Chronic itchiness

[CarlosFandango]

Hi,

I am in heart, lung and kidney failure following a first wave hospital acquired Covid-19 special treat. I spent almost 8 months in hospital and I suppose on the bright side I'm lucky I survived.

My egfr is now mid teens. I now have almost unbearable itchiness all over my body that leaves my skin crawling inside and a feeling as if my body has been set on fire.

As it's impossible to see a doctor in my area an email consultation (yes that's correct....email.....!!) has resulted in a prescription for antihistamines and a cream.

I have read that antihistamines are not effective in treating 'kidney itch' and with a young child who suffers with eczema I must so far have tried every cream known to man.

I have read this is a common condition with CKD and wondered if anyone else had experience of this and couod lend any advice on how best to deal with this.

I appreciate we're all different but at the moment I am desperate and any suggestions would be gladly received.

Regards

Carl

[Leekee]

Yes, I experienced itchiness when I was on dialysis. My nutritionist recommended not eating foods high in phosphorous and potassium.

[Kompai]

Hi Carlos, I had extreme itching on arms and back of neck while on dialysis, creams or things didn't help me, I tried baths with salts.After about a year of itching and scabs my specialist noticed my parathyroid was over reacting, they took half out and put half in my upper arm ( it's odd I know).

A day after the op the itching stopped. Just my experience I wish u the best.

[CarlosFandango in reply to Kompai]

Hi, thanks for the advice.My levels were checked a couple of months ago and the cardiologist told me they were fine.

Not going anywhere near a hospital at the moment as in the UK our hospitals are full of Omicron and having caught Covid-19 in the first wave and barely survived I don't fancy it a second time so I'm self-isolating at the moment

Carl

[Eyak1971]

I have to agree with those that responded. Can you do a blood draw to check your phosphorous levels? A change in diet and phosphorous blockers can help. The medication can be expensive in the US due to patent protections put on by big pharma. I am inspired by your courage but discourage that healthcare is so limited in your area. Wishing you the best for you and your family. I have to ask - did you get the vaccine or was this condition before the vaccine was available?

[CarlosFandango in reply to Eyak1971]

Hi,Thanks for the replies.

My philosophy on life is inspired by Sir Captain Tom........'tomorrow will be a good day'

I am fully vaccinated including booster with the Pfizer vaccine.

The itchiness was there before I had the vaccine.

I am due bloods in a couple of days so will ask that my phosphorous levels be checked too