
Hello Doctor, My Family Physician Tells Me That My Blood

Question: Hello Doctor,
My family physician tells me that my blood iron level is above normal. She has ordered abdominal ultrasound of my liver. I also have recently experienced arthritis in my hands. Three attempts (by or meds) has failed to provide relief. I am a 78 year old male with type II diabetes and high blood pressure (both of which are under control with oral meds).
My concern is that perhaps she assumes facts not yet in evidence. She has told me the most likely cause of the elevated iron is liver damage (and she named cancer as a likely cause).
My question essentially is: Can arthritis influence an elevation of blood iron?
Also given what information I've provided, what is the proper protocol to diagnose the cause of elevated iron in the blood and then what is the treatment (aside from blood letting)?
My family physician tells me that my blood iron level is above normal. She has ordered abdominal ultrasound of my liver. I also have recently experienced arthritis in my hands. Three attempts (by or meds) has failed to provide relief. I am a 78 year old male with type II diabetes and high blood pressure (both of which are under control with oral meds).
My concern is that perhaps she assumes facts not yet in evidence. She has told me the most likely cause of the elevated iron is liver damage (and she named cancer as a likely cause).
My question essentially is: Can arthritis influence an elevation of blood iron?
Also given what information I've provided, what is the proper protocol to diagnose the cause of elevated iron in the blood and then what is the treatment (aside from blood letting)?
Brief Answer:
Iron level
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking
Increases in serum iron level are associated with the following
Idiopathic hemochromatosis
Liver necrosis (viral hepatitis)
Hemolytic anemia
Pernicious anemia
Aplastic or hypoplastic anemia
Thalassemia
Vitamin B6 deficiency
Arthritis its not well known as cause of the condition
However if the level its not as much over the normal you should not worry.
If your doctor has any dubt for the condisions discussed below than she will give you further examination
Regards
Iron level
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking
Increases in serum iron level are associated with the following
Idiopathic hemochromatosis
Liver necrosis (viral hepatitis)
Hemolytic anemia
Pernicious anemia
Aplastic or hypoplastic anemia
Thalassemia
Vitamin B6 deficiency
Arthritis its not well known as cause of the condition
However if the level its not as much over the normal you should not worry.
If your doctor has any dubt for the condisions discussed below than she will give you further examination
Regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
