Having been diagnosed with haemochromatosis since the beginning of this year I am having venesections fortnightly to reduce the iron overload, currently sitting at 4600.It would appear that I now have Barrett's Epilithium. I was told that I had a hiates hernia on the esophecus 1cm. and I am wondering if this latest diagnosis is as a result of the haemochromatosis. Does anyone else have this problem and any advice is most welcome.. Thankyou, Glyn
I have hemochromatosis and a hiatal hernia. Not sure they are related though
Looking back on my diagnosis for haemochromatosis, it would appear that the iron overload can store itself in various parts of the body. The most worrying of these was a liver tumour 1.8cm which was destroyed by liver ablation three months ago. I was told that my diabetes stems from the haemo as does severe arthritis in knuckle joints and all the other common symptoms of haemochromatosis. I had an endoscopy and this is when they found a hiatal hernia 1cm in the esophicus and diagnosed Barrett's Esophicus. I don't know much about this and assumed that it may be connected to the haemo. My iron level is still way too high at 4600 and I am just hoping that next week when I give another pint of blood that the level will have reduced again. If anyone knows more about Barrett's Epilithium, I would appreciate their advice, Glyn
I was never diagnosed with Barretts, but I did have a small esphogus due to Gerd and have to have a balloon to stretch it. I think there are so many things associated with hemochromatosis. My main problem is arthritus. I did have high liver counts but now that ferritin is down to normal, the liver is normal. To get your counts down as quickly as possible, I did pay attention to diet, but I found drinking tea with every meal seemed to yield the most results.
About the diabetes. I do have glucose counts of around 100. I recently saw a tv documentary about a common drug used for diabetes called Metformin. It has been recently found that this drug is an anti aging drug. People on it don't get cancer or heart disease. I called my doctor and asked if I could have it instead of waiting until I reach 150, which is typically in the U.S. where they prescribe insulin. Google this drug. Since we (hemochromatosis) patients are at such high risk for everything, I wanted some extra protection. If I get anti-aging with it, better yet. My doctor thought it was a wonderful Idea, instead of stressing my pancreas and liver for years.
I saw that too. Good on you for pressing the issue with your dr. Let us know if you notice anything significant.
Can you cope with weekly venesections? Everyone I know with that level of ferritin, start off with weekly.
I wonder if your hiatal hernia is associated with helicobacter pylori. HP thrives on iron, so it is common in those with HH. An endoscopy should have found if you have HP, if they looked further than the hernia.