Liver Cancer Forum - Hemochromatosis
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Hemochromatosis

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Camerons_mommy

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Joined: 19 Sep 2007
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Hemochromatosis
Posted: 09-19-07 10:33am

I went to my doctor yesterday and she said my Iron was very high and i may have Hemochromatosis aka HH. She said it had to do w/ my liver. I am very scared. I am 22 yr old female w/ a one year old baby. This past year I have been drinking alot ...too much !! I AM quitting drinking but i wonder if my drinking has something to do w/ HH? Does anyone here have any information to share w/ me on HH ??!! Please w/b !! Thank you
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PghMom

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Joined: 23 Aug 2007
Posts: 36
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 09-20-07 13:09pm

I posted a reply in the addictions forum as well but....
Hemochromatosis could be a genetic blood disease or it could be caused by alcoholism, anemia. Alcohol in conjunction with the extra iron can destroy you major organs. My aunt died of liver cancer caused from hemochromatosis.
It can be managed. My dad has it, my uncle has it and both my aunts have it. If you develop Hemochromatosis, it will not go away. You may need to be tested to see how much iron has accumulated in your liver. You will need to give a pint of blood every week or two until your iron levels are normal. Then you will need to have blood drawn every 2-4 months to maintain normal levels. But it varies with every person. I suggest searching the web. There is alot of useful information. It's not a death sentence and it's not as bad as you think. Your young and if you stop drinking you'll remain healthy.
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MandMs

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Camerons_mommy
Posted: 09-21-07 03:47am

Hi!
Alcohol is an independent liver toxin, but can make hemochromatosis to be presented earlier due to its combined effect with the iron.
Do you have pain in your joint? Do you find your heart beats irregularly?
Do you feel fatigue and without energy?
Many people have no symptoms when they are diagnosed and the initial symptoms can be diverse and mimic the symptoms of many other diseases. However, if the iron overload caused by hemochromatosis is diagnosed and treated before organ damage has occurred, a person can live a normal, healthy life.
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