle (and I highlight it's caution of: "But do not try to diagnose yourself."):

nhs.uk/conditions/itchy-ski....

The positive steps upon which you have embarked around changing your ways are a good self-investment.

Also, I can imagine it will all go well towards demonstrating to your Dermatologist, and other Healthcare Professionals involved in supporting you, that you definitely mean business and are trying your best to "do your bit" towards improving the itching experienced too.

It could telegraph a constructive attitude on your part; which could be a positive / infectious motivational boost to those professionals working in support of you (most of our healthcare teams are, understandably, heavily laden these days).

We patients can play our part in "helping them to help us" - much as you have been doing.

Hope your appointment with your Dermatologist goes well.