Hemochromatosis Support Group

Hemochromatosis is a hereditary disease characterized by improper processing by the body of dietary iron which causes iron to accumulate in a number of body tissues, eventually causing organ dysfunction. It is the main iron overload disorder. Hemochromatosis is notorious for having symptoms that are often initially misattributed to other diseases.

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Gastrointestinal System
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Are we more susceptible to other illnesses?

NicolaToms
NicolaToms
Been to Doctors this morning because I was in awful pain last night under my ribs which stabbed everytime I breathed in. I thought it was my Liver causing the pain but after a thorough examination he informed me that I have Pleurisy.I had it 12 months ago too! Does haemochromotosis lower our immune system so we are more susceptible to other things. Am really feeling awful and sooo tired.

Nic. X
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think so! I have always been "healthy". No flu shots and no flu either. However, I had pneumonia in 2007 & 2008. I had bronchitis for 3 months last summer/fall. I was only diagnosed in May 2010 but I'm 55 & post menopausal. That's probably another reason my ferritin started going up!
NicolaToms
NicolaToms
I had pneumonia too about5 years ago. Have had asthma since I was 3 and had a collapsed lung when I was in my early 30's. Diagnosed with emphysema in early 40's. Have never smoked so guess im just unlucky.I have just started going through the menopause so I guess thats why my ferritin level is going up too.Am looking forward to the day that my levels are normal and I feel like a normal human being again.Hope you are keeping well. X
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree with zzzdj!! I think we are very much more acceptable but my problem is that I am allergic to 99% of all antibotics so I am very careful about who I am around. I try my best to stay healthy and during the winter I have a bigger tendency to become a home body because of all the flu, colds etc...that occur during this time of year. I also make sure to get a flu and Pneumonia shot every year as well because of my health and allergy issues.

If I get sick, well I pretty much am put in the hospital because that is the only way they can treat me with antibiotics and watch to make sure the reaction is under control. There are some that will kill me if I ever take it again.
GidgetD
GidgetD
I think we may be while we are phlebbing aggressively but after that I think it all is on an individual basis. I very rarely get sick, and after being de-ironed it was even less.