high bilirubin..damage done?

[Klipse]

I've been feeling unusually tired and just drained for the last 4-5 weeks. I got my blood tested and turned out my bilirubin total is 3.2...normal is apparently .2-1.5. On New years, about a month ago, I downed about 6 percocets and drank probably about 6 beers (yes I know I'm an idiot..not my normal behavior). Since then I haven't really been right. I've drank maybe 5 or 6 times since then and when i do, ive been getting hangovers x10. I havent drank in about 2 weeks and ive been getting a lot of rest and progressively feeling better. I'm wondering if I could have done any damage to my liver that is irreversable? I'm 22 just out of college, probably only drink once a weekish, but it will slow down, that was just being in college. I don't really drink much. I'm staying off alcohol for a little while and i am feeling better, I just want to know if the liver kind of heals itself and if ive really screwed anything up. Trying to avoid another pricey follow up with the doc. Thanks!

[Klipse]

Ha thanks. This after I tell you that I downed 6 pills with beer. But yea I'm usually not that stupid. Got a little too much into the new years spirit if you will. Thanks for the info.

[CCRN34]

The studies that I have read regarding milk thistle and liver health show mixed results. I have read that it does coat hepatocytes (liver cells) , protects those cells from damage and can actually improve liver function...other studies question whether there is any therapeutic value at all.

Personally, I take a milk thistle supplement twice daily...figuring that it can't hurt. However, I wouldn't suggest that you take any supplementation without first consulting with your physician.

Best of luck to you. Take care of yourself. I think its admirable that someone that is just 22 years old is concerned with making responsible decisions regarding their health.

[Klipse]

I went to a walk-in clinic that wanted to refer me to a doctor to follow up on my blood test. Everything else was normal except the total bilirubin so i guess my liver function is ok. No yellowing of skin/eyes. I'll probably just get another test a few weeks down the road to see if it dropped.

In the mean time is there anything I can do to lower it? Does eating liver healthy foods lower it at all? Milk thistle?

[CCRN34]

To answer one of your questions, the liver is a very unique organ in that it has the ability to regenerate itself, if the offending agent is removed before any permanent scarring has taken place. Being that you are 22 (and assumingly absent of other risk factors) I would guess that you are in good shape.

Remember that the suggested acetaminophen dose for one 24 hour period is less than
(or equal to) 4,000 mg. So be careful and watch your tylenol intake. 6 pecocets probably contain just less than 2,000 mg of tylenol (if each pill contained 325 mg)...so be careful...especially when mixing tylenol with alcohol.

I don't know what to say about your bilirubin level...what did your doctor have to say about it? How was your liver function? Did you experience a yellowing of your skin or eyes?

If I were you, I would return to the doctor and let him/her repeat your blood tests...perhaps to see if your bilirubin is trending down.