ELF blood test

Hello,

apologies if this pops up twice, I typed it all out but it doesn't seem to have posted.

I am 58yr old female, been here before, but back with symptoms that have made me feel extremely unwell - I have lost 15lb this last fortnight simply because of stress and a dreadful lack of appetite.

Anyway, went to GP this week - first time I have seen him, I have white coat anxiety - but I have asked if I can stick with him rather than see different Dr each time. He did h pylori test - positive. He sent me for bloods which are tomorrow. He told me I didn't have jaundice and he couldn't feel my liver when he examined my belly.

Edited to add - i have just seen myself in the mirror. Facially, I like grey, yesterday I felt a bit more buoyant that I didnt look so sallow. It has scared the life out of me....my eyes are darkened in sclera.

Couple of questions if I can?

1. Have noticed he has requested ELF and GGT rather than LFTs. I understand from my reading of this forum, that this test can indicate that fibrosis is present. Is it normal for a GP to use this request now instead of LFTs or is it because he thinks my liver is damaged to a greater degree?

2. Before examining my belly (I am a little fattie.....) he asked me to blow my belly out and then breathe it in. Is this to check that my rotund tummy is fatty rather than ascitic?

3. Pain I have is tucked under Right breast at braline and round under arm to mid back, where it is sometimes intense like a stabbing pain, sometimes feels like a graze, sometimes like gnawing burning.....today it feels like 1 key pressure point, like a stitch, like I need to be put on a rack and stretched. But what I have noticed this last couple of days is that when I lie down the pain disappears, but when I stand, it automatically returns and is very noticeable rather than a niggle I can ignore.

4. I have been drinking 2l+ water daily for fortnight now. I have read so many times that stopping drinking, eating healthily and drinking lots of water will reduce jaundice but it seems to be having the opposite effect on me.

I am sorry to ask so much, I feel like my whole world will change course after I have my bloods done tomorrow, so am really seeking out some guidance so that I understand more. Thank you in advance x

[Hidden]

If you think you have become jaundiced it is important to seek urgent medical assessment.

I have included the NHS link .

nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice/

If you feel it would help please call the nurse led helpline on 0800 652 7330 - Mon -Fri 10am-3pm . We would be happy to chat through your issues. It can be very worrying waiting on a diagnosis and assessment.

I have also included a link to liver disease tests explained .

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Trust9

[Worriesalot]

ELF is new, my Gp hasn’t heard of it. I’m like you worried sick. Just waiting for doc to ring to ask for scan. My LFT s were perfect but I ask myself why have I got symptoms like I have? Can’t have bowel movement without Lactulose and yellowish result when I do. I think I look yellow but doc hasn’t seen me yet, just phone calls. Hope they sort you out and you get a good result, it’s supposed to be the most accurate, the ELF.

[Spoons20]

Hi did you get results of your ELF test? I’m due on in Tuesday absolutely terrified x