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Hemochromatosis


Tag this a public service blog post. Julie asked about why I gave blood that was tossed today on Facebook. About twelve years I was diagnosed with Hemochromatosis (HHC). According to hemochromatosis.org:

Hemochromatosis is a leading cause of iron overload disease. People with Hemochromatosis absorb extra amounts of iron from the daily diet. The human body cannot rid itself of extra iron. Over time, these excesses build up in major organs such as the heart, liver, pancreas, joints and pituitary. If the extra iron is not removed, these organs can become diseased. Untreated Hemochromatosis can be fatal.

HHC is a genetic disorder that my sister and I both share. My treatment over the years has involved regular blood testing and phlebotomy therapy.. a nurse discards 3-4 units of my iron-rich blood every year.. the first year after I was diagnosed required a phlebotomy every other week (26 units of blood).. those needles are pretty big.. and hurt a bit :)

HHC is not fatal if it is caught early and aggressively treated like mine was.. a good reason to insure that your blood is screened for high iron levels when you get your annual physical.. you do get one I hope :)

Posted:

8 comments:

  1. BrianApril 6, 2009 at 3:50:00 PM CDT

    I see. I have another on-line friend that I think has the same thing. I know she has to be "bled" every so often.

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  2. UnknownApril 6, 2009 at 5:52:00 PM CDT

    That's amazing. Never heard of it. glad that you are well. I suppose there is a modern use for leeches after all! ;-)

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  3. kc bobApril 6, 2009 at 6:05:00 PM CDT

    LOL.. I was wondering who would be the first to mention leeches.. and no thank you to 'that' holistic therapy.

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  4. photowannabeApril 6, 2009 at 6:30:00 PM CDT

    Glad they discovered your problem. Considering the alternatives I think this is the best choice. Love the little blurb about billions of mosquitos can't be wrong. Funny but true.

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  5. Bar L.April 6, 2009 at 9:46:00 PM CDT

    I never heard of this before!! Thanks for making people aware. I am so glad they caught yours in time!

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  6. kc bobApril 7, 2009 at 8:27:00 AM CDT

    Just got a tweet from a guy in Cleveland saying that he "was just diagnosed at age 64. Alas, much damage already done. 2x liver. enlarged heart diabetes joint pain cataracts."

    Please be sure that your doc checks your iron level the next time you get your blood checked.

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  7. W.PatApril 7, 2009 at 8:18:00 PM CDT

    I have been getting phlebotomies for close to 12 years. Sometimes a not so experienced nurse will get a chance to practice on me.

    Finally they stop shaking and get the needle in my arm. Often they screw up and don't get enough blood removed. I just might have to get me some leeches.

    Another very informative site totally devoted to HH:
    http://ironoverload.info

    I used to live in Hawaii and I think the mosquitos actually helped keep me alive.

    So maybe the nasty little critters are good for something after all.

    Pat

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  8. karenApril 13, 2009 at 2:02:00 PM CDT

    You have more than your fair share to deal with. :-/

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