October 29, 2018

"IRON"ic



If you have been following my blog for awhile, you might remember about 2 yrs ago I was diagnosed with Hereditary Hemochromatosis.  My Grandfather & Aunt both died from complications with this disorder....and probably several on my father's side had it(but were un-diagnosed).  

WHAT IS IT?
Hemochromatosis is an iron disorder in which the body simply loads too much iron. This action is genetic and the excess iron, if left untreated, can damage joints, organs, and eventually be fatal.

I was tested after my aunt's death, and as soon as the genetic test came back that I did have the disorder & my numbers were elevated....they jumped into a treatment plan for me. Oh...the treatment you ask....BLOOD LETTING!   I went 7 1/2 weeks twice a week....with a total removal of 7 1/2 liters of blood.  They actually dropped me too low, but with this disorder....it will always go back up again.  

It has been 1 year and 7 months since I've had my last phlebotomy(blood letting).  I had skipped out on my last blood test(I'd been going every two months to see where my numbers were at).  Well...I'd not been feeling great as of late...and my joints were hurting as well.  These are both signs for someone with HH that their numbers are going back up again. I went in last week...and found out today my numbers are up.  They aren't horrible, but I'm scheduled for blood lettings once more...this time every other week.  My first one will be Wed....Halloween!  The vampires are going to get my blood....and I'm ok with it!! 

(Just wanted to update my regular readers!!)

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