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Original poster

Too much iron??

9 replies

Dilligaf81 · 24/08/2021 20:13

My DD (17) has always had awful periods but lately has been suffering from dizzy spells so we contacted the Dr who sent her for blood tests and they have come back as her having too much iron. 2 years ago she was anaemic and doesn't take any supplements for this to have occurred.
We have read up about it but that's not reassuring me at all.
We are waiting for the GP to get back to us after a receptionist called to ask if there was a family history or if she was taking supplements which are both a no.
Does anyone have any experience with this at all? Tia.

OP posts:

tempchecked · 25/08/2021 17:52

I am sure you have looked up Haemochromatosis, where too much iron is stored in the body and regular removal of blood (like a blood donation) usually sorts the problem out. It is a simple and effective treatment, if that is what the issue is.

It can be genetic. I am a carrier, but do not have it myself. Ironically I was diagnosed with very low haemoglobin and anaemia which required blood transfusions - the opposite of the above!

Original poster

Dilligaf81 · 26/08/2021 23:54

tempchecked
Thanks for the reply, yes I've read up on it but still concerned.
Strangely I am also anaemic with very low blood pressure and haemoglobin levels that I've had transfusions for in the past.

Can i ask how you know you are a carrier?
Obviously my husband and I must be and now I'm wondering if this had anything to do with my husbands heart attack in his early 40s despite having none of the risk factors and being very fit and healthy.

OP posts:

poppymaewrite · 27/08/2021 00:15

Most iron is obtained through meat, a vegan diet would reduce iron levels.

PieonaBarm · 27/08/2021 00:16

My brother has haemachromatosis but I am anaemic (ferrous, folic and B12 anaemia). We are full siblings. No issues with parents health, although mum is deceased but from unrelated cancer.

He just has an armful of blood out every so often and is absolutely fine. Try not to worry too much, just make sure she gets monitored regularly

tempchecked · 27/08/2021 21:36

@Dilligaf81

*tempchecked* Thanks for the reply, yes I've read up on it but still concerned. Strangely I am also anaemic with very low blood pressure and haemoglobin levels that I've had transfusions for in the past.

I found out when I was having tests in the hospital for unexplained internal bleeding and severe anaemia. They did a huge number of blood analyses and somewhere buried in the middle of the lines and lines of results was the fact that I have the genetic marker for HC. It was just one other thing on their list! For anyone interested, it turned out that I am unable to take blood thinners which I was prescribed along with other meds for Atrial Fibrillation, so I was bleeding internally. Now got to have a cardiac procedure that sounds grim.... which will mean no more blood thinners for me ever..... if I don't have a heart attack thinking about the procedure that is! (lighthearted... I hope).

Original poster

Dilligaf81 · 03/09/2021 08:59

pieonabarm she is already vegetarian so it's def not a meat issue and I'm not sure she could eat the amount of meat necessary for the levels of iron she has.

OP posts:

Original poster

Dilligaf81 · 03/09/2021 09:03

tempchecked good luck with the procedure.
My DH had a heart issue and had to use blood thinners for a year so I'm guessing he hasn't got it but is a carrier.
Strangely I found out yesterday that my DM was treated for this in her 20s so there is a family link which considering my mum is constantly on about having this, that and the other I'm suprised she hasn't told me before. 🙄

OP posts:

SingingInTheShithouse · 03/09/2021 09:54

My DB had this happen too.

He was sent to a metabolic clinic in Salford as genetic testing for the haemochromatosis gene came back as negative. There's another at Guys hospital & one in Sussex (I think)

He was treat for his iron overload, but they never came up with a reason for it at the time & it cleared up. Shortly after, he was also diagnosed with pernicious anaemia. B12 uses iron (& folate, B6 etc) to make healthy blood cells, so his metabolic clinic doctor though that, with diet rich on iron was the likely cause. Since starting on regular B12 injections, his iron levels have been fine.

SingingInTheShithouse · 03/09/2021 09:55

Forgot to add, PA can be hereditary too

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