Obstetric Cholestasis

[Bathsheba]

Don't let them make you feel silly darl. I self-diagnosed my Cholestasis. I was up late one night and Googled "pregnancy itch hands feet". After reading the symptoms I knew I had it. I went to the doctor the next day and told him that I had it and requested a blood test to confirm it. He just said, yep, you've got it after reading the result. If you are wrong about a self diagnosis then great! it's nothing to be ashamed of either way.

I find that most health professionals are too rushed these days to be really thorough (just my personal experience) and that most people (patients) would do well to be more proactive. People need to take more responsibility for their own health and not just blindly follow their doctors... be sensitive to the way your body is working, know how it should work and don't ignore little symptoms if they don't go away. Ok rant over LOL

Your reasons are perfectly sound... you don't need to explain yourself. Maybe seek the advice of a natropath who can give you a more holistic (complete/overall) health assessment and maybe suggest ways you could gently make the likely hood of a repeat episode smaller. My natropath has been invaluable during my current bout of illness. He actually looks at me and my body as a WHOLE (whereas a traditional GP will just seek to cure illness.... once again, generally speaking).

[Mollygirl]

I had a mild case of this and thought the itching was just normal. It was funny because I ended up at the hospital on a Wednesday afternoon because I had pains on my right side, under my ribs, I appeared to be in quite a bit of pain over the phone so they said come in and we will check you out. I thought the itching was nothing much and it was DH who mentioned to the midwife who told my OB so I went back the next morning for the blood test. I was 37w and 3 days. The CTG was fine and I went home.

When I went to the OB after the blood test the next day, he said something like we do check these things out. The thing is that I didn't know how serious it was, or even to mention it to him in the first place. Funnily the itching only started after I had been hot and walking around the city on the Friday before, but by the Tuesday I was scratching my arms enough for a friend and her colleague to notice and she said to tell my doctor at my next appointment.

Well, my waters broke on the Friday morning and because I didn't have any contractions for 6 hours but was 2cm dilated I was put on the drip and had her 1hr 45 mins later. I also couldn't feel her moving and my ob described her as 'sleepy'.

When I went back for my 6 week check up I asked my doctor about the blood test results and that was when I found out my liver hadn't been functioning properly, but was only a mild case. The doctor wasn't going to say anything until I asked!!! I did ask him if he would have induced me if I hadn't gone naturally and he said yes.

So, when my colleagues at work told me they were pregnant I told them to tell their doctor if they get itchy because I feel like we worry that we are 'self diagnosing' and I was worried my doctor would laugh, that is why I didn't go to the doctor on the Monday after the itching started, when I really should have. (I did the search on the net on the Saturday and realised I could have it, but still didn't do anything).

We really do need to feel more empowered about the care we receive.

[sconeonamission]

I can't help with any information, but my cousin had this with her baby and ended up needing to be induced about 4wks early. Mother and baby were fine.

HTH Good luck!

[Lolly]

Thanks everyone for your advise and responses. We are going to TTC in June this year. Not sure if I am ready for the roller coaster ride of pregnancy again but not sure I ever will be so I am just going to get it over with. Never now I may be one of the minority and not get it again. Fingers crossed.

Thanks again

[Bathsheba]

My natropath suggested I try a liver cleansing diet/program before falling pregnant again but I told him my family was complete. Maybe speak to a natropath and see what they have to say.... they often offer free advice if they run their own health food store.

[ScottishMummy]

Is ursodyoxicolic acid used in OZ as a teatment for OC? I developed cholestasis in my first pregnancy (in the UK) and these tablets rapidly reduced both my bile acid levels and the itching!

Now pregnant with number two and moving to Sydney...doesn't seem like any of you ladies have been treated with this?

Helen x