Raised Bilirubin

[lizw]

Hi - I've just done a home urine test and it showed mild raised bilirubin. I panicked and phoned my doctor who said it was due to my gall stones which were diagnosed 2 years ago. I'm terrified its more serious than this and I'm having liver failure. Can anyone reassure this stupid hypochondriac?

[Goodsoulette]

I have gallstones and I have raised bilirubin. Its a common indicator.

[lizw]

Oh bless you. Thank you so much. I'm such a worrier. And I drink a bit too much wine sometimes so that's going to stop.

[sqad617]

I cannot understand how gallstones can produce a raised bilirubin in the urine without producing jaundice. If the gall stones are confined to the gaal bladder, then there should be no build up of bilirubin. If however the gallstone have migrated into the common bile duct, then there would be a build up of bilirubin but also you would be jaundiced and I assum that you are not. My suggestion would be to re-test your urine for bilirubin and if it is still positve, return to your GP for more sensitive and diagnostic liver function tests.

[Goodsoulette]

I definitely don't have jaundice sqad. I get biliary colic often, as my gallstones aren't just in my gall bladder, if her biliary tract is filled up with sludge then would that not be reason enough?

[Ethel]

Really, these home tests should be avoided. People who are not medically trained aren't equipped to understand the results.

The GP is happy to arrange such tests if you are worried.

[sqad617]

I take the points of goodsoulette and Ethel. A raised bilirubin in the prescence of gall stones would indicate a degree of obstruction in the biliary tract heralded by biliary colic. In the abscence of pain, other causes should be sought which would involve liver function tests and ultrasound. I reallybthink that the test should be repeated and I agree totally with Ethel.

[lizw]

I did the test to measure something else totally - my first cousin has just been diagnosed with diabetes and my dad (who is a pharmacist) brought some home - so it's not that I'm completely stupid. Honest.

Have phoned doctor back who is very patient with me bless her. I am definitely not jaundiced and my liver function test 6 months ago was perfectly normal as was my ultra sound (apart from the gall stones obviously!) She says that these levels are often raised in people with gall stones, even if they are not presenting with colic at the time. They can also be raised due to Gilberts Syndrome and she has asked me if I want further tests to see if that could be part of the problem.

[sqad617]

You have a good GP, accept her offer of blood tests and to repeat your urinalysis.
Good luck

[toby99]

I have Gilbert's syndrome and always have raised bilirubin. It is worth having the test to put your mind at ease.

[lizw]

Just thought I'd give a quick update as everyone was so kind to answer me on Friday.

I fretted all weekend and went to see my doctor today who was lovely. I took the test I had done to show her and she tut tutted in a nice way. She said she would be amazed if I did have bilirubin in my urine as to get to that level I would apparently be quite yellow! She re-did the test with one of her own and it was completely clear. She said that the tests you can buy on line are ridiculously sensitive and pick up anything - even naturally strongly coloured urine can register. This of course could be a clever marketing ploy - you're more likely to buy another test if you don't get the result you want!
I feel a bit stupid and have learnt my lesson. I completely wasted this bank holiday weekend worrying unecessarily. She felt my liver and gall bladder - both feel normal and she feels there's no point to doing any further tests (she probably knows how much I'd worry waiting for the results!).
Thank you to everyone who replied to me.