constantworrier
08-05-07, 08:37
Hi all,
Following mildly elevated liver function tests several months ago, i cut down on alcohol consumption and after retesting, found that the results reduced to almost normal levels. Initially a liver ultrasound was mentioned, (which i am sure i would have been to scared to go for...not because of the procedure...but because of the results)...but my GP told me that i needed no further testing or investigation after the results responded to alcohol intake reduction. I have since been advised to limit alcohol to 14 units a week (21 units a week being the safe level for men). This, i have rigorously stuck to but i still can't shake my concerns, the trouble is, can i really go back again after i have been told to relax?
One particular concern was bilirubin which was elevated on the last few occasions (though reducing). I mentioned Gilbert's syndrome, (a deficiency in a certain liver enzyme which causes elevated blood bilirubin levels). This which would account for this, but this wasn't specifically tested for...though both genetic and other tests exist for it. My GP didn't really pass comment on this concern, probably because Gilbert's is a benign condition...but i can't let it go. One risk of Gilbert's is temporary jaundice, which whilst not harmful, is worrying and can suggest more serious conditions unless Gilbert's has been diagnosed already. I don't want this to suddenly happen to me and find i turn yellow and have to have a battery of invasive tests or even hospitalisation unnecessarily. I am paranoid about this to the extent that i constantly check my eyes for telltale yellowing and have now even puchased urine test kits for bilirubin!
I don't want my GP to see me as a nuisance or to feel that i am doubting her previous diagnosis, but i need to check that my liver function tests have remained relatively normal. I have been getting pain in my right shoulder and below my right ribs recently which is to scare me. Is this just tension....or something to do with my liver...??? What if it is gallstones...? I have cut down on fats just in case and have lost a stone and a half since christmas...i wasn't really overweight to start with though. Now i wonder if i have lost weight because i have some progressive illness?
Sorry to ramble...any advice guys?
Thanks,
CW
Following mildly elevated liver function tests several months ago, i cut down on alcohol consumption and after retesting, found that the results reduced to almost normal levels. Initially a liver ultrasound was mentioned, (which i am sure i would have been to scared to go for...not because of the procedure...but because of the results)...but my GP told me that i needed no further testing or investigation after the results responded to alcohol intake reduction. I have since been advised to limit alcohol to 14 units a week (21 units a week being the safe level for men). This, i have rigorously stuck to but i still can't shake my concerns, the trouble is, can i really go back again after i have been told to relax?
One particular concern was bilirubin which was elevated on the last few occasions (though reducing). I mentioned Gilbert's syndrome, (a deficiency in a certain liver enzyme which causes elevated blood bilirubin levels). This which would account for this, but this wasn't specifically tested for...though both genetic and other tests exist for it. My GP didn't really pass comment on this concern, probably because Gilbert's is a benign condition...but i can't let it go. One risk of Gilbert's is temporary jaundice, which whilst not harmful, is worrying and can suggest more serious conditions unless Gilbert's has been diagnosed already. I don't want this to suddenly happen to me and find i turn yellow and have to have a battery of invasive tests or even hospitalisation unnecessarily. I am paranoid about this to the extent that i constantly check my eyes for telltale yellowing and have now even puchased urine test kits for bilirubin!
I don't want my GP to see me as a nuisance or to feel that i am doubting her previous diagnosis, but i need to check that my liver function tests have remained relatively normal. I have been getting pain in my right shoulder and below my right ribs recently which is to scare me. Is this just tension....or something to do with my liver...??? What if it is gallstones...? I have cut down on fats just in case and have lost a stone and a half since christmas...i wasn't really overweight to start with though. Now i wonder if i have lost weight because i have some progressive illness?
Sorry to ramble...any advice guys?
Thanks,
CW