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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jbelar 08/26/2011

I was curious, is the danger of this disease solely due to iron levels or does having the genes themselves, even if you get your iron and ferritin levels down, make us more prone to diseases and issues?

Strype 08/30/2011

There are so many issues that come along with the disorder it's hard to keep track of everything. There is one theory that states it's harder for certain types of bacteria to live in such an iron rich environment. Personally, I don't buy it. I've been more prone to getting sick my entire life than anyone in my family.

There is a myriad of issues that come along with the disorder. I have the following:

Heart palpataions
Sleep problems
Joint pain
Eczema (never started until 4 months before I was diagnosed)
Sluggishness
Memory problems
Swollen Liver

Before you are treated everything is worse. I had lived so long feeling so bad that I was used to it. Now I can tell when I need a phlebotomy.

NicolaToms 08/30/2011

I agree with you Strype, I get chest infection after chest infection, am on antibiotics constantly and they never work. My immune system must be shot. I have all the problems you list too and more, and so tired! ! !
Nic. X

jbelar 08/30/2011

Thank you CHSBob, that was what i was hoping to hear. I don't have all the symptoms associated with the disease, so, as long as I get my iron down, then I am ok.

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