2 years of unremitting itching
An_248742 posted:
I am afflicted with Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. For 4 years, I have been given to relieve my severe pain. Three years ago, I began treatments with Remicade. Dosages of both these drugs have not changed in all this time. I have never needed more.
HOWEVER, I have itching that is severe and that refuses to quit. It has at times almost driven me out of my mind. I am also afflicted with sinus congestion at a level that I never experienced before.
I see a rheumatologist, a pain management doctor, a dermatologist, a psychiatrist and a psychologist to help me deal with my problems. No one seems to know what to do. The itching keeps increasing; I cannot wear clothing or go outside (obviously) as anything that rubs my skin starts the intense itching. Heat, friction and sweating also brings it on.
And, it has gotten worse over time. Now I have frequent spells where my whole body feels as if it were on fire.
I am honestly considering suicide as I cannot go on living like this. I keep wondering why someone doesn't put me in a hospital to deal with this.
Help?
HOWEVER, I have itching that is severe and that refuses to quit. It has at times almost driven me out of my mind. I am also afflicted with sinus congestion at a level that I never experienced before.
I see a rheumatologist, a pain management doctor, a dermatologist, a psychiatrist and a psychologist to help me deal with my problems. No one seems to know what to do. The itching keeps increasing; I cannot wear clothing or go outside (obviously) as anything that rubs my skin starts the intense itching. Heat, friction and sweating also brings it on.
And, it has gotten worse over time. Now I have frequent spells where my whole body feels as if it were on fire.
I am honestly considering suicide as I cannot go on living like this. I keep wondering why someone doesn't put me in a hospital to deal with this.
Help?
13 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingI am afflicted with Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. For 4 years, I have been given to relieve my severe pain. Three years ago, I began treatments with Remicade. Dosages of both these drugs have not changed in all this time. I have never needed more.<br /><br />HOWEVER, I have itching that is severe and that refuses to quit. It has at times almost driven me out of my mind. I am also afflicted with sinus congestion at a level that I never experienced before.<br /><br />I see a rheumatologist, a pain management doctor, a dermatologist, a psychiatrist and a psychologist to help me deal with my problems. No one seems to know what to do. The itching keeps increasing; I cannot wear clothing or go outside (obviously) as anything that rubs my skin starts the intense itching. Heat, friction and sweating also brings it on.<br /><br />And, it has gotten worse over time. Now I have frequent spells where my whole body feels as if it were on fire.<br /><br />I am honestly considering suicide as I cannot go on living like this. I keep wondering why someone doesn't put me in a hospital to deal with this.<br /><br />Help?
An_248742 responded:
I apologise for not providing certain information; the itching prevents me from thinking too clearly. My pain medication is methadone, 10mg, 3 times a day.
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingI apologise for not providing certain information; the itching prevents me from thinking too clearly. My pain medication is methadone, 10mg, 3 times a day.
davedsel57 replied to An_248742's response:
Hello.
I am not a doctor nor medical profession. I think that in many cases itching is due to an allergic reaction. Could be medication, environment, new laundry detergent, new shower soap, etc. Could also be some type of skin condition like dermatitis.
I see you see many specialist, but perhaps two more are needed to help. First, I would see an allergist for testing. Second, I would see a dermatologist.
I hope you get answers and relief soon.
I am not a doctor nor medical profession. I think that in many cases itching is due to an allergic reaction. Could be medication, environment, new laundry detergent, new shower soap, etc. Could also be some type of skin condition like dermatitis.
I see you see many specialist, but perhaps two more are needed to help. First, I would see an allergist for testing. Second, I would see a dermatologist.
I hope you get answers and relief soon.
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
Dave
Blessings,
Dave
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingHello.<br /><br />I am not a doctor nor medical profession. I think that in many cases itching is due to an allergic reaction. Could be medication, environment, new laundry detergent, new shower soap, etc. Could also be some type of skin condition like dermatitis.<br /><br />I see you see many specialist, but perhaps two more are needed to help. First, I would see an allergist for testing. Second, I would see a dermatologist.<br /><br />I hope you get answers and relief soon.
An_248742 replied to davedsel57's response:
I have seen a dermatologist who has minimally helped the itch. He is quite puzzled and is reluctant to speak to my pain management guy.
I saw an allergist a while back and had all sorts of tests. His report came back and he said I had no allergies but he didn't even think of narcotic allergies. He gave me all of 3 minutes of his precious time and I got the bum's rush out the door without even getting another appointment.
Must be medicare. I wonder if doctors realize how bad their profession looks when some colleagues pull these stunts.
