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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For Hemochromatosis?

I was having phlebotomies for eight years due to Hemochromotosis but my feritin has been normal for the past five years and the phlebotomies have stopped. Does this mean I no longer have iron overload? My understanding is that hemochromotosis is forever. Last January my feritin was 38.
Mon, 20 Oct 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello welcome to HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Yes . Normal serum ferritin levels means you have no iron overload. Usually hemochromatosis takes at least 20 years to develop after excessive storage of iron and phlebotomy is the treatment of choice. So, now if you have no cause for iron overload it will again take this much time to redevelop ideally. But as now you are aware you can take precautions to avoid iron overload.

Do yearly basis whole iron profile and show it to your haematologist.

Now you don't need any phlebotomy and you are cured of hemochromatosis but excessive iron load will damage liver and may cause diabetes. So Go for whole liver profile and blood sugar levels including HBA1c report.
Thank you.
Have a nice day.
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What Is The Treatment For Hemochromatosis?

Hello welcome to HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Yes . Normal serum ferritin levels means you have no iron overload. Usually hemochromatosis takes at least 20 years to develop after excessive storage of iron and phlebotomy is the treatment of choice. So, now if you have no cause for iron overload it will again take this much time to redevelop ideally. But as now you are aware you can take precautions to avoid iron overload. Do yearly basis whole iron profile and show it to your haematologist. Now you don t need any phlebotomy and you are cured of hemochromatosis but excessive iron load will damage liver and may cause diabetes. So Go for whole liver profile and blood sugar levels including HBA1c report. Thank you. Have a nice day.