Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Minor => Topic started by: edwin on April 05, 2011, 03:59:56 AM

Title: thal minor with iron overload
Post by: edwin on April 05, 2011, 03:59:56 AM

hi to everyone my name is edwin de guzman from the Philippines i have thalassemia minor but my iron or serum ferrittin increased at 1,250 i take exjade for one month and my ferritin goes down at 950 but after a 3 months my ferrittin increased again at 1,200 i don't know why PLEASE ADVICE WHAT TO DO? THANKS

Title: Re: thal minor with iron overload
Post by: Andy Battaglia on April 05, 2011, 01:39:01 PM

Hi Edwin,

Do you know what your hemoglobin level is? Have you also had other iron tests besides ferritin done?

Title: Re: thal minor with iron overload
Post by: Wayne on May 08, 2011, 03:09:18 AM

Hey there Edwin,
My Ferritn level was over 1100 when first diagnosed. The only way I can lower it conveniently is by removal of blood by venesection (sometimes called phlebotomy) at regular intervals until the iron levels in the blood return to within the normal range. As I work away I can only get to my doctor once a month where he removes about 500ml of blood. after about 6 months of treatment my levels are now down to low 400's... I believe that other than watching what i eat. this is the normal perscribed treatment.
regards
Wayne