Raised Billirubin??

Ive just got a blood test back from the doctors and they said i have slightly raised billirubin ive been really tired recently thought it might be glandular fever but my blood count is fine. Im really worried though as i dont really know waht a raised billirubin can mean?

Reply 1

kookabura

Bilirubin is a product of the chemical breakdown of heamoglobin. Hemoglobin the part of the red blood cells which carries oxygen from the lungs around the body. When red blood cells have finished their 'life span' they are trapped in the spleen and destroyed, this releases bilirubin into the blood - this is unconjugated bilirubin. The liver then takes the bilirubin out of the blood and conjugates it by attaching a portion of another molecule to the bilirubin molecule. Conjugated bilirubin can then be excreted in bile by the liver, and is eventually removed from the body.

I know that high concentrations, or a raised level of bilirubin is associated with jaundice (yellowy skin.) But I don't know if that is the only effect of it or not. Go back to the doctor who sent you for blood tests now that you have got the results and ask them to explain what it all means. Don't worry about it though, it doesn't sound like it is anything that is too serious!

Reply 2

what did your Doctor say it probably meant?

they're the one who send you for the tests, had the results/access to your medical records etc - so i imagine they'd have a much better idea of what it could mean for you than anyone on TSR! :p:

if you want hypocondria & every possible scenario for the world at large then sure google could suffice? :wink:

if they didn't explain clearly - make another appointment? if they were really worried then surely they'd contact you to arrange further investigations. "slightly" doesn't sound too dire. :smile:

Reply 3

sunshinesmile

I couldnt speak to the doctor only the receptionist and they cant offer medical advice!

Reply 4

I couldnt speak to the doctor only the receptionist and they cant offer medical advice-do you think glandular fever is impossible with a normal blood count becuase id only had the symptoms a few days and ive heard that the tests can be wrong at first?

Reply 5

Apagg

A high level of bilirubin means either
a) You're breaking more red blood cells down than usual
b) Your liver isn't working properly

Tiredness is often associated with anaemia, but as an iron deficiency wasn't reported...

Anyway, ask your doctor, we're not going to give good advice

Reply 6

kookabura

I don't know, and don't think that people don't care, but your doctor will be able to give you much better advice than anyone on here. Make an appointment and go and see your doctor, get them to explain what the raised bilirubin means. Also, tell them all your symptoms and see what they say. Tell them if you want that you have heard blood tests aren't always accurate this soon have problems start. They will be able to take the whole picture into account, your symptoms, blood test results etc and give up a much better idea of what the problem might be.

Reply 7

Helenia

Anonymous

Hmmm. Seeing as you posted about having GF but not having a sore throat, and you now have a negative test, I'd say it's unlikely (although obviously never say never!) The virus that causes GF has a very long incubation period, about 6-7 weeks, so even if you weren't symptomatic you were developing the disease and associated immune response. I'm not sure about test innaccuracy to be honest, and as a previous poster has said, only "slightly raised" bilirubin does not necessarily mean anything.

My best advice would be to wait a while and see if it goes away or if you feel better/worse, and see the doctor again.

Reply 8

warranty-ideal

oo oo I have this!
It's called Gilbert's Disease / Syndrome. It's a totally benign liver mutation. Although some side effects can be: Increased Tolerance to alcohol, requiring heavier sedation if ever haveing surgery, fatigue, stomach pains, migraines and jaundice (I get called a simpson sometimes :colondollar:

). Google it, plenty of info out there for us gilbertians.
It can result in some or none of the listed symptoms!
I haven't seen any case that requires treatment of any kind
Hope this is useful!
Link

Reply 9

sunshinesmile

Thanks so much-i know i need to wait for the doctors view but you dont know how much youve stopped me worrying the only thing it doesnt explain is my neck/glands pain!

Reply 10

sunshinesmile

Thank you so much-i know i need to wait for the doctors view but youve stopped me worrying so much. The only thing is it doesnt explain my neck/gland pain!

Reply 11

Thanks i know i need my doctors view but youve stopped me worrying so much! The only thing is tho why do i feel so seriously tired i can brley do anything and why does my neck hurt!