So for just under a year now I’ve been having on and off mild to moderate abdominal pain just below my ribs on the right side. I’ve had numerous blood tests which have all show raised bilirubin. Ranging for 35 to 65umol. I’ve had an abdominal ultrasound Which came back normal. But the pain has still persisted. Around the start of this year I noticed I was starting to suffer periods of itching. Which have gotten worse. The back of my left calf becomes very itchy and different times of the day. And parts of my arms although not itchy feel sunburnt. I had another blood test and my bilirubin is back up to 58. My gp doesn’t seem concerned but the itching is starting to bother me. I’ve tried e45 anti itch cream which doesn’t seem to work. Does anyone have any suggestions what I could do next? Sick of the gp telling me it’s nothing to worry about.
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Pd91
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This needs to be followed up. An elevation of bilirubin causes the itching and can also lead to jaundice. It can be gall bladder related or due to bile duct issues for various reasons. Maybe you need to be checked for gall stones (I think the test for that would be something like an ERCP which is a glorified endoscopy with scanning). It can also be a sign of liver ill health - there are conditions like PBC (Primary Biliary Cholangitis) and others which can cause bile issues.
Don't be fobbed off because it isn't and needs following up. As for referral to a gastroenterologist or even better a hepatologist - they are the specialists - your GP isn't. When itching affects your quality of life you need to be properly assessed.
All the best, Katie
Good morning Pd91,
May I suggest you persevere with your doctor. raised bilirubin is not 'normal' in the absence of a diagnosis.
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