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Normal Liver Function but feritin level 950. 33/M

Posted , 8 users are following.

ron95828
ron95828

Let's start by saying I'm 33 and have been known to over indulge a few times a month probably since I was 17. I started tapering off the amount and frequency a few years ago as I had some health issues with my thyroid and wanted to get healthy for my wife and kids. 7 months ago I went to the Doc and had slightly elevated liver enzymes so the Doc sent me for an Ultrasound, turns put the diagnoses was fatty diffuse liver. I have since quit drinking completely and my last visit at the docs was two weeks ago. All liver function normal and In range but they decided to run a feritin test that came back extremely elevated at 950. Any thoughts? A bit freaked out as everything I'm reading says a bigger liver issue than I thought.

0 likes, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • vickylou
    vickylou ron95828

    Posted

    I think you'd get more advice if you post this on the Liver Problem forum

  • Robin2015
    Robin2015 ron95828

    Posted

    Liver forum seems right. Good advice. Good luck from Robin
    • vickylou
      vickylou Robin2015

      Posted

      Morning robin

      i haven't got a clue what feritin even is, let alone the level! Sounds like a pesticide haha I will now go and google it

  • JulieAnne101
    JulieAnne101 ron95828

    Posted

    I think ferritin is to do with levels of iron in the blood. I know that some of my patients have to have injections if they have a low ferritin count.

    I am not clinically trained, so you will need to speak to someone who is. Are you sure that this condition is connnected to your liver function?

    Kind Regards

    JulieAnne

    • vickylou
      vickylou JulieAnne101

      Posted

      Hi JulieAnne 

      I cheated and googled it, and yes you're right it is to do with iron levels. There's a low level and an elevated level and from my understanding it can be connected to your liver. I'm not medically trained either, so yes best to speak to a dr (if you can find one)!

    • RHGB
      RHGB JulieAnne101

      Posted

      It will be connected to the liver function. In Ron's case, too much ferritin is being produced. It could, as in my case, be due to too much alcohol and it took a long while (six months) of not drinking before it settled down. It also can be a sign of haemochromatosis, a condition  that causes too much ferritin.

      It is very important to find out the cause and treat it. otherwise the ferritin just builds up in the system and starts damaging the internal organs.

      I would imagine that your patients are probably on the older side and lack iron in their diet and therefore need supplements to combat anaemia.

  • Chris8968
    Chris8968 ron95828

    Posted

    It sounds a lot like hemochromatosis. Check out the forum here or google it. I had elevated liver enzymes and my ferritin levels were 1887. After a lot of tests they tested for hemochromatosis and I am now being treated for it. The problem is that it's not regularly tested for.

    • Robin2015
      Robin2015 Chris8968

      Posted

      I am new to this condition and pardon me for being curious but how does it affect your life or health to have had a ferritin level of 1887?? I assume that this has now dropped?? Medication helped you and is helping you? Robin
    • vickylou
      vickylou Robin2015

      Posted

      So am I Robin, despite google. Understand it more now
  • ron95828
    ron95828

    Posted

    Good day everyone,

    I'm still a nervous wreck about the whole situation, went to the doctor yesterday to be tested for hemochromatosis. Doctor thinks the same and stated if found this early it shouldn't affect me as long as I donate blood on a regular basis, I guess blood donation is the only treatment for something like this. I was concerned it was something becuase of the beer I was drinkingon the weekend with the guys and even though I don't touch the drink anymore I'm still dealing with feelings of regret from the times I did. That feeling of regret turns to fear and anxiety takes over. Also probably wasn't the best time for me to stop smoking but all I can do is hope and pray.

    • Chris8968
      Chris8968 ron95828

      Posted

      My ferritin level was 1887 and after giving a pint of blood per week for 10 weeks it is down to 442. The doctor wants to get me down to 50 and then start maintenance of 2-4 times per year.
    • JulieAnne101
      JulieAnne101 ron95828

      Posted

      Look on the positive side ron, it is treatable and you have managed to cut down your drinking.

      Kindest Regards

      JulieAnne x

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