Paul50

Hi members - I am 50 - heavy drinker for 35 years- now 3days sober. I have blown up with ascites, abdominal pain, obvious swelling of liver and more .... But what's killing me at present is that I have developed an incessant all over itch- I think the future is bleak - I have major depression and anxiety issues so I am not overly worried about the long term but losing the itch would help - so question how many of you have had an itch which has resolved off the drink - thanks a million Paul 🙏🏽

Zanna

Hi Paul I used to get itchy as well, but it passed. Perhaps have a word with your Doctor for reassurance?

You might get more replies, if you post in the 'Newcomers' section

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/newcomers-recovery/

Z x

entropy1964

Hey Paul

Please make a dr apt and get a full workup. The liver is an amazing organ but its good to know your baseline.

Camery03

I, too, suffered from itch-- all over. Felt almost like bugs were crawling on me, but weren't. That goes away..
The abdominal pain will go away in time once you quit drinking. Keep hydrated with water and electrolytes, and try to eat lighter food .

wildflower70

Hi Paul,

Congratulations on getting through the first 3 days, the worst is most likely coming to an end. I used to get super itchy as well, and found that soaking in a warm bath with baking soda or Epsom salt would help. Hopefully you can clear your schedule for a few days and focus on self care, plenty of water, fruits, light exercise (walks?), and rest. Don't give up now...it will start to get better soon!! Hang in there...

Windancer

Welcome Paul!

I didn't personally suffer from itching, but did have other symptoms.

Perhaps you should get checked out by your doctor? I would ... if only to put my mind at ease. I'm sure much of this will at least improve the longer you eat well, stay hydrated and stay off the sauce

~Blessings~

Paul50

Thanks for the replies - it's a relief to think it will get better - hopefully ....:🛀

soberclover

I know when I was drinking I wasn't hydrating myself with water; the alcohol was actually dehydrating me. Your body and skin is probably screaming for water

lexilynn

Hi Paul, I really don't recall itching but not saying that I didn't ever.

What I do remember is numbness at times, horrible stomche cramps at times, outrageous thigh and leg pain, bad headaches, vomiting, a red & hot face, damp hands, memory loss though sober (sober blackouts?, Perhaps), and I'm sure there are other things due to just drinking, that I don't recall currently.

Anyhow, I *think* that I read somewhere that showers (many) may help relieve that. It will all pass.

Good luck and hang in there!

Quincy

I had itching the first week or two mainly at night when trying to sleep. It seemed to coincide with the sweats. Maybe the body releases something in the sweat that makes you itchy.

Mountainmanbob

Could be sensitive to the soap that you are using at this time. The soap that I used for years turned on me.

Possibly -- go very light on the soap for a while or buy some soap for sensitive skin.

Congratulations with your beginning your journey on the sober road.

M-Bob

Soberwolf

Hello Paul nice to meet you

Zanna

This is exactly, what I was going to say too Same happened to me.

Mountainmanbob

I understand Zanna for these days I go very light with the use of soap (we know that we have to use some) but, sensitive skin soap and used lightly seems to be in order as we get older.

Harsher soaps if used by me now can cause almost instant shin irritation.

Maybe over time our bodies just get burned out on the chemicals used in soap ?


M-Bob

january161992

hello paul

SnazzyDresser

I had really bad itching the first few weeks, but it went away on its own.

Caramel

My skin has felt much better since I've been using a soothing body-lotion.

Forward12

It's pretty common to have the itchiness at first as your body is trying to get rid of the alcohol any way it can, and often times it's through your skin

oldsoul112249

Epsom Salts baths are calming and helped me with the itch. I still take them using 1 cup in the bath water a couple times a week.

Dee74

Welcome to SR Paul

D