May 2016 Update

Wow...it has been quite awhile since I last updated this blog. Since my last update, my doctor and I changed my bloodletting schedule to every three months. Since my diagnosis just under two years ago, I have significantly reduced my ferritin levels via the bloodletting treatments, moving from once a week, to once a month, to once bi-monthly, to once every three months. After my last couple of treatments, however, I found that my levels seemed to be reaching some sort of plateau and not reducing on the level they had previously. Thankfully, the levels were still in an acceptable range, albeit somewhat elevated. After some consultation with my doctor, we have decided to once again change up my treatment schedule and will be moving to once every two months. In my head, I feel that this will change again to once per month, but we will see. I do admit to having slacked off a bit here and there in my diet, although I still do not eat as much red meat as I once did. Its still more of a "special occasion" thing...or its a weekend and I want to grill...I know...bad. But I am only human...

To close out this post, I want to encourage everyone to talk to their doctor about hemochromotosis. It is literally the most common genetic disorder in America...as well as seemingly the most misunderstood. Some doctors do not want to even bother testing individuals for it. The symptoms are, ironically enough, very similar to those of iron deficiency. Fatigue and joint pain are the most common. When I say fatigue, I am not talking about feeling like you didn't get enough sleep and maybe could use a nap. I am talking about being unable to move, every muscle in protest, every joint stiff and on fire with pain. Other symptoms can include heart arrhythmia, abdominal pain, weakness, apathy, lethargy, and arthritic pain. If you have seen a doctor for any combination of these and he/she still cannot provide you with a definitive diagnosis of anything that could possibly be causing them...get tested. HH does not typically show consistent symptoms in men until they reach the 30 to 50 age range, but for women it is much later...which can mean it is already almost too late. Not too late for treatment, mind you, but damage to your heart, liver, pancreas and other organs might already be well under way. 

So, get tested if you haven't already (its a genetic test, not simply an iron or ferritin level test) if for no other reason than to cross it off the list.

Hemochromatosis - Definition & Pathology

Fairly informative breakdown of what Hemochromatosis is...

Hemochromatosis - Definition & Pathology