Raised bilirubin and Gallstones

[Janeh1]

Hi

First post:

My Repeated blood Tests showed raised bilirubin of 33. A gp last year mentioned Gilbert syndrome as I haven’t symptoms. So as this year bilirubin levels are still high I went for an Ultrasound scan which confirmed gallstones .

Could the raised bilirubin be the cause of gallstones or do gallstones cause raised bilirubin??

Also are liver cleanse/flush a bad idea to flush out stones?

Any advice appreciated please.

[Hidden]

I had a scan and have gallstones, my consultant is calling me next month to discuss an operation and from reading up on it, the op is the best solution as other methods only work on A small minority of people.

[Janeh1 in reply to Hidden]

Have you had pain from the gallstones?

[Hidden in reply to Janeh1]

Pain... I’ve been in agony! 4 months now. Just last week I was crying like a baby to the 111 operator and told him I wouldn’t leave an animal like this. Co-codamol is keeping me more stable now. I’m having to eat a jus veg and potatoe and no fat. A piece of pizza put me in hospital a couple of months ago... and tofu in lemongrass sauce put me back in again. I thought I was ok as I didn’t have the pain too bad that day, learnt a hard lesson. Can’t wait for my op x

[Janeh1 in reply to Hidden]

Hope it comes round quick

[CarpeDiem11]

Gallstones are more commonly associated with cholesterol, so as far as I know bilirubin doesn't cause the gallstones, but can form what is known as pigment stones- these are much less common.

No idea what is meant by a " liver flush". Treating gallstones to break them down, usually causes them to reoccur, so these methods do not solve the problem. You cannot flush stones out, as far as I know, by dietary methods.

Surgery is only offered to people with symptomatic gallstones. Hope that helps.

[AyrshireK]

Gallstones can block the bile ducts and this in turn can lead to an elevation of serum bilirubin in blood tests. You might find the BLT page/publication on gallstones of use. britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Katie

[Hidden]

“Gilbert’s syndrome can be identified in select “high-risk” individuals presenting with gallstone disease“. GS is probably not a result of having gall stones as it appears to be due to an inherited gene, so don’t think gallstones cause raised biliruben.

I have GS and also had gall stones that were not giving me any pain when found. I decided not to have them removed (as know many have them unknowingly, and never have pain) however about 2 yrs after found, they were removed in emergency opp as I was suddenly being very sick, in terrible pain and extremely bloated. I read later that there is a different make up found in stones, and ones caused by high levels of unconjugulated biliruben show that they are due to GS. I was told if I didn’t have them removed I could end up with pancreatitis.

I had also read up about Liver flushing, attempting to break them down naturally and decided it sounded unadvisable as can cause problems.

[Hidden]

Sorry I am incorrect it seems. Blocked bile ducts can cause elevated biliruben levels, as Ayrshirek posted.

[Hidden]

I have heard there is a genetic test to confirm Gilbert’s, I’ve never had this and it’s not normally offered. Just wondered if it may be helpful to mention it.

[Hidden]

Good morning Janeh1,

Welcome to this friendly forum.

Can I ask you to take a minute to read our community guidelines in the pinned posts.

I have attached information from the British Liver Trust website on both GIlberts Syndrome and gallstones.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

With regards to 'Liver cleanse/flush' I have attached the British Liver Trust information regarding complementary and alternative medicines - It suggests you are very cautious about taking these and always discuss with your own doctor first .

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Best wishes,

Trust9

[Janeh1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you