Itching? What itching?

[Splb3317]

Hi everybody. I have great news. After posting a couple of weeks ago about terrible problems with the itching that we are all prone to, I got lots of great advice and welcomed all your experiences of this horrible problem and how to deal with it. Some people found different antihistamines helpful and in particular someone said that they had found relief with Loratidine. I went to see my Lloyds the chemist pharmacist for advice with a list of the other drugs I take.

After some thought and looking down her list, she recommended Cetirizine 10mg as it did not react with any other drugs. I thought I'd give it a go as the itching was so bad. And GUESS WHAT? A miracle! After taking 2 tablets (1 a day) the itching has disappeared, even the after shower itching. As I'm writing this, I realise I'm tempting fate, and I have everything crossed, but for now, it is such a relief to be itch free. I have taken 12 of the 1st packet of 14 tablets and need to think about whether I should be taking these long term (I'll have a word with my GP), but I would be very reluctant to give up this lovely relief.

The only downside (there's always one, isn't there?) is that you cannot drink alcohol with these tablets. As it happens, I drink very little, but at the weekends I love a small glass of wine on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I have missed that, but it's a small price to pay. However, I'm off to a wedding this weekend and will definitely want some alcohol at that, so with some trepidation, I'll stop taking the pills when the box runs out tomorrow and enjoy the wedding. (Provided I'm not itching too much!!)

Anyway, I wanted to share my good news and would be interested to see if other people try this particular tablet and if it is as effective for them. I hope so.

Thank you all for the advice that led me to this. Like so many others, I can't praise this forum enough for the advice and encouragement it gives to all we MPN sufferers.

Sandra

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

HI Sandra, thanks for letting us all know, and very pleased that you have found relief from the itch. Enjoy the wedding. Maz

[Splb3317 in reply to Mazcd]

Thanks Maz. Fingers crossed for an itch free celebration!

Sandra

[Aime]

That's great news Sandra, it can be miserable when you are itchy especially in bed. Enjoy the wedding. Kind regards Aime xx😺😺

[Splb3317 in reply to Aime]

Thanks Aime. It certainly makes a difference.

It seems to be one of those good news days today. Following my routine blood test in preparation for my appointment, my haem's secretary has just rung me to say that my platelet numbers are down and I should reduce my Hydroxy from 5, to 3 times a week. Yes!!

Sandra

[Malaika]

Hi. I have taken Cetirizine now for a few years. However this last few weeks the itch became intolerable and I ended up going to the GP in desparation. He told me I could take between 3 and 4 a day under his supervision. I am now taking 3 leaving the extra one in reserve and the itching has subsided so happy days here as well. Wishing you the very best

Malaika

[Splb3317 in reply to Malaika]

Hi Malaika,

I'm glad it worked for you as well. I hope the effectiveness returns in full. I wont be so paranoid now about not overstepping the 1 a day limit by a few minutes!

Kind regards

Sandra

[catwoman2015]

Hi Sandra, thats great you found something that helps you , i must be in the minority ,i do not suffer with itching. , i hope im not speaking to soon haha , enjoy your wedding ithink most antistamine your advised not to drink because of sleepiness too and driving ! all the best Holly

[Splb3317 in reply to catwoman2015]

Thanks Holly. Yes, even though hubby's at the wheel this weekend, I wont risk the tablet with alcohol.

Regards,

Sandra

[JSKly]

Great news. So glad something is working for you and the maddening itching. I've put the name of the drug in my list.

[Splb3317 in reply to JSKly]

Great. I hope it works for you

Sandra

[beetle]

I use cetirizine too and find it very effective. Fortunately I don't drink alcohol anyway. Not because I'm virtuous but I don't seem to like tha taste much any more. Also my cheeks go instantly red and at one of my son's graduation I heard a lad laughing about the fact that he could tell when his mum was tipsy as her cheeks go red! Mine are scarlet long before the tipsy stage so I thought it better to abstain rather than be judged all the time😂😂

[Splb3317 in reply to beetle]

I'm not a great drinker either, but for the wedding, I'd at least like to be able to toast the bride and groom.

All the best,

Sandra

[beetle in reply to Splb3317]

Oh I'd make an exception then too😊