Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

The infernal itch



Recommended Posts

I should have been expecting it, but I was way more focused on the post-surgery pain, but my wounds are now in full healing-itch phase and it's ... special. Given that I can't scratch OR gently slap the sites, I've taken an antihistamine and am trying to grin and bear it. And distract myself.

Any tips? Or is this what I suspect it is - a "ride it out" part of the process. It'll be gone in a few days, I know, but if there's a trick to curbing it a little, I'm all ears!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's maddening isn't it??? I just had to force myself to ignore it. Of course now I appear to be having a histamine reaction on my legs which is driving me kookoo bananas.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh no! Extra bonus annoyance! At least you can pop some lotion on your legs? But yeah, I honestly prefer the pain to the itch. If this was a tattoo I'd be slapping the crap out of it, but not an option for a poor in-the-wars abdomen!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Have you tried ice packs? A bag of frozen peas is malleable and cheap; just remember to mark it as inedible before refreezing it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

8 minutes ago, FutureSylph said:

Have you tried ice packs? A bag of frozen peas is malleable and cheap; just remember to mark it as inedible before refreezing it.

Excellent call. Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hrm... I haven't had any itching on my incision sites. I'm two weeks out. I'm generally an itchy person, so I'm not sure why. I had a tooth removed a week later (unrelated) and the stitches there itch sometimes. Hope you feel relief soon!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, lizonaplane said:

Hrm... I haven't had any itching on my incision sites. I'm two weeks out. I'm generally an itchy person, so I'm not sure why. I had a tooth removed a week later (unrelated) and the stitches there itch sometimes. Hope you feel relief soon!

One week out and I'm still not past it - this is the itchiest post-anything I've ever felt. I'm glad you've escaped it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a fairly bad allergic reaction to the surgical adhesive and developed a rash with lots of itching. Topical Benadryl helped, so did an extra strength cortisone cream. It still took a good 3 weeks before the rash went away unfortunately.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, Soon2bFit21 said:

I had a fairly bad allergic reaction to the surgical adhesive and developed a rash with lots of itching. Topical Benadryl helped, so did an extra strength cortisone cream. It still took a good 3 weeks before the rash went away unfortunately.

Ugh. Your poor thing, that sucks. I have reactive skin and will welt up with some adhesives, so I know how that feels.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, Smanky said:

One week out and I'm still not past it - this is the itchiest post-anything I've ever felt. I'm glad you've escaped it!

Hope it gets better soon!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Adding my best wishes for your prompt recovery. Itching is the pits.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too had an allergic reaction post surgery. My regimen (after a couple steroid shots) was Zyrtec during the day, Benadryl at night (dr changed to hydroxyzine), topical cortisone mixed with gold bond itch cream, and lotttttts of ice packs! I feel for you- itching is the worst.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, my leg itch turned out to be sodding cellulitis... so now I'm swallowing giant horse pill antibiotics.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, vikingbeast said:

Well, my leg itch turned out to be sodding cellulitis... so now I'm swallowing giant horse pill antibiotics.

Oh god, that sucks. Hope it clears up quick!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 09/29/2021 at 17:06, BoyMom86 said:

I too had an allergic reaction post surgery. My regimen (after a couple steroid shots) was Zyrtec during the day, Benadryl at night (dr changed to hydroxyzine), topical cortisone mixed with gold bond itch cream, and lotttttts of ice packs! I feel for you- itching is the worst.

Me too! Clear it with your bariatric staff first, or an allergy doc. I use the meltable kids Zyrtec tabs under my tongue, and the kids liquid Benadryl.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×