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.
Hello,
I was recently diagnosed with HH in Feb. '14. I'm happy to say that after 4 phlebs my ferritin was reduced to 340 from 750, although my saturation level remains in the mid 80% range. While I've not had any of the common HH-type issues described in this forum, it seems some issues have come up since beginning the phlebotomies. I've had frequent but minor new joint pains in my right thumb and middle finger, ankle and knee. Has anyone experienced new or worsened issues possibly as a result of beginning phlebotomies? Could it be that the reduction of serum ferritin has caused organs to release excess iron into the blood thus causing (helpfully temporary) issues elsewere?
I was recently diagnosed with HH in Feb. '14. I'm happy to say that after 4 phlebs my ferritin was reduced to 340 from 750, although my saturation level remains in the mid 80% range. While I've not had any of the common HH-type issues described in this forum, it seems some issues have come up since beginning the phlebotomies. I've had frequent but minor new joint pains in my right thumb and middle finger, ankle and knee. Has anyone experienced new or worsened issues possibly as a result of beginning phlebotomies? Could it be that the reduction of serum ferritin has caused organs to release excess iron into the blood thus causing (helpfully temporary) issues elsewere?
She sent me for an MRI on both hips, my Pelvis and my back, I spent over an hour in the scanner!!...
I am booked to see her in January for the results, but I have heard that some people need to have hip replacements because of HH.
I will post my results and what they recommend later in January.
Regards
Steve