Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/21/2011

Question
i had surgery 5/5/11, after surgery i started itching...and incredible itch that just goes on and on and on...we switched pain medicine because the doctor was convinced that was it, i still itched..i went and got a allergy shot, it didn't help...now i haven't taken any pain meds since 5/12/11 and it's now 5/21/11 and i still itch like a dog with fleas, it hurts, i now have sores all over my body...nobody (the 2 doctors i've been to) have no idea what it is...hep me, it's literally driving me insane..

Answer
Without more information, I obviously can't help you. Usually itching post op is related to some narcotics (e.g. Morphine) but this should go away as the Morphine is withdrawn. You can sometimes get localized itching around the wound from healing but generalized itching is usually due to a contact dermatitis. Itching can also be brought on by irritation from previous scratching no it is a vicious cycle. I assume you have tried various itch creams. Beyond that, I don't have any information for you. It is not the effects of the anesthetic.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston