‘Borderline’ Bilirubin level

[Harrison1]

Hi

Just had a number of blood tests today and got a call this aft. Apparently (I didn’t speak to a doctor as no one was free) but an assistant said there was a red flag with a borderline reading of my bilirubin.

I speaking to them tomorrow but anyone been in this position? I know it’s liver related and I’ve been getting intermittent dull aches in my right side. Not sure if it’s just a spike due to stress or something else, but I’m worried it could be something worse?

Praying it’s not a cancer etc

Thanks JT

[AyrshireK]

Liver problems are only one cause of elevations of bilirubin if it was a liver issue you'd expect more than just your bilirubin to be raised.

Gall bladder issues /gall stones are the more common things that can lead to raised bilirubin and they are often more painful than liver issues - liver problems are often 'silent' in that most folk don't know they have a liver problem until symptoms become obvious, you generally don't get pain from liver issues.

Hopefully you are going to have more discussions with doctor and more investigations.

Katie

[Harrison1 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie...all other blood results are ‘normal’ but yes, I’ll know more later today. I had been training a lot recently; had taken a fair few paracetamol over a two week period but maybe clutching a little! Take care now

[Supportinghubby]

My sister in law was just diagnosed with Gilbert's Syndrome where her bilirubin is high but her Liver Function Tests were normal. She was only having regular LFTs because her brother (my husband) has cirrhosis.

This won't affect her life & she's been told it's nothing to worry about. Not saying this is what you have but try not to worry as it's not necessarily anything bad.

[Harrison1 in reply to Supportinghubby]

Most kind for replying. Fingers crossed. Speaking to the doc this aft. My wife has Gilbert’s and is fine...I had been taking quite a few paracetamols due to a cold etc which I heard can raise it but I’m no expert.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Here is a link to 'Liver disease tests explained' that may be helpful to read prior to speaking with your GP.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Do remember to mention to them about your dull ache in the right side. They may order an ultrasound.

Best wishes

Trust1

[Harrison1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Just spoken to the surgery. Confirmed all other results on my liver (other enzymes) were spot on. No issues.

As were my HB, white blood cells, iron, blood sugar, thyroid, kidney etc

Re test in one month. My score was 30 (range 2 to 21 they said) and it could be a number of things.

The ache comes and goes but I have had some IBS over the years...

Cheers

[Hidden in reply to Harrison1]

Hopefully they can get more information from the re-test and possibly an ultrasound scan. If all is ok they may discuss Gilberts syndrome as a possible diagnosis. Keep us posted.

[sophiaS1980]

sometimes if due to liver, you will have itching with high bilirubin.

[Harrison1]

No itching at all. Thanks