I saw an allergist a while back and had all sorts of tests. His report came back and he said I had no allergies but he didn't even think of narcotic allergies. He gave me all of 3 minutes of his precious time and I got the bum's rush out the door without even getting another appointment.
Must be medicare. I wonder if doctors realize how bad their profession looks when some colleagues pull these stunts.
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingI have seen a dermatologist who has minimally helped the itch. He is quite puzzled and is reluctant to speak to my pain management guy.<br /><br />I saw an allergist a while back and had all sorts of tests. His report came back and he said I had no allergies but he didn't even think of narcotic allergies. He gave me all of 3 minutes of his precious time and I got the bum's rush out the door without even getting another appointment.<br /><br />Must be medicare. I wonder if doctors realize how bad their profession looks when some colleagues pull these stunts.
DfromSpencer replied to An_248742's response:
I have to apollogise right up front, for the life of me, I cannot remember where I have heard of this befor. I'm thinking it was on one of those news programs like Twenty/Twenty, or something? This poor woman, she described exactly what you described. Except for the burning, I don't think she had that problem? But the itching all over, and not able to wear clothes, yes.
Have you done any research on this subject, via the internet? Now that you have brought this up, I am very curious to find that answer. Not quite sure where to start, tho? Any suggestions???
I hope you find what you're looking for, no one should have to live like that! I wish you all the best, Dennis
Have you done any research on this subject, via the internet? Now that you have brought this up, I am very curious to find that answer. Not quite sure where to start, tho? Any suggestions???
I hope you find what you're looking for, no one should have to live like that! I wish you all the best, Dennis
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingI have to apollogise right up front, for the life of me, I cannot remember where I have heard of this befor. I'm thinking it was on one of those news programs like Twenty/Twenty, or something? This poor woman, she described exactly what you described. Except for the burning, I don't think she had that problem? But the itching all over, and not able to wear clothes, yes.<br /> <br />Have you done any research on this subject, via the internet? Now that you have brought this up, I am very curious to find that answer. Not quite sure where to start, tho? Any suggestions???<br /> <br />I hope you find what you're looking for, no one should have to live like that! I wish you all the best, Dennis
ed_1945 replied to DfromSpencer's response:
Dennis,
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! You are the only one who found anything like what I am experiencing.
Now my Dr. wants to have me committed so I can be detoxed off the methadone which is only 30mg a day and always was for the entire 4 years. I will be in a locked ward. I am horribly frightened.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! You are the only one who found anything like what I am experiencing.
Now my Dr. wants to have me committed so I can be detoxed off the methadone which is only 30mg a day and always was for the entire 4 years. I will be in a locked ward. I am horribly frightened.
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingDennis,<br /> <br />THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! You are the only one who found anything like what I am experiencing.<br /> <br />Now my Dr. wants to have me committed so I can be detoxed off the methadone which is only 30mg a day and always was for the entire 4 years. I will be in a locked ward. I am horribly frightened.
annette030 responded:
I don't know why you are itching so severely. Please do not assume anything.
My cousin had a very rare disease, a type of lymphoma, I think. it killed him in the end. See your doctor again, and again, and a different doctor if necessary. But get a diagnosis and begin treatment of some kind. Evaluate the treatment, and discuss it again with the doctor. My cousin blew it all off, he was sure itching could not be anything serious. He was wrong.
For you, it will probably just be a medication interaction or something like that. Find out though, do not let the doctors tell you nothing at all.
Take care, Annette
My cousin had a very rare disease, a type of lymphoma, I think. it killed him in the end. See your doctor again, and again, and a different doctor if necessary. But get a diagnosis and begin treatment of some kind. Evaluate the treatment, and discuss it again with the doctor. My cousin blew it all off, he was sure itching could not be anything serious. He was wrong.
For you, it will probably just be a medication interaction or something like that. Find out though, do not let the doctors tell you nothing at all.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingI don't know why you are itching so severely. Please do not assume anything. <br /><br />My cousin had a very rare disease, a type of lymphoma, I think. it killed him in the end. See your doctor again, and again, and a different doctor if necessary. But get a diagnosis and begin treatment of some kind. Evaluate the treatment, and discuss it again with the doctor. My cousin blew it all off, he was sure itching could not be anything serious. He was wrong.<br /><br />For you, it will probably just be a medication interaction or something like that. Find out though, do not let the doctors tell you nothing at all.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
An_248742 replied to annette030's response:
I appreciate all the responses here. My pain guy (a shrink) wouldn't answer, (was too busy) to answer some very pertinent questions about such a confinement, so I put him off. One thing he told me was that during my small crisis, he would not allow me to smoke. I know it isn't good for me or anybody, but I'm 68 and want to die and I can't smoke? Where do they find these moronic doctors who treat mental patients this way?
