Bilirubin, does it come and go?

[Worriesalot]

I had bilirubin in urine after Christmas and my complexion looked slightly yellow to me. I look a lot fresher at the moment and urine not as dark. Does this happen even in severe liver disease?

[Worriesalot]

Reply to myself, gone yellow again.

[BlueYear]

Hello. I've just read your other post, and it sounds like we're in a similar situation. I don't know about Bilirubin in urine but mine increased over 3 blood tests, but as still in normal range, GP said not a problem. All bloods also in normal range for me, but I'm concerned due to drinking habits prior to having my baby. Anyway, I ended up paying privately for an ultrasound. I think it was around £130. This did pick up what it looked like 2 benign hemangiomas (described to me like freckles) on the liver. Based on this info my GP then agreed to an MRI to get further information. I'm not sure if doing something like this would be possible for you? It sounds like you are very anxious, I think it's hard to tell if we look yellow, and we could drive ourselves to distraction looking for symptoms like this?

[Worriesalot in reply to BlueYear]

Thanks for replying. Oh well you know what yours is. Do they leave them? Think you can relax. I have 30 years of Chardonnay under my belt. Enjoyed it but wasn’t hooked. I last had a glass Christmas Day. Thought I looked yellow Boxing morning and felt different. Bilirubin in urine but bloods spot on. Just spoken to yet another Doc this morning who won’t even discuss my liver but is concerned about constipation so have given sample and bloods tomorrow. They won’t have it that bloods can be normal with severe liver disease. I am one very scared lady at the moment. I think you’re going to be around for your baby for a long time. Just kick the poison in touch which I’m sure you have. Xxxxxxxxxxxx

[BlueYear in reply to Worriesalot]

They don't think the hemangiomas would cause pain, and certainly not my other 'symptoms' - red blotchy palms, pale fingernails. Just an accidental finding. Yes though, if they are benign they leave them if under 5cm, which mine are.

I am sorry you're so scared. I don't know what to think as all Drs I've spoken to also say the same - there can't be something seriously wrong with the liver if bloods normal. Yet you read on here and people say the opposite. I was exactly the same with the GPs, which is why I decided to pay for an ultrasound (the GP was fine with me paying privately for one, and asked for the results to be sent to him, I think they just can't justify it on the NHS with normal bloods - which maybe tells us something). I think you could never stop though, all these tests. It does sound like your anxiety regarding having a drink on xmas day might have fuelled thinking you looked yellow on boxing day. Well done you for staying off it since.

Thank you for your very kind words. Yes I've really been trying to get healthier recently (as overweight as well, which to be honest is more of a current concern as alcohol since baby been much more minimal). I'm finding it hard in the current climate not to hit the comfort foods though. I think we do need to try and remenber that docs do likely see a lot of people with liver disease, and from their assessment normal bloods are very unlikely (not impossible). I hope you get some answers so you can move on xxxxxx

[Worriesalot in reply to BlueYear]

Glad they can be left alone, must have been so hard with little one to care for as well as being worried. At one time one would never have doubted the doctor, it’s crazy. Enjoy your little one and forget bilirubin! Happiest days of your life! X

[BlueYear in reply to Worriesalot]

Thank you, I get my results tomorrow so will do all being well, I feel like I'm jinxing it even saying that!!. Sending you lots of best wishes.

[Worriesalot in reply to BlueYear]

Let me know, you will be great! Xxxxxx