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Post by mylilcappi on Dec 12, 2008 22:37:07 GMT -5
How do you find out for sure that you have this disease? I just got a ferritin test came back at 157. What other tests have to be done to know for sure. I was reading that other issues can skew the test, such as antithryoid drugs. What kind of doctor should I see if this gets looking like I have this?
Thanks, Mamie
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Post by chemom on Dec 12, 2008 23:53:31 GMT -5
157 is not a very high ferritin level, it is unlikely you have hereditary hemachromatosis. But to rule it out, first, retest ferritin, as things like illness can cause it to be high temporarily. If the second ferritin comes back high, then do a full iron panel that includes serum iron, TIBC. UIBC and % saturation. Here is info. on those tests: labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/iron/glance-2.htmlIf you come back with high iron, low TIBC and UIBC and % sat. over 40%, then you'll need to genetic testing: www.americanhs.org/testing.htm hope that helps.
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Post by mylilcappi on Dec 13, 2008 0:53:47 GMT -5
Thank you very much Janet. I do have an infection right now. taking antibiotics.. OMG.. I'm freaking out. But I'm that way anyway...
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Post by Lethal Lee on Dec 15, 2008 4:42:25 GMT -5
Thank you very much Janet. I do have an infection right now. taking antibiotics.. OMG.. I'm freaking out. But I'm that way anyway... Hi Mamie, Janet is right having an infection can inflate Ferritin results temporarily. After infection is passed then restest full Iron Panel (Iron, Ferritin, TIBC UIBC & % Saturation). A CBC with ESR too would be helpful. Regarding your Ferritin level of 157 that could well indicate HH. The Australian HH Society has upper limit of 150 for Females & upper %Saturation of 30% for Females. Note most Lab Ref Ranges are far too HIGH world wide for iron , Ferritin and %Satn. If you decide to test for Heritary Hemochromatosis then it is HFE Gene testing for C282Y & H63D that you need. Note I hope you are taking Probiotics to replace your gut Flora that the Antibiotics destroy. I know common wisdom is to take Vit C but personally I would avoid it until you know whether you have a Iron Overload problem or not.
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