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Hemochromatosis and Anemia

Posted , 5 users are following.

jan93765
jan93765

I have been rereading some responses about the risk of anemia if you are giving blood too often or if the hemoglobin levels are too low.  And I have read online that you can simultaneously have hemochromatosis and anemia.  Can someone explain this to me?  How is that possible? 

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • pete_15992
    pete_15992 jan93765

    Posted

    Hi Jan,

    Haemoglobin (Hb) is the iron containing molecule in blood cells that carries oxygen around the body - it's different to the iron that is stored in the body's tissues - the excess stored iron being the definition of haemachromatosis .You become anaemic if your haemaglobin (Hb) level drops. This can happen even with HHC because after giving blood it takes a few days for the stored iron to be mobilised to replace the (Hb) iron that has been removed. If you give blood too frequently then the Hb may not have time to recover before the next venesection.

     

  • philx
    philx jan93765

    Posted

    Hi Jan

    I will be interested to know what people think of this,I was told when

    First diagnosed the aim was to get my iron levels down aiming to.

    Get slightly towards anaemia, then they would stop venesection???

    But as my levels are still at 661 I assumed it would be sometime before

    I got to this stage,but when I questioned why I felt tired/lightheaded

    And generally unwell,my own doctor check my blood results and found

    My hemoglobin levels were slightly down, and that is why I was feeling the

    Way I was,so what will they do if my hemoglobin levels keep dropping

    And I still have 661 of iron to get rid of?????.my next venesection is

    The 1.9.16 where I will be looking for answers???from the clinic

    Cheers phil

  • Brummiegirl70
    Brummiegirl70 jan93765

    Posted

    All my life from a child I've had anemia

    Last blood test showed I had the gene type hemochrombtosis

    I've yet to start my treatment

    I suffer from other illnesses crohns, ulcerative colitis vitamin D deficiency

    So trying to find what foods I can have which don't interfere with any of my illnesses is a nightmare

    • philx
      philx Brummiegirl70

      Posted

      Hi

      I don't know a lot re onset hemochromatosis in ladies,but little bits

      I read ,in early life it may not show up because of menstruation.

      So depending on your age this may be why it's now shown up.

      But on this forum we have some very clued up ladies who will tell

      You more,what is your ferritin level, once you start venesection it's

      Just like giving blood donation only more frequently.

      Any questions also telephone or email the hemochromatosis society

      They are very good.

      With your your tag Brummie girl are you from Birmingham., I live

      In selly oak area

      Cheers Phil x

    • jan93765
      jan93765 Brummiegirl70

      Posted

      I hear you...  though not nearly as difficult to manage as crohns, I have lymphocytic colitis - which I still don't know how to manage. I find dairy, sugars and some starches to be a problem...  but some of the "allowed" foods are iron absorption enhancers!  So what is left??  Good luck with your illnesses though...  that's a lot to handle!

    • Brummiegirl70
      Brummiegirl70 philx

      Posted

      Hi ,

      I'm originally from Solihull but moved to derby 8 years ago

      I think your right about it not showing up due to menstuation as I had an eblasion 9 years ago

      Im still learning about hemochromatsis

      I wasn't informed about my level I was just diagnosed & told i had the gene type

      And I will be sent to have treatment soon

      I'm still learning about the illness & trying to find how it affects different people so I can be aware & put different symptoms down to having the illness

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