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Some surprising facts from the Colonel

Concerned about jaundice

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
Twice in the past three days I have suddenly come over feeling strange. It starts with painful indigestion, then I feel sick, cold and dizzy, my legs go wobbly and I feel faint. I've taken some painkillers, gone to bed, and slept very deeply (which is unusual for me), and felt better later. I am unusually thirsty, though, and a bit constipated.

My mum suffers from 'fatty liver' disorder, and I used to take a lot of painkillers for a back problem, so I am concerned about jaundice and my liver.

answer
You need to see your doctor for a full check-up. A number of conditions can cause feelings like this, including low blood pressure and being dehydrated. However, the fact that you are unusually thirsty means that it is important to rule out raised blood glucose levels - especially if you are also peeing a lot.

Your GP can check you over, arrange any necessary blood or urine tests, and ensure that these symptoms are not side effects of any medications you may be taking. Although this is unlikely to be due to your liver, tell your doctor of your concerns, as he or she can examine your liver to see if it is enlarged or tender. You could also request a blood test to check your liver function.
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