Doctors are too busy for sick people? What is that all about?
I have acted on my own and if it kills me, frankly GOOD! I am merrily smoking away.
I quite my methadone and a tranzqillizer 24 hours ago on my own. If the docs are going to be too busy, I'll have to get busy myself.
It this tough? Yes. Am I in pain? Incredible. But this has been the case fror a very very long time.
My dermatologist may have a plan to get me off the methadone, which he believes is the proble. It seems as if he had a patient like me and did some real good. I await his call!
But in the meantime, seeing I've got to get off the drugs, I'm already doing that and might make his job easier.
Plerase keep those cards and letters coming; they are ALL I have.
Doctors are too busy for sick people? What is that all about?
I have acted on my own and if it kills me, frankly GOOD! I am merrily smoking away.
I quite my methadone and a tranzqillizer 24 hours ago on my own. If the docs are going to be too busy, I'll have to get busy myself.
It this tough? Yes. Am I in pain? Incredible. But this has been the case fror a very very long time.
My dermatologist may have a plan to get me off the methadone, which he believes is the proble. It seems as if he had a patient like me and did some real good. I await his call!
But in the meantime, seeing I've got to get off the drugs, I'm already doing that and might make his job easier.
Plerase keep those cards and letters coming; they are ALL I have.
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingI appreciate all the responses here. My pain guy (a shrink) wouldn't answer, (was too busy) to answer some very pertinent questions about such a confinement, so I put him off. One thing he told me was that during my small crisis, he would not allow me to smoke. I know it isn't good for me or anybody, but I'm 68 and want to die and I can't smoke? Where do they find these moronic doctors who treat mental patients this way?<br /> <br />Doctors are too busy for sick people? What is that all about?<br /> <br />I have acted on my own and if it kills me, frankly GOOD! I am merrily smoking away.<br /> <br />I quite my methadone and a tranzqillizer 24 hours ago on my own. If the docs are going to be too busy, I'll have to get busy myself.<br /> <br />It this tough? Yes. Am I in pain? Incredible. But this has been the case fror a very very long time. <br /> <br />My dermatologist may have a plan to get me off the methadone, which he believes is the proble. It seems as if he had a patient like me and did some real good. I await his call!<br />But in the meantime, seeing I've got to get off the drugs, I'm already doing that and might make his job easier.<br /> <br />Plerase keep those cards and letters coming; they are ALL I have.
Haylen_WebMD_Staff replied to An_248742's response:
Hi there! I wanted to welcome you to this smart and supportive community. I hope you hear from your dermatologist sooner than later - don't hesitate to pick up the phone and check in with him.
I also wanted to point you towards some resources you could use when you are feeling overwhelmed. Hurting yourself is never the answer! Please click this link: WebMD Crisis Resource Links You can find suicide hotline phone numbers as well as addiction resources. Please do pick up the phone immediately or call 911 if you feel that you are in danger of hurting yourself!
Here is a 2 year old post also about itching: Going Crazy With Uncontrolled Itching - the members discuss various diagnosis and share similar stories. Also, from our Skin Problem and Treatment Health Center, here is an overview of itching: Your Skin, Pruritus, and Itching Perhaps one of these links will give you something new to explore with your doctors.
(((hugs))) to you!
Haylen
I also wanted to point you towards some resources you could use when you are feeling overwhelmed. Hurting yourself is never the answer! Please click this link: WebMD Crisis Resource Links You can find suicide hotline phone numbers as well as addiction resources. Please do pick up the phone immediately or call 911 if you feel that you are in danger of hurting yourself!
Here is a 2 year old post also about itching: Going Crazy With Uncontrolled Itching - the members discuss various diagnosis and share similar stories. Also, from our Skin Problem and Treatment Health Center, here is an overview of itching: Your Skin, Pruritus, and Itching Perhaps one of these links will give you something new to explore with your doctors.
(((hugs))) to you!
Haylen
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingHi there! I wanted to welcome you to this smart and supportive community. I hope you hear from your dermatologist sooner than later - don't hesitate to pick up the phone and check in with him. <br /><br />I also wanted to point you towards some resources you could use when you are feeling overwhelmed. Hurting yourself is never the answer! Please click this link: <a href="http://www.webmd.com/help/crisis-resources">WebMD Crisis Resource Links</a> You can find suicide hotline phone numbers as well as addiction resources. Please do pick up the phone immediately or call 911 if you feel that you are in danger of hurting yourself!<br /><br />Here is a 2 year old post also about itching: <a href="http://forums.webmd.com/3/skin-problems-and-treatments-exchange/forum/2586">Going Crazy With Uncontrolled Itching</a> - the members discuss various diagnosis and share similar stories. Also, from our Skin Problem and Treatment Health Center, here is an overview of itching: Y<a href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/skin-conditions-pruritus">our Skin, Pruritus, and Itching</a> Perhaps one of these links will give you something new to explore with your doctors. <br /><br />(((hugs))) to you! <br /><br />Haylen
Hi ,
I read your post and I must say I really feel bad for you,I have had reactions like the Itching also,but not as severe!I used some differnt lotions and sprays that helped alot !
