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.
I've noticed the last few months that I've been bruising easily on my feet and lower legs. Does anyone have any information on this or experience with it happening?
Thanks!
Thanks!
I have HH (C282Y homozygous) and have never had a problem with bruising unless I take Aspirin which I take when I go on long-distance flights to alleviate joint pain.
Looking back, I have always had some symptoms of HH. I am not sure if it is related to HH but I have never bruised very easily and my blood has always clotted quickly when I have a cut or scratch. I think blood may be thicker when there is excess iron.
When my ferritin levels are increased my venesection nurse has sometimes said to me that my blood is thick (and this makes the venesection difficult).
The marks that I get on my feet and lower legs look like small rusty patches, not like bruises. Before I was diagnosed I remember saying to someone that my feet and legs look as though they are going rusty - not realising at the time that I had HH.
After several venesections my serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels went down to normal and the rusty patches went. When I was put on to bi-monthly maintenance treatment the rusty patches came back so I have gone back to once-monthly treatment for a while.
If the marks that you have are bruises and not due to excess iron, you should talk to your doctor in case you have another problem.
All the best, Christine