Bilirubin blood tests

[Kla8]

Hi all

Just a quick query really, I haven't had a diagnosis but still undergoing monitoring via regular blood tests.

About 2 months ago i visited my doctor because i was suffering from intense itching mainly on my legs (prior to this i completed all of the checks i.e is it soap, soap powder, dry skin etc). The doctor sent me for a blood test and the results identified that my bilirubin levels were slightly raised and so were my ALT levels, at the time of my blood test I had a cold, therefore I was sent for a repeat of the tests to see if the levels dropped. My doctor said that the bilirubin levels had raised significantly (i did not get the number), she advised me to undertake further tests 2 weeks later to make sure it wasn't a red herring, the results of these tests are back and my bilirubin has risen again (the doctor said only slightly this time). I have been told to go back for blood tests in 4 weeks time to see if there are any changes. At the moment to control the itching i am on antihistimines and dermol200. I dont really have any other symptoms which people talk about so I was wondering if anybody else experienced anything similar? Or if im unnecessarily worrying myself.

Thanks all 😊

[Hidden]

Hi kla

Assuming that you don’t have eczema or psoriasis then it may be unusual? I suffer from the latter which completely went away post TP due to the post TP medication but has slowly come back. That’s why I have itchy legs 😁.

In your case none of us can be sure of course but I wouldn’t be worrying too much because you sound like you are having excellent care. That’s really good! Wow if only all doctors had time to care so much. {I’m convinced it’s the pressure that our poor doctors are under that sometimes makes you (well “one”!) think they don’t care for you as much as you think they should!} So try not to worry and see what she determines. Sorry - I know it’s easy for me to say not to worry, but it’s hard not to isn’t it ☹️.

Good luck!

Miles

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Well put TwoMiles ! 😁

[Kla8 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Miles

Thanks for your reply.

No i have never suffered from previous skin conditions so this itching is pretty unusual (and annoying 😂)!

You are right, i cant complain about my doctor, they have been pretty good! I cant say that they aren't thorough which is a positive!

😊😊

[Hidden]

Good morning Kla8,

It is great that your GP is monitoring your bloods closely and it will be important with regards to finding a diagnosis for you.

I wonder if the GP has referred you on to a specialist liver team ? This may be something you may wish to ask when you are next seen?

If you have any further concerns , the British Liver Trust helpline is available Mon-Fri 10am-14.45pm.

Best wishes

Trust9

[Kla8 in reply to Hidden]

Hi

Thank you for your message, my doctor said if my levels are risen at the next test then they will send me for an ultrascan of my liver, so until then its just a case of managing the itching and hoping it repairs itself! 😊

[Kristian]

It looks like your doc is doing the right things for you. Just double checking and making sure the raises are not just isolated occurrences non-liver disease related. There is a NICE protocol that gives advice to them on that so what you describe seems about right, especially if you think you had a bit of a bug around the time of your tests. I suspect if it's still raised next time then he or she will refer you to the specialist at your local hospital. May be worth prompting this as BLT suggest if he/she doesn't.

[Kla8 in reply to Kristian]

Hi Krisitan

Thanks for your feedback. My doctor did say that if it continued to increase at my next test shed refer me.

I guess I was curious as to whether bilirubin often reduces on its own.

Thanks for taking the time to message me! 😊

[Jewels1981]

Hello, any updates?

[Kla8 in reply to Jewels1981]

Hi there sorry for the lack of interaction. After my further test my bilirubin was still raised but had reduced since the last test so from there no more tests have been carried out.

The itching has reduced on it's own so I havent felt the need to have further investigations. Thank you for your check up though! 🙂