Re: Gilbert's syndrome

[Guest guest]

this has been really interesting to think about, Anne.

like i said, i'd thought to Gilbert's syndrome as being asymptomatic (i

first encountered it in a conventional medical setting, where that seems

to be what it's considered), but thinking about its impact (whether

symptomatic or not) on the body as a whole wrt what you say about the

potential extra strain on the liver is interesting.

at a guess (thinking as i type again) supposing the/an extra strain, and

that the situation is one of a straightforward genetically determined

enzyme deficiency, then lifelong support would be needed. OR are there

other factors that can come into play - does the condition remain

largely asymptomatic, with periods where other strains alongside/on top

create the circumstances where it becomes symptomatic? in which case

periods of support, and/or addressing other factors, could be the/an answer.

my other thought/question is: can the/a body just be used to it - if

you've always had slightly raised bilirubin levels, does/can ones body

just deal with it as its norm, without there being any extra demand?

i think this might come back to the latter thought above - that maybe

other factors can have more of an impact in someone with Gilbert's

syndrome than in someone without, and if there's an accumulation of

other strains, then the Gilbert's syndrome can produce symptoms?

i know friends have told me a look a bit more yellow when i'm tired (i

was told somemnay years back now that i have Gilbert's syndrome, and

have seen it in many of the blood tests i've had over time, tho always

just a slightly raised bilirubin), so that maybe suggests that when my

resources are otherwise low/in demand, the raised bilirubin levels start

to manifest at least as signs (if not obvious symptoms - i've not

noticed any that i would have specifically attributed to that).

do continue to let me know how you and your patient get on with this.

best, eirwen

anne chiotis wrote:

>

>

> Yes Eirwen,

> I forgot to mention in my last email that I agree with you, elimination

> needs to be supported because of the build up of bilirubin and

> urobilinogen in the patients blood.

> I had in fact already emailed her last night pointing out that this will

> put a strain on her eliminative organs and kidneys in particular.

>

> I would also assume that because the liver is not able to break down

> these waste products they will build up and 'choke' the liver inhibiting

> its action.

>

> Anne

>

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