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
/ Hemochromatosis Support Group

Iron Overload

gforce17
gforce17

Hi, I haven't got hereditary Hemachromatosis, but I hav e been diagnosed with a Ferretin level of 850. Please can anyone tell me if this is a dangerous level. I have recently started to have pain in my wrists and knees and I'm worried that this might be caused by the ferretin levels. I have been advised to avoid red meat and alcohol. HELP!

jimbean
jimbean
Just joined. I was diagnosed with HH at age 84. My first clue something was wrong was when my pancreas stopped producing digestive enzymes. It affected my bowels and I lost 35 lbs before I started a very expensive prescription enzyme, I also had 4 acute attacks of what my rheumatologist called pseudo gout in my hands and shoulder. Both of these problems, I believe were caused by excess iron stored in my organs, tissue and joints. I've been having weekly phlebotomy (500 cc) for 6 months. My ferritin has been around 400 for the last 8 weeks. I started at 1370. My joint pains have ceased but my pancreas has not recovered. Maybe it will, maybe it won't.
You should get treated for your iron overload. The earlier you start the better your chances of avoiding long term serious damage.
Irony
Irony
Most of the time, permanent damage occurs only when ferratin levels are over 1000. Donate some blood and get retested, you should be ok.