For years, Canadian Hemochromatosis Society member Linda Dooley wanted to spread hemochromatosis awareness in a BIG way. Her persistence finally paid off, as she is pleased to report that an article she wrote on hemochromatosis was published in the Summer 2012 issue of Canadian Health Magazine.
Canadian Health is published by the Canadian Medical Association for physicians and is available to the public by subscription.
Kudos to Linda for a well written article. You can read Linda’s story here.
July 30, 2012
Would be nice to post this on facebook
July 30, 2012
Done, and thanks for the reminder!
September 2, 2012
The video says that coffee and tea with meals inhibits the absorption of iron. Does that also work for decaffeinated products?
September 4, 2012
Tannins, which are found in coffee and tea, decrease iron absorption. It does not matter if the product is decaffeinated or caffeinated.
September 4, 2012
Thank you
January 17, 2013
Genetic Link In Family. 5 Brothers & 1 sister have it. I was always low in iron and taking iron supplement to boost. Last physical showed high iron -600 and liver numbers high also. 2 yrs ago had test results from McMaster that showed I did not have the didsease. Just curious if things could change or possible inaccuracy in test. Appreciate any help you could provide.
Pat
January 17, 2013
Hello Patrick,
Thank you for your comment. I can help a bit more if you can provide me with some more information.
Were your test results from McMaster from a genetic test? If so, what were the results exactly? How old are you, and do you have results from a transferrin saturation test performed recently or in the past? From your name, I am assuming you are a male. Am I correct?
Feel free to send me your information by email at bohara@toomuchiron.ca, or phone our office for support at 1 800 223 4766. If you email me your phone number, I can also call you back.
Brenda
March 4, 2013
Hi,
I have had a ton of arthritis type symptoms for a few years now. They say I have fibromyalgia. My first problems were with memory and concentration and then with my hands and feet. Anxiety like mad. My blood work shows high liver enzymes, high hemocrit, hemoglobin. Ferritin is at 305? Is this too high?
March 4, 2013
Hi Carol,
A ferritin of 305 ng/mL is considered mildly elevated. If you are post-menopausal, it is just above high-normal. To screen for hemochromatosis, you need to have a transferrin saturation test as well. If the results come back at greater than 45%, then further investigation into hemochromatosis is required. Have a look at this web page for more information: http://toomuchiron.ca/disorder/diagnosis.php.
March 5, 2013
Thank you so much. I have a doctors appointment at the end of this month and will certainly get things checked out.
March 6, 2013
I have had high ferritin levels for the past year just recently the number exceed 1200 and my iron saturation level is 96%. Until now little was done about it…should I be worried?
March 6, 2013
Hello Melita,
You should be concerned, especially if you are of Northern European descent. Have you had symptoms similar to those listed here: http://toomuchiron.ca/disorder/symptoms.php.
Whether or not you have symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting genetically tested for hemochromatosis. Guidelines for the screening and treatment of hemochromatosis can be found here:http://www.bcguidelines.ca/pdf/ironoverload.pdf.
Please contact the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society directly if you need more information: 1 877 223 4766.
March 7, 2013
I had more blood work done. I am a 56 year old female. Not sure about menopausual as I had surgery years ago to stop excess bleeding. I have some results from Mondays blood work. My gamma-glutamyltransferase is 84. My alanine transaminase (alt) is 220. And Ferritin is now 445. And all marked as high. What tests do I need from here as I don’t really understand the blood tests terms. Is one of these the transferrin saturation test?
March 8, 2013
Hi Carol,
None of the tests you mentioned are the transferrin saturation test. The results will say “Transferrin saturation” or “% saturation” or something like that. Do your tests have iron and TIBC results listed? The reason I ask is because transferrin saturation is calculated by dividing your iron number by your TIBC number.
March 16, 2013
Please, dear heaven, let me on the blog to ask a question. Is Krill Oil or Fish oil of any danger to those with haemochromatosis? Thank you (though through gritted teeth at the difficulty getting around on this site!!!)
March 17, 2013
Hello Linda,
I don’t believe there have been any studies performed regarding potential ill effects of these supplements with hemochromatosis sufferers. I don’t think there would be any negative effects if all that you suffer from is iron overload and are undergoing phlebotomies. However, if you suffer from a disease caused by iron overload, or are taking drugs for a medical condition, the oils may cause side effects or interact with the medication. Your doctor may have more information about that.
Regarding your difficulty getting around the blog, if you look down the blue column on the right hand side, you will see the months where there are archived posts. You can click on the month and you will be taken to that month’s postings. Hope that helps you.
May 1, 2013
Thanks for your information package and today I got the HHC diagnosis and it seems a only fitting that tomorrow as we enter May with it being Hemochromatosis Awareness Month that I have my first phlebotomy!