Severe Itching

[jpequeno]

V: Yes the epsom salt really does soothe the areas. I've also been alternating with baking soda in the bath. Before I knew the itch was a PN symptom I was using various "burn" type ointments just to shut off the itching. Funny that I instinctively knew that burning the area was the actual treatment for this symptom. I thought that my PN doctor was going to yell at me!

The problem with the capsaicin is that those type creams irritated the skin so badly and might have let the infection in. I have the capsaicin cream just in case the prilocane/lidocaine stops working. My concern is that the infection is tied to the extreme itching. When I was in the hospital I was on mega doses of several antibiotics and the itch was eventually gone. I did have a catheter so that probably helped too. I was given prescriptions for more antibiotics when released from the hospital. I thought the problem was gone.

I had a followup with the new gyno doctor after all antibiotics were done and was I thought I was doing ok. I still had a little bit of itching but tolerable. The gyno took swabs and I still had infection and was given Bactrim. Next visit - infection again, more Bactrim. I am very worried that this will turn into cellulitis again. The gyno won't prescribe more antibiotics since I'm being handed off to another gyno. This could take weeks to get into the new doc.

When I was at the worst of the cellulitis and bedridden, I was in agony. I couldn't eat, urinating was unbelievably painful. I was not drinking enough water and did end up with a very bad UTI with the cellulitis. Baths were even worse but I was told by another doctor that I needed to bathe. I cried all day, especially while in the bathroom. My husband was very worried and I was upset because I couldn't do anything around the house. I told my husband that could not go through that again and I'm flabbergasted that this gyno is not taking me seriously.

I'm going to take your advice and increase the number of baths that I take. I have a sitz bath but the water does not reach the affected areas. I guess it's not a "one size fits all".

Thanks,
Judy

[sadie]

I use 10% compounded lidocane for itching . It is not covered by insurance but has saved my life. My heart goes out to you

[jpequeno]

Thank you. I've taking new prescription new meds with a new OBGYN and she is awesome - Dr. Anuja Vyas. She's familiar with PNE so she knows how to treat this. Also she believes i may have Behcet's since I also have Lupus. This makes sense because I have the other systems too.

Thanks for listening,
Judy

[Violet M]

Sorry to hear you are dealing with these other problems, Judy. Glad to hear you have found a doctor you feel confident with. It definitely helps when your doctor understands and is knowledgeable.

All the best,

Violet