I have Hemochromatosis and the treatment is blood letting. I suppose leeches would do but I prefer the be treated in a medical facility.
Hemochromatosis is an iron disorder in which the body simply loads too much iron. This action is genetic and the excess iron, if left untreated, can damage joints, organs, and eventually be fatal.
Funny thing is I would never have known without having a regular blood test. When the level of iron became to high my regular doctor send me to a blood specialist. The hematologist ordered an MRI of my liver to make sure the iron had not started to store. Thank God my liver is okay ... I need it for processing chardonnay.
I had my third treatment yesterday ... for the past three months a pint of blood has been taken from me. Each time I go I have had a different nurse work on me and each time I learn something new. It's amazing what you talk about with a complete stranger who is watching the blood drain out of you. Yesterday I told the nurse that I noticed after the second treatment that my face wasn't as red as it use to be. I always thought I had a ruddy complexion ... nope ... once my iron level is normal my skin will be nice and pale.
I have the month of February off and in March I will have blood tests done and see the blood doctor. She will then determine how often I need to have the blood letting done in order to keep the iron at a normal level.
I will be very tired for a few days but that's it ... and I have never minded needles ... so I feel pretty lucky that it was found and I am being treated. But I would really love a nice filet mignon and those will be few and far between for me now.
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