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What Causes Right-sided Discomfort When Bilirubin Levels Are Slightly Elevated?
Question: Hello, would like an opinion from a doctor related to liver function. First off, I was a moderate to heavy drinker for roughly 10 years but quit and have not had a drink in more than 3 years. I have felt and feel completely healthy but had a physical earlier this year and total bili was 2.0. Doctor did not recommend a follow up but being a health hypochondriac, I requested a follow up which showed total bili at 2.6. In both cases, all other tests were normal (ALT/AST/Albumin etc) Doctor chalked it up to Gilbert's or my Thalassemia (was diagnosed w/ Thal at a young age and still have it). I requested an abdominal ultrasound and came back with fatty liver diagnosis. Doctor was completely unconcerned and said that I just need to loose weight (gained 30 lbs in last year).
A side note (no pun intended) is that since the high bili, I have noticed discomfort in the right side. Generally lower than where I perceive the liver to be but in that relative area. I would note that I have not experienced this in several weeks though since going on a low carb diet. Lastly, I have anxiety issues and have been prescribed clonazepam. When on clonazepam, I generally notice my stool being more firm and lighter in color. When not on clon, it is generally normally color but rather loose which I attribute to gastro withdrawal symptoms. My primary care physician says I have absolutely nothing to worry about so long as a stay on my diet/lose weight and never tough alcohol again. You're general thoughts on this prognosis would be appreciated.
A side note (no pun intended) is that since the high bili, I have noticed discomfort in the right side. Generally lower than where I perceive the liver to be but in that relative area. I would note that I have not experienced this in several weeks though since going on a low carb diet. Lastly, I have anxiety issues and have been prescribed clonazepam. When on clonazepam, I generally notice my stool being more firm and lighter in color. When not on clon, it is generally normally color but rather loose which I attribute to gastro withdrawal symptoms. My primary care physician says I have absolutely nothing to worry about so long as a stay on my diet/lose weight and never tough alcohol again. You're general thoughts on this prognosis would be appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Bilirubin level not worrisome affected by following factors
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and can say as following:
1. You are saying to have done a liver function test where transaminases (TA) resulted normal but bilirubin was slightly elevated.
As a former heavy drinker, partially such elevation of bilirubin is addressed to alcohol.
Another possible cause is Gilbert's syndrome as your doctor is suggesting. In this case, there is nothing worrisome as long as TA are within normal range.
Thalassemia is characterized by erythrocytes destruction which can also contribute to increased bilirubin.
Fatty liver is also another factor, but in your case is not worrisome again due to normal TA.
2. You are also reporting to have a discomfort in your right side. This is not related neither to bilirubin nor to liver problems. Most probably related to colon issues. I advise to:
- avoid foods high in fat/sugar and carbonated drinks that would cause gas and triggering such discomfort substenquently
- avoid using a straw while drinking
3. With regards to clonazepam, as per any other medication, it carries its own side effect by affecting liver. However, this is still not worrisome.
The color and consistency of stool depends on many factors including diet (which is very important), physical activity, water intake, and medications.
Altogether they will affect stool. In your case, I agree with your doctor: stopping alcohol and switching to a healthy diet can improve you current GI problems.
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Klerida
Bilirubin level not worrisome affected by following factors
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and can say as following:
1. You are saying to have done a liver function test where transaminases (TA) resulted normal but bilirubin was slightly elevated.
As a former heavy drinker, partially such elevation of bilirubin is addressed to alcohol.
Another possible cause is Gilbert's syndrome as your doctor is suggesting. In this case, there is nothing worrisome as long as TA are within normal range.
Thalassemia is characterized by erythrocytes destruction which can also contribute to increased bilirubin.
Fatty liver is also another factor, but in your case is not worrisome again due to normal TA.
2. You are also reporting to have a discomfort in your right side. This is not related neither to bilirubin nor to liver problems. Most probably related to colon issues. I advise to:
- avoid foods high in fat/sugar and carbonated drinks that would cause gas and triggering such discomfort substenquently
- avoid using a straw while drinking
3. With regards to clonazepam, as per any other medication, it carries its own side effect by affecting liver. However, this is still not worrisome.
The color and consistency of stool depends on many factors including diet (which is very important), physical activity, water intake, and medications.
Altogether they will affect stool. In your case, I agree with your doctor: stopping alcohol and switching to a healthy diet can improve you current GI problems.
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Klerida
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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