High bilirubin levels

[Mumof3and1granbaby]

I have been ill for the last few days with a urine infection, resulting in me been admitted to hospital where they did several tests. One showed that my bilirubin levels was high and the hospital doctors was asking all questions like, was I a heavy drinker which I'm not or ever taken a paracetamol overdose, which again I havent. He said he was going to get my normal gp to run some more tests to see what's going on. Anyone else come across this before?

[jackstini]

I have, they will likely do a blood test next
It could be lots of things but mine turned out to be NAFLD (non alcoholic fatty liver disease)
They gave me a list of iron rich foods to eat more of but no treatment required

[TroubleInSnowland]

Many people have high bilirubin levels as norm. Look up Gilbert’s disease/syndrome. There isn’t a test for it. It’s usually diagnosed after ruling lots of other things out.

[Mumof3and1granbaby]

Thanks I have been reading about them, I have had problems when I have had an alcoholic drink (even just 1) where it's like my bladder is having a reaction so maybe it's all related. Thanks for replys

[SolitudeAtAltitude]

The questions they asked you are all about your liver

I have tested high in bilirubin, apparently I have mild permanent jaundice

[greenelephantscarf]

are you overweight?
do you carry your weight mainly round the middle (apple shape)?
do you eat low carb/high fat?

[Mumof3and1granbaby]

Yes I'm overweight and it is more round my middle, yeah he was suggesting cirrhosis which I associate with heavy drinking but I have maybe 1 or 2 a week . Will just see what the gp says .

[princessTiasmum]

Has your ferritin been tested ask your Dr to test for Haemochromatosis
I have it and it does affect your liver
I am surprised you were told to eat more meat with liver problems, and surprised Cirrhosis has been suggested, but you dont have to be a heavy drinker to have Cirrhosis anyway
Hope all goes ok with blood tests

[augustusglupe]

I have Gilbert’s syndrome. My liver just doesn’t deal with alcohol very well. It’s just when you’re low in a particular enzyme, not serious, but in blood tests my bilirubin is always a bit high. It’s quite common apparently.

[Mumof3and1granbaby]

Thanks for the info my gp cant do anything till they receive the letter from A&E so not sure what test they want. Gilbert's seem to be coming up alot in things I have read.