Conjugated Bilirubin?

Although I’m not fully educated in it, so don’t accept these answers like a doctor, it’s my understanding that although neither level is ideal to be high (unconjugated or conjugated) if you have to have one off, conjugated is the better one to be off.  

All of us on here suffering from Gilbert’s more than likely ALL have elevated conjugated bilirubin which is why the doctors say we have Gilbert’s. They have no direct reason to otherwise believe we have cirrhosis or something else related to the liver so they say we have Gilbert’s. Gilbert’s seems to be the blanket diagnosis for the unknown, and it happens that when it’s accurately diagnosed it’s not harmful in the sense it’s gonna kill me, however it can be quite annoying for symptoms. Relief however can be known that you’re NOT dying so in that sense, hopefully your anxiety can lessen a bit. As far as your levels, different parts of the world use different scales and I’m unfamiliar with that range. However, glancing at google your ranges seem slightly elevated (like mine and many, if not all of us with Gilbert’s.) The easy answer is to say, don’t worry about it although, like you, I’m also very anxious about my health and I still worry. The reality for me over the years though is that symptoms come and go and sometimes I feel normal and sometime not. Enjoy the normal periods and hopefully the not normal periods will be minimal (some experience no symptoms) and it’s even documented that higher (within reason) bilirubin can be a good thing as it is better for the heart. Best of luck and prayers. Probably isn’t something to worry over. I’ve learned to wait to listen to my doctor and save myself weeks of incredible stress over nothing. I recommend waiting on doctors as well and try your best to not jump to conclusions. 

I understand fully the anxiety. Who wouldnt have it? Everyone should have some anxiety over their health but here's the thing. When I orginally got my results (6 years ago now) I went through every scenario mentally... probably for a year I drove myself crazy probably making symptoms worse as stress causes all kinds of weird things in us.... I also started eating healthy and really became obsessed with the whole "your body is a temple" thing. Basically because if I try my best to treat my body right then I can't blame myself as much. I work out. I eat right. I still have high bilirubin. The doctors still say its gilberts. Some days I get symptoms, some I don't. I AM here to say though that 6 years later... still just about the same health wise and it wasn't all the bad scenarios I set up for myself mentally or I wouldn't BE here 6 years later Yes, I hate not knowing but I guess thats the way it goes sometimes. 

I also gave up alcohol similarly to your previous lifestyle. Its a reality check for certain. We aren't permanent things here. Worth also noting that faith in a higher power has helped probably more than anything. YouTube search "Andy Stanley Who needs God" Life changer for me in that everyone on that team ain't necessarily a crack pot Anyway, good luck.

Hi Jodi,  Here's some information on GS I found through Mayo Clinic back in 2012.

 

Gilbert's syndrome is a common, mild liver condition in which the liver doesn't properly process a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.  Gilbert's (zheel-BAYRZ) syndrome typically is harmless and doesn't require treatment.

What is Bilirubin?  Bilirubin is the major breakdown product that results from the destruction of old red blood cells (as well as some other sources). It is removed from the blood by the liver, chemically modified by a process called conjugation. 

Conjugation makes the bilirubin water soluble, this allows the bilirubin to be excreted into the bile. The Bile is excreted into the small intestine via the bile ducts. The bile is required to digest food. The bile is the pigment that gives feces their brown color.

Diagnosis:  People with GS predominantly have elevated unconjugated bilirubin, while conjugated bilirubin is usually within the normal range & is less than 20% of the total. Levels of bilirubin in GS patients are reported to be from 20 µM to 90 µM (1.2 to 5.3 mg/dL)[21] compared to the normal amount of < 20 µM. GS patients will have a ratio of unconjugated/conjugated (indirect/direct) bilirubin that is commensurately higher than those without GS.

Causes:  GS is caused by an abnormal gene that you inherit from your parents. The gene controls an enzyme that helps break down bilirubin in your liver. With an ineffective gene, excess amounts of bilirubin build up in your blood.  You're born with Gilbert's syndrome, though it often goes undiscovered for many years, often by accident, when a blood test shows elevated bilirubin levels.  

Lifestyle and home remedies;  Certain life events, such as stress, can trigger episodes of higher bilirubin levels in Gilbert's syndrome, leading to jaundice. Doing what you can to manage those situations can help keep bilirubin under control.

Tell every doctor about your Gilbert's syndrome. Gilbert's syndrome affects the way your body processes certain medications. This can worsen side effects. 

Eat a healthy diet. Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.

Avoid extremely low-calorie diets. 

Stick to a routine eating schedule and avoid fasting or skipping meals.

Manage stress. Find ways to deal with the stresses in your life. Consider exercise or quiet time alone to cope with stress. 

Stay Hydrated.  Filtrated Water & Lemon

Gilbert’s Syndrome is generally harmless and does not produce any symptoms. GS does not require medical treatment or long term medical attention, and patients with this syndrome should not be led to believe that they have a liver disease but rather a liver disorder. 

General recommendations:  Those with Gilbert’s Syndrome need only follow a healthy diet and avoid liver toxins such as excessive alcohol and liver toxic drugs. Bilirubin levels tend to rise if the diet is poor, and during fasting, or mild illnesses. Some common symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, irritability, abdominal pain and digestive conditions. Some people may also experience liver pain, nausea, jaundice and loss of appetite.  

Home remedies 

Peppermint: commonly used to flavor foods, candy and other consumable products. When used medicinally, peppermint may help soothe certain digestive orders as well as headaches associated with Gilbert's disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint helps relax the smooth muscles of the stomach and improve the flow of bile. Applying peppermint oil to the temple or forehead may help reduce headache pain. Peppermint tea may be consumed up to four times per day between meals to help with digestive disorders.

Chamomile: an herb that is commonly used as a calming and relaxing herb. According to the Medicinal Herb Info website, chamomile helps with muscle cramps, headaches and general pain. In addition, chamomile may help improve mild digestive orders. Add up to 3 tsp. of dried chamomile flowers to 1 cup of boiling water and allow the mixture to stand up to 15 minutes. Add honey or sugar for flavor.

Hope this answers some of your questions