Apparently I have Gilbert’s Syndrome.
Yesterday I went to the clinic in the morning (I waited for the doctor from 9am till 1030am – made sure I was the first she sees) because my total bilirubin level was abnormally high (41 when it should be less than 26 – or so the lab report says but I forgot what was the unit of measurement).
She told me I’d have to do the test again because I told her I don’t remember any abnormalities in my LFTs last time. She did mention that it may be GS but the immigration would want proof that I’ve done a second test to confirm it.
“Better to get it right than to send the papers off and then they tell you to do it again. My advice is to do it again because I’m sure they will question it.”
She probably saw my disappointment and asked me when do I have to leave for NZ.
The re-test would take 2-3 days!
She was very nice to refer me to PMC, “They can help you do it by today as they have their own private lab…but you pay a premium price for it to be done.”
Premium indeed.
RM108 for the ultrasound (my liver is fine) and RM255 for the consultation/blood work.
Indirect(unconjugated) bilirubin came back markedly higher than the direct bilirubin, which is an indication of GS.
From the Wiki page
Gilbert’s syndrome produces an elevated level of unconjugated bilirubin in the bloodstream but normally has no serious consequence. Mild jaundice may appear under conditions of exertion, stress, fasting, and infections, but the condition is otherwise asymptomatic.
Yup. I think it’s the STRESSSSSS and exertion from running around, trying to get things done. And I was fasting for more than…don’t know how many hours because I didn’t eat anything after lunch on Sunday.
My second test at PMC was done without fasting (had my breakfast while waiting for the doctor) – the total bilirubin level also came out to be 22.
Probably if I had listened to the ladies at the clinic (they said I needn’t fast for the blood test), I wouldn’t have to do a second test.
Who knows, right? Usually need to fast one mah when you do blood work.
Better to have your blood sample taken when you’re fasting than to arrive and find out you’ve to come back the next day because you’ve to fast.
—
Saw so many people in PMC!
ChenChen, Johnny+ChooiKook, Sally and Sally (didn’t know she was in PMC! Thought it was done in Seremban).
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
comments off the other entry. anyway, i really hope that everything will work out in the end. because you want it so bad and have worked so hard for it.
have faith!
yen: yea..just timing, I guess.