PBC and using Hot Springs to heal itch and ... - PBC Foundation

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PBC and using Hot Springs to heal itch and scratch marks?

Q8Cooper profile image
22 Replies

This feels like a stupid question, but I am told here, that there are none.

Does anyone know if you can soak excess bile salts from under your skin? For that matter have the doctors decided for sure bile salts build up under the skin.

I am asking because I have a mineral hot springs close to my home. Membership is expensive but would be worth it if there were health benefits to PBC.

I use cooling agents to help itching. But I hear several people like hot Epson salt baths. Just wondering what everyone thinks. If I decide to experiment based on feedback. I will be sure to post the pos. and the negs.

Kathy

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Q8Cooper profile image
Q8Cooper
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22 Replies
Shulsey profile image
Shulsey

My heptologist explained that the itch is due to the bile not having anywhere to go, therefore it secrets through our pores. Not sure if that's what you're looking for or not. I say give it a shot, don't see how it could hurt anything.

Stay strong❣️

Shannon

marlene124 profile image
marlene124 in reply to Shulsey

My doctor also told me it is the liver salt of the bile.

I using coarse salt in my bath.

Q8Cooper profile image
Q8Cooper in reply to Shulsey

Shannon,

I am counting on your hep doc being right. And hoping sitting in 106 degree temp mineral springs can help sweat it out so to speak. In theory it sound like something that is relatively non invasive, The worst thing that could happen is I set off a bad bout of itching. I think it is worth it to risk it at least once.

Sachin1234 profile image
Sachin1234

Where is this magical place?

Q8Cooper profile image
Q8Cooper in reply to Sachin1234

Just outside of Penrose Colorado in believe it or not a desert. I used to like to go when it was freezing outside and the water is so nice and warm. I got away from going and just thought it might be nice to return but was a little wary the heat might set off a bout of itching. Oh well, Guess I will find out.

Sachin1234 profile image
Sachin1234 in reply to Q8Cooper

I used to work in estespark, Colorado when I was in university.. I used to go every summer down there..I love Colorado and I'm still trying to move there as well!

Q8Cooper profile image
Q8Cooper in reply to Sachin1234

Estes Park is beautiful. If you ever get to come out my way, just let me know and I will show you the sites.

Sachin1234 profile image
Sachin1234 in reply to Q8Cooper

I will come next year. I have lot of friends around Denver and Estes park area..

do you have good hepatilosigt out there?

4pjx__ profile image
4pjx__

Can you try it out before you sign up? I would give it a try first and see how you feel after before you pay. Now that you mentioned this I wonder how a sauna would do for the itch? I read somewhere that a lot of diseases could be healed with a good fever or sweat. It could be a bunch of crap but native Americans still use sweat lodges a lot....just a thought

-Pam

Sachin1234 profile image
Sachin1234 in reply to 4pjx__

Earth Mineral are very good for your body!

Q8Cooper profile image
Q8Cooper

That is what I am going to try to do. Spend a day and see what happens. How are you feeling?

4pjx__ profile image
4pjx__

I'm feeling pretty good. I have an appointment withnthe hep. On Friday. I'm hoping to see my blood levels improve. Thanks for asking. Good luck with the hot springs. I really hope it helps.

Pam

Q8Cooper profile image
Q8Cooper in reply to 4pjx__

Has your doctor calculated a MELD score to inform you if you qualify to be placed on a liver transplant list?

4pjx__ profile image
4pjx__ in reply to Q8Cooper

No. He has not. I don't think I'm sick enough. I have stage 3 fibrosis. What about you? Do you have a meld score?

Q8Cooper profile image
Q8Cooper in reply to 4pjx__

No, not yet. I see my doc in December and will ask then.

4pjx__ profile image
4pjx__ in reply to Q8Cooper

I don't know for sure, but I was thinking we don't get a meld score until we get to the cirhosis stage. You're not that far yet, are you?

dooley1 profile image
dooley1

I'm sceptical as the heat always makes my itching worse, but would be interested in knowing if it works. Good luck 🤞

Q8Cooper profile image
Q8Cooper

I will leave a post when I get brave enough to try it. I am like you. Heat aggravates the itch. I don't have it all the time but when I do it is of the intractable sort. I am hoping that the hot soaks might find a way to pull the bile salts out of my skin. Heck I tried so many things, might as well try this. :)

Sachin1234 profile image
Sachin1234 in reply to Q8Cooper

Direct heat from the sun will be different then the natural warm water from earth..next time, when I come to Denver I'm definitely soaking myself for couple of days for sure 😁😁😁

4pjx__ profile image
4pjx__ in reply to Sachin1234

They have a really good one in Steamboat Springs. It's called Strawberry Hot Springs if you can get there. It's beautiful.

Pam

Q8Cooper profile image
Q8Cooper in reply to 4pjx__

Hi Pam,

I have been off line for a while have a lot of catching up to do. I am going to the PBC conference. Will be staying in the Hilton Hotel that the PBC foundation secured special rate for $109 for two people. I am looking for a room mate to share the rate if you are interested. I will stay the nights of May 17,18, and 19th checking out the 20th. I found great airfare rates on "One travel".

Let me know how you are doing.

God Bless!

Kathy

Knackeredknowle profile image
Knackeredknowle

(I am asking because I have a mineral hot springs close to my home. )

Let us all know how you get on...

SOUNDS AWESOME! Especially if it works.

(And if it doesn't....to be honest)

The closest thing I have here, in UK, is cold sea water or a public chlorine pool.

I give anything a try...nightmare night times I can't sleep for scratching. Not heard of soaking, but very very interested if you decide to give it a go.

Keep us updated....

Good luck and

Best wishes friend

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