My main reason for responding to you is your mental state!
First of all I don't know how long you have been on Methadone and a tranquilizer but ,stopping cold turkey can be very dangerous !I know you say you don't care if you die,but what if it does'nt kill you,it just leaves you and your body so messed up that things are worse???You can have Sezuires coming off tranquilizers!
Ending your life is not the answer and not worth hurting all the people who Love you!You are a precious Lady and things have a way of working out !I think it prbally is a alergic reaction ,so please hang there!
I will keep you in my prayers,77grace
I read your post and I must say I really feel bad for you,I have had reactions like the Itching also,but not as severe!I used some differnt lotions and sprays that helped alot !
My main reason for responding to you is your mental state!
First of all I don't know how long you have been on Methadone and a tranquilizer but ,stopping cold turkey can be very dangerous !I know you say you don't care if you die,but what if it does'nt kill you,it just leaves you and your body so messed up that things are worse???You can have Sezuires coming off tranquilizers!
Ending your life is not the answer and not worth hurting all the people who Love you!You are a precious Lady and things have a way of working out !I think it prbally is a alergic reaction ,so please hang there!
I will keep you in my prayers,77grace
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingHi ,<br /> I read your post and I must say I really feel bad for you,I have had reactions like the Itching also,but not as severe!I used some differnt lotions and sprays that helped alot !<br />My main reason for responding to you is your mental state!<br />First of all I don't know how long you have been on Methadone and a tranquilizer but ,stopping cold turkey can be very dangerous !I know you say you don't care if you die,but what if it does'nt kill you,it just leaves you and your body so messed up that things are worse???You can have Sezuires coming off tranquilizers!<br />Ending your life is not the answer and not worth hurting all the people who Love you!You are a precious Lady and things have a way of working out !I think it prbally is a alergic reaction ,so please hang there!<br /> I will keep you in my prayers,77grace
annette030 replied to An_248742's response:
Opioid withdrawal is unpleasant, but not deadly, however withdrawing from some tranquilizers can be very dangerous. Please speak to one of your doctors before doing anything with your meds.
Many opioids do cause itching as a side effect, it usually passes after awhile. I had it too, but not like you describe. It was fairly mild and went away on its own after a few weeks.
Make an appt. with your doctor, and speak to him in person. That is usually better than playing phone tag anyhow.
Take care, Annette
Many opioids do cause itching as a side effect, it usually passes after awhile. I had it too, but not like you describe. It was fairly mild and went away on its own after a few weeks.
Make an appt. with your doctor, and speak to him in person. That is usually better than playing phone tag anyhow.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingOpioid withdrawal is unpleasant, but not deadly, however withdrawing from some tranquilizers can be very dangerous. Please speak to one of your doctors before doing anything with your meds.<br /><br />Many opioids do cause itching as a side effect, it usually passes after awhile. I had it too, but not like you describe. It was fairly mild and went away on its own after a few weeks.<br /><br />Make an appt. with your doctor, and speak to him in person. That is usually better than playing phone tag anyhow.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
Caprice_WebMD_Staff replied to An_248742's response:
It's now a few days later... how are you doing?
Thanks to everyone here for so many helpful responses.
Thanks to everyone here for so many helpful responses.
We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.
~Joseph Campbell
~Joseph Campbell
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingIt's now a few days later... how are you doing?<br /><br />Thanks to everyone here for so many helpful responses.
davedsel57 replied to Caprice_WebMD_Staff's response:
Caprice, this member updated in a new discussion here: http://forums.webmd.com/3/pain-management-exchange/forum/5328
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
Dave
Blessings,
Dave
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingCaprice, this member updated in a new discussion here: <a href="http://forums.webmd.com/3/pain-management-exchange/forum/5328">http://forums.webmd.com/3/pain-management-exchange/forum/5328</a>
Caprice_WebMD_Staff replied to davedsel57's response:
Ah, thanks Dave. 
We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.
~Joseph Campbell
~Joseph Campbell
Report This| Share this:2 years of unremitting itchingAh, thanks Dave. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
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