What Causes Severe Itching, Dull Pain In Abdomen And Swollen Feet?

Posted on Thu, 28 Apr 2016

Question: I get an itching and gnawing sensation in my abdomen. The itching is on the inside and not the outside so it is impossible to get relief. This happens several times a week. Also, I take Vicodin once or twice a day for acute back pain (I have had two back surgeries). Within an hour of taking the pain medicine, I will start itching all over my body, however, there is no sign of any rash. The itching will last for 1-2 hours.

I would like to add that I get this itch 2-3 times a day even when I don't take any pain medication. Also, two years ago I had contacted a several virus which caused me to be hospitalized for one week. The viral infection was so severe it caused gastroparesis and I still experience intestinal and digestive problems. This gnawing itching problem began about 3 months ago. I also started getting swollen feet, ankles and calves. Could this be indicative of possible liver problems? I do not remember giving my email anywhere on this site where a reply can be sent. My email is: YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained in detail

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

Your concern is appreciated

Your complaints that you have swollen feet ankles and calves signifies you may have either heart failure, kidney disease or chronic liver disease
You should be investigated for that echocardiography, renal function tests, liver function tests, ultrasound abdomen should be done

The symptom of internal itching and gnawing can be due to number of reasons
allergy to any food material like in cealiac disease,
Allergy to drugs,
Peptic ulcer disease, ischemic colitis, inflammatory bowl disease, diverticultitis amoebic ulcer irritable bowl syndrome so clinical corelation is required.
Kidney failure and liver failure can cause the itch beneath the skin, itching may be due to elevated levels of parathyroid harmone which is found in kidney failure. These are the most likely causes.
If no organic cause is found you can benefit from psychiatric consultation

Let me know if you have any query

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Dr M.S Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 hours later)

Thank you very much for your quick reply and comprehensive review. I have made an appointment with my internist but I cannot get in to see him until late March. I will take your report with me. In the meantime, I have much research to do. Hopefully, my condition is not too serious.

Warm regards,
XXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most welcome

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome. You may follow up your progress with me, here. I would be glad to guide you along the way.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Thanks

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar