My bilirubin when first hospitalized 5 1/2 years ago was 30.8, basically near death with complete organ failure starting to happen.

Within about six months, lots of medical care, good diet, etc. I settled down to 3.5, then 3.0, and finally after a year or so dropped below 2.0. Currently at about 1.4, which is still my standard level. I see my GI Monday so will see if it's still there. Other than low platelets and the bilirubin level, my blood tests come back fairly normal and have been for many years.

They recently started using some new software which graphs results of various tests. The doctor commented that there must be some error or some odd outlier reading because of this huge spike about five years ago, but then realized it was actually accurate data. Pretty scary, looks like one of those stock market charts of a company that goes bankrupt.

We're all different. I seem to have settled at 1.4, you may always be 0.7. I wouldn't worry about it. If your doctor is concerned, he'll let you know, but that's not really that bad of a number.

Not sure there is any control over the number other than the liver healing itself which is done by you taking care of yourself. Only other thing that comes to mind is a transplant, but a 0.7 bilirubin is not going to get you on the listing or even get you started in the screening process. Relax and don't stress out.

My dad's bilirubin was 26 when first admitted, then dropped to 13, and is now at 3. His average seems to be 3, and it doesn't change much. The 26 was two years ago. I will also ask the doctor what his bilirubin is now, but I'm worried as the doctors have referred him to pallative care, not sure if it is to manage his dissease, or prepare him for the worst. For people with cirrhosis, a slight high (such as yourself) can be completely normal if properly managed.

Bilirubin level is an indication of state of the liver and as liver condition improves the bilirubin levels should eventually return to normal

so a good indication of improvement is when the levels start to head in the direction of normal

A list of blood test readings for all the liver indices and what relevance they measure was posted here years ago

But I did not find it much help from a patient point of view as it can cause worry
and concern When these readings are taken in isolation
and if you are doing everything to improve your condition.There is not much point

Hi Clovers:

The most important thing is, how were you feeling before you found out your bilirubin count? I know it is frustrating thinking things are going in one direction and then you find they are going opposite. As with age and weight, a number is a number...and 0.7 isn't bad-it's almost normal.

Take a breath and have faith in yourself. You are stronger than you know. Do what you need to do and don't let numbers slow you down.