Has anyone out there had any positive results with milk thistle for relieving pruitis
Sorry I should have explained a little more. I’ve been on Vancomycin and immunosuppressive drugs since 2013 to help with my symptoms of pruitis and fatigue. as i was diagnosed with post transplantreoccurrence of psc. Up until recently it has slowed the progression of the disease but now it doesn’t seem to be helping very much anymore. I thought I would ask my doctor if I could add rifampin to my arsenal along with milk thistle to see if it will give me more relief. So I was wondering if anyone has tried this combination and if it has helped I also think I may have to stop taking vanco when taking rifampin. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Thank you Dennis. Appreciate your input. I’m desperately tryingto find something that will help me with this worsening pruitis I’m going to try rifampin and hopefully will get some relief
Dennis said:
Maybe not the exact answer to your question, but I did try milk thistle for 3 months to see if there would be any improvement in my LFT’s. Unfortunately, there was no improvement. I did not have pruritus. However, if I understand it correctly, pruritus is caused by an elevated bilirubin level and milk thistle did not lower my bilirubin level.
Consider trying cholestyramine. It works for my husband. I’d suggest Comparing the side effects of each possibility and try the one you feel is the best choice first.
From Wikipedia:
“Bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine were first used to treat hypercholesterolemia, but since the introduction of statins, now have only a minor role for this indication. They can also be used to treat the pruritus, or itching, that often occurs during liver failure and other types of cholestasis where the ability to eliminate bile acids is reduced.”
Thank you for your input,very much appreciated. I’m actually taking quest ran and it’s been kind of sketchy but if it gives me some relief that’s better than none. Anyway I’m glad it’s working out for your husband.
Can you elaborate on sketchy? I am curious. It is in the same catagory of cholestyramine, I believe. Guess I should read the “side effects may include” part. Ick.
Sorry about not explaining I’ve been taking Vancomycin and ursodiol and immunosuppressive drugs since my diagnosis of psc post transplant in June 2013 as the quest ran was not working The vanco and immunosuppressive really helped me with reducing pruitis. However lately it’s been getting worse so I incorporated quest ran (cholestyramine )a few months ago and it seemed to be getting better. But now the pruitis is worsening again. So I’m kinda at a dilemma
Sketchy meaning sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t
Dolphin5 said:
Can you elaborate on sketchy? I am curious. It is in the same catagory of cholestyramine, I believe. Guess I should read the “side effects may include” part. Ick.
Catherine J Lopez said:
Sorry about not explaini3ng I've been taking Vancomycin and ursodiol since my diagnosis of psc post transplant
Dolphin5 said:Can you elaborate on sketchy? I am curious. It is in the same catagory of cholestyramine, I believe. Guess I should read the "side effects may include" part. Ick.
Wow, Catherine. I am so sorry you are experiencing post transplant, PSC. It seems that that is not uncommon. Geeze, I am sorry. I hope you find a way to deal with the itching soon. I wonder if any have found dietary related practices to help. I know there is no easy answer with PSC but worth trying the more non-invasive methods before having to consider an ERCP, which , in our case, is not our preference.
Thank you for your kind words. Yes I just have to play it by ear and keep searching for answers. Again thank you for listening Your husband is very fortunate to have him in your care.
Thanks. It is nice to have someone recognize that. I hope you fine some relief and some blessings. This must be very difficult for it to be rearing its ugly head.
Thanks again and yes it is very difficult Knowing what I’m up against but I shall not give
up searching. Well I wish you and your husband all the best.
I have also read that keeping hydrated helps to rid the bile from the blood, which could help some… but I know when it is bad for my husband, the only thing that helps is the cholestyramine and careful attention on the intake of fats.i wish you the best too and let us know if you find out anything that makes a difference for you. Hang in there! Dolphin 5
Sorry I’m late but I just wanted to thank you again for all of your advice and time taken too, very much appreciated . Catherine