July 12, 2009

Time for a update. Author: Terry


Time for a little background.

                I have been diagnosed with  hemochromatosis.  Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic, metabolic disorder that results in iron overload; the body absorbs and retains too much dietary iron. It is a primary disorder of iron metabolism that can affect many organ systems including the liver, pancreas, heart, endocrine glands and joints. It is potentially fatal, but easily treated if diagnosed early, before the excess iron causes irreversible damage.


·         Treatment for hemochromatosis involves management of complications, screening for liver cancer, avoidance of supplemental iron and appropriate vaccinations for hepatitis A and B; however, an aggressive de-ironing protocol is most important. Excess iron is removed by a procedure known as phlebotomy, which is the drawing off of a unit of blood, using the same technique as a blood donation, but with a much higher frequency.

 



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