I saw this pic on Facebook today. It reminded me about my own journey with Hemochromatosis (HHC). Normal ferritin levels are 24-336. Mine were over 1,800 when I was first diagnosed in 1998. 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 - I donated blood every other week for a year when I was first diagnosed. These days I donate my blood at the Community Blood Center two to three times a year which keep my levels around 50.
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 an annual physical. Right?
Hummmm, I go every 3 months to check my sugar levels. They've been under control, but now I have to worry about creatine levels. It's always something!
ReplyDeleteI have borderline creatinine levels too Linda. I so agree that it is always something. ツ
DeleteWow, I have never heard about that. I do get an annual physical. So what were your symptom's that brought you to the doctor?
ReplyDeleteThought I had no symptoms Debby. They found it with a blood test during my annual physical. Afterwards I found that HHC is associated with the onset of osteoarthritis.
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