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.
Hi, I'm 53 and was diagnosed with IBS 10 years ago. Recent MRI showed iron overload. My blood tets are normal exsept elivated ferritin 437ng/ml, elivated billirubin 1.4mg/dL ( I was diagnosed with gilbert syndrome 25 years ago and this billirubin level is typical ) and border line MCHC =31.9. My symptoms are upper abdominal pain, dhiarrea, headches, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, back and knee arthritis. In addition I have hypothyroidism. I'm wondering if it can be mild chemochramotosis even though my iron tests are notmal.
I was diagnosed years ago with IBS and had pains in my knees, hands feet and hips.
Following my HH diagnosis and de-ironing via plebotomies my IBS has now disappeared and I am 99% free of symptoms.
Your ferritin level is also pointing to HH.
Ask your doctor for a genetic test to show if you have HH.
If you do you need to let any family and children know as it runs in families as it is genetic.
Let us know how you get on.
Take care
Regards
Steve