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

UTI's

whyohwhyme
whyohwhyme
Does anyone know if there is a link between hemochromatosis and UTI infections.

I was diagnosed with HH 1-1/2 years ago. My recent ferritin level was in the 400's; however, my doctor says they do not start treating until it is in the 500's.

I have been suffering from chronic UTI's for the last 3 years and I'm scared and frustrated. I think I am starting to get my 4th one in as many months.

Any help would be much appreciated.
MissSophie
MissSophie
Hello Why,
I have posted several articles about the connection between HH & infections..I have always gotten a lot of infections, even as a kid, lot of ear infections, tonsils always infected, as I got older lots of UTI's sinus infections, then in my 40's it was worse sinus infections, staph infections, sepsis, staph infection in kidneys, pneumonia, 3-4 times a year, in my early 50's the pneumonia was no longer reacting to antibiotics, nor was the staph infections..I was dying and they couldn't figure out why, a team of doctors found out I had CVID, and now I get human antibodies every three weeks for the rest of my life. It appears there is a well known connection between HH & CVID.. UTI's is a common symptom among those of us with CVID or hypogammaglobulinenima..You might want to mention having your IGG levels tested to your doctor.. Good luck..
birkita
birkita
If you have been diagnosed with HH and your ferritin is above 50-100 then you need to insist they start phlebs and if the doctor says no then change doctors if you can. Otherwise you will probably be storing up problems for the future that may have be prevented by swift action now.
Brinski
Brinski
I agree with Birkita. Your levels should be maintained 50/165. If your Doctor does not want to send you for venesections then change Doctors. This is what to aim for when on maintenance. Lucky I have not had UTI's. Your Doctor is running the risk of you having loads of other problems. You do know that Auto immune is linked with HH.
Parrotlet
Parrotlet
... I WOULD GET A NEW DOCTOR.
LilyInTheValley
LilyInTheValley
I just read that Cipro (common antibiotic for UTI) can be ineffective for UTIs if your iron is high. I'm currently taking Bactrim, my third antibiotic for the same UTI. If this doesn't work, I'll be getting the nuclear method of treating a UTI. Pretty sure I won't have any bacteria left, bad or good.
kati612
kati612
Hi LilyintheValley,
Do you mind sharing where you read that. I would love to read about it.
LilyInTheValley
LilyInTheValley
My doctor told me that cipro inhibits iron absorption, and this article suggests that iron decreases the absorption of cipro.

http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement-interaction/possible-interactions-with-iron