Gilbert's Syndrome

Gilbert's Syndrome, pronounced 'Jeel-Bears', is a 'common disorder passed down through families that affects the way bilirubin is processed by the liver and causes jaundice', according the the National Institute of Health's website (along with many, many other reliable sources). It is not uncommon, as it can affect between 3-10% of the caucasion population. There is no treatment usually necessary and is generally a benign thing, so no cause for concern or alarm. Here's how it started:

I finally got Jason to go to the doctor and although they didn't want to do blood tests, I had mentioned to the doctor that his eyes were yellow. Of course, knowing what my brother has gone through this year, I'm a little on the scared side of excess bilirubin. She tested Jason for EVERYTHING... and his bilirubin counts came back high. We went back for a follow up appointment and retested the bilirubin and got the results today that he does, in fact, have Gilbert's Syndrome.

It was kinda funny because when Jason's eyes were yellowish, he would always say that it's because he's tired. Well, in Gilbert's Syndrome, that DOES cause people's eyes to turn yellowish when they are tired, or sick or under a lot of stress! So, Jason... you were right, Hun! This is on the record... I'm agreeing with you!!! :-)

Anyways... now, maybe he'll use his CPAP machine for his apnea... hmmm???? Then he won't be so tired all the time!!! :-)