Bilirubin

Die Hard SBGNr

Just out of hospital about 7-8 weeks ago with a infection in the leg i was on strong iv antibiotics for 7 days and i got out i was on 10 days oral , got blood test last week the nurse rang today and sad all the bloods where good but my bilirubin is high it is 32 i don,t drink or smoke i am fairley fit she told me to come back in 3 months and she check bloods again should it be check asap or what do you,s think
cheers

NUTLEY BOY

Not a medic.

At a guess you may have Gilbert's Syndrome.

My GP picked up on the same thing with me. Sent to a gastroenterologist. He made the diagnosis quickly but said it needed to be confirmed by 3 tests.

1. Ultrasound of abdomen.
2. Blood test for something genetic I think ?
3. Some kind of procedure (ERCP ?) like a glorified gastroscopy with bells and x-rays to see that my bile duct was not obstructed. No pain as I was asleep for it !

The diagnosis was Gilberts. I was told that 5% of the population have it and that it was genetically inherited.

Told to keep my cholesterol low. Otherwise no restrictions and it has not made a blind bit of difference to me for practical purposes.

If it is Gilberts remember to tell doctors or hospitals for future purposes as they will always query the raised bilirubin otherwise.

NUTLEY BOY

Second thought.

Should the OP not go along to own GP now to follow up on this rather than wait and see, especially if the diagnosis might not be Gilbert's ?

Alternatively, should the hospital not have referred OP for further specific investigation ?

Tree

Bilirubin is a by product of the breakdown of red blood cells. High levels of bilirubin mean there was red cell destruction in excess of waht the liver can remove rapidly. If it persists, you'd be looking at a funky liver, but otherwise, its just the aftermath of a lot of red cell destruction. Probably just part of the recovery process, and certainly no need to go straight back if the nurse said to hang on for a few months.

tallaght01

We're getting into the realms of diagnosing people here. So I have to lock the thread.

Anyone who's worried about their own medical issues should see a doctor about them.