Jean in Newcastle Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 What can you tell me about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 Dh's family has this. In their case, it's hemochromatosis. It's genetic and quite easy to control. Is this for you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted November 26, 2014 Author Share Posted November 26, 2014 Yes for me. I am talking to the G-I doc tomorrow but wanted to have some things to ask about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 We you not anemic at one point, jean? I know you've dealt with a number of health issues, but I can't remember if any previously mentioned were iron related. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 Have you gone through menopause? From what I understand bleeding from periods normally keeps women's iron levels down, so they don't have problems from it until later in life. If I understand right, diet can help, but also giving blood. It is damaging to organs if not controlled and can cause diabetes. I hope you can get some answers, Jean! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 Have you gone through menopause? From what I understand bleeding from periods normally keeps women's iron levels down, so they don't have problems from it until later in life. If I understand right, diet can help, but also giving blood. It is damaging to organs if not controlled and can cause diabetes. I hope you can get some answers, Jean! This is interesting. Perhaps once Jean gets this taken care of diabetes symptoms may reverse to some degree? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted November 26, 2014 Author Share Posted November 26, 2014 Anemic in the past but not recently. Maybe on the menopause - it hasn't been a year so not officially. Just diagnosed with diabetes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted November 26, 2014 Author Share Posted November 26, 2014 I actually hope it doesn't mean having to give blood regularly. The Red Cross won't take me. My veins are very difficult to find. My last blood draw a couple of days ago involved two phlebotomists, a hot pack and then finally sticking my entire arm in a waste basket of hot water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reflections Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 I actually hope it doesn't mean having to give blood regularly. The Red Cross won't take me. My veins are very difficult to find. My last blood draw a couple of days ago involved two phlebotomists, a hot pack and then finally sticking my entire arm in a waste basket of hot water. Are they small? My mil has pediatric veins and is a very difficult stick. There are some phlebotomists that have been on pediatric wards that know how to do it better. Butterflies work really well. Just try to stay hydrated, - last time she was dehydrated they had to go in through her leg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted November 26, 2014 Author Share Posted November 26, 2014 Yes, they are small and deep. The lab knows to use butterflies. When I've had to go to the ER they call the IV specialist. And yes, hydration is a problem for me. IV's are esp. a problem because soon or later the vein collapses and they have to start all over again. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reflections Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 I'm sorry. It's a painful, frustrating process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 DH carries the gene for hemochromatosis. So far it hasn't been a big deal. He monitors his red meat intake and I stopped cooking in my beloved cast iron pans. If his level goes too high then he'll have to have regular blood draws, but so far the lifestyle changes are keeping it under control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 Polycythemia is closely related. I think. We have a family member with this. He has to have regular blood draws to keep things in the right range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 Hemochromatosis is pretty interesting. I paid to test myself as I'm largely Irish and had the symptoms-nope! I have the opposite. Pretty horrible iron deficient anemia (12 ferritin). I'm glad I tested. I have friends with hemochromatosis. They give blood a lot, so good can come of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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