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View Full Version : I didn't realise you could have too much Iron in your blood...?



Going home
28-04-10, 19:51
I've had a few blood tests done recently and the doctor has concentrated on the liver count...not new to me as have had a high liver count from previous blood tests. He said its showing that my iron level is high and told me that 500 is the norm and mine is 700. I told him i'd never heard of having too much iron as alot of women suffer with low iron at various times in their lives, although ive never been anaemic myself fortunately.

I did google it but looked at the info sensibly...that would be through my fingers covering my eyes... and kept an open mind and ignored the worst case scenario bits and discovered that it can be caused through drinking alcohol (but it has to be heavy drinking apparently) or it can be genetic, and that its quite common in post-menopausal women...but it didn't say why.

I do drink alcohol but not loads and he did say the raised iron levels could be down to that but he wanted to test for any other causes.

So he's referred me to a Gastoenterologist..? to test further. Is anyone on NMP familiar with high iron levels in the blood? Would appreciate any info.

Thanks
Anna xxx :)

Going home
29-04-10, 01:47
Ok, have now looked into this a bit more (am not mentioning the 'G' word) and the more i read about a condition where iron levels can be raised called Hemochromatosis the more i think that's what it could be, and could possibly explain how ive been feeling for a number of years...especially the 'skipped beats' they talk about in connection with it....ive suffered with these for many years with no real reason for them or explanation, as well as some of the other symptoms, even the skin staining which I had on my feet and made them look brown all through last winter even though the rest of me was pale! The article I read earlier about this condition says that the symptoms can go unnoticed in women until after the menopause, and again that fits with me since i'm now post-menopausal. Apparently this is because before the menopause your periods help to flush out any excess iron.

It will be interesting to find out when I go to the specialist for more tests. But would still appreciate some info on it from members that might have heard about this condition.

Thanks again
Anna xxx

Ronny
29-04-10, 22:12
Hi Anna,My brother in law had bloods taken last week and he also has elevated iron level's,he is seeing his doc,again today and I will let you know the outcome.
Love Rhonda x:flowers:

Going home
29-04-10, 22:15
That would be great, thanks so much Ronny..:flowers: