Not a specific event, but for over a decade I've been told that my insanely itchy legs are psychosomatic. I've seen various doctors and had tests done and since nothing is coming back positive for anything, people assume I'm making it up. Sure, because I WANT to be digging holes in my skin and hurting myself because the constant itching keeps me up all night.
Finally saw a different GI doc the other week due to gallbladder concerns, and when I mentioned the itchy skin, he casually goes 'Oh, that could be a symptom of (various intestinal issues we're investigating). Not surprising at all, maybe some of these treatments will help.'
My response was, quote, 'Are you kidding me? You've seen this?' and we talked about it a bit more. I wanted to cry. Someone finally believes me!!
Edit: okay, wasn't expecting anyone to also have the same thing!! So, I have gallbladder issues in that it's basically unalive, but I'm not in pain, and I just found out last month because I had a severe chest pain attack that landed me in the ER. I'm not getting it removed yet but it doesn't seem to function anymore, I don't know if it's the exact cause or not. The GI specialist I saw put me on a med that helps with bile salt absorption, because a lot my stomach problems could be due to malabsorpion. And seriously, I'm not even the full two weeks into the med cycle and my near-daily bathroom runs after every meal are GONE. I also don't have issues with dairy, so I wonder if I'm not actually lactose sensitive but it was all gut biome stuff. I'm waiting to hear back from the GI on a long term solution but colestipol has saved me and I hope it's a step in the right diagnostic direction!
Finally saw a different GI doc the other week due to gallbladder concerns, and when I mentioned the itchy skin, he casually goes 'Oh, that could be a symptom of (various intestinal issues we're investigating). Not surprising at all, maybe some of these treatments will help.'
My response was, quote, 'Are you kidding me? You've seen this?' and we talked about it a bit more. I wanted to cry. Someone finally believes me!!
Edit: okay, wasn't expecting anyone to also have the same thing!! So, I have gallbladder issues in that it's basically unalive, but I'm not in pain, and I just found out last month because I had a severe chest pain attack that landed me in the ER. I'm not getting it removed yet but it doesn't seem to function anymore, I don't know if it's the exact cause or not. The GI specialist I saw put me on a med that helps with bile salt absorption, because a lot my stomach problems could be due to malabsorpion. And seriously, I'm not even the full two weeks into the med cycle and my near-daily bathroom runs after every meal are GONE. I also don't have issues with dairy, so I wonder if I'm not actually lactose sensitive but it was all gut biome stuff. I'm waiting to hear back from the GI on a long term solution but colestipol has saved me and I hope it's a step in the right diagnostic direction!
