As far as I am aware. without trying to scare you this becomes elevated when the liver is not functioning properly anymore. I have liver cirhossis and they keep an eye on that every time I have a blood test

Did you have any other tests done? Like a 24 hour urine catch? I had unusual results with my dermatologist and it was related to my liver...not ridding red blood cells like it should which is not a good thing. So I have to give blood every so often and I'm good to go. Mine is called: Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT).

I actually emailed my dermatologist several pictures of an unusual sunburn that I acquired while vacationing in Florida and he replied he wanted to see me right away. Apparently an unusual sunburn is a telltale sign of PCT. And to think I thought I was special and only got a speckled sunburn or areas that did not burn next to the burn with itty bitty blisters that look like water blisters.

~Zig

I was known to have high levels dating back about two years ago. At the time I did not know what it was, so I looked online a bit; Then ended up buying a book on Liver diseases. I didn't have insurance for a while but was able to ask friends and family questions( doctors/ nurse) and once or twice get some low cost treatments at clinics and Medical centers. It was not till August of this year 2008 that my doctor found a gallstone after imaging tests that were run and found a kidney stone too (main onset was strange urinary symptoms). Gallstones are in my family, and so is cholestrol levels being high. I don't really know much about the meds you mentioned in the beginning, I have seen a Dermatologist for many years but that ended in my late adolesecent years. Yet, some of the drugs that he gave me were in danger of being toxic and had to he monitored ( they helped my skin but maybe hurt my body too?)
I dont remember my exact levels because I am not home now else I would have my labs right next to me. Two doctors suggested I had Gilberts syndrome, which is a higher than usual Bili levels that usually causes no problems. Because of job changing and moving around. I don't have the benefit of comparing my levels to blood work 3-5 years back.

Good Luck

JL

PS I am in processing of seeking a hepat/gastroentrologist just in cause I need one eventually.

I just had another set of labs, a CT with contrast and saw a GI surgeon for a consult. I am going back this week to get the results and I am curious on the verdict. But since he did not call, with any severe warnings, like I asked him; I still might be in wait and see mode?

Maybe this info is too late, but I just saw a surgeon today that stated "elevated levels of bilirubin are usually related to hepatic disorders or, as in my case, gallbladder disease/gall stones. I am having my gallbladder taken out in 4 days.

My level was at 1.6