Well, I don't have Hemochromatosis after all.

redrumloa

redrumloa

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I got a second opinion and additional lab work. This doctor has convinced me I do not have Hemochromatosis after all. Instead, to add to the list of Type II Diabetes and Hypertension I have Vitamin D Deficiency and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

So.. the good is I don't have Hemochromatosis, the bad is I have 2 lesser understood conditions. Vitamin D Deficiency is pretty easily treatable with supplements, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis looks a bit less clear. To determine if liver damage has occurred would require a liver biopsy. I probably won't go that route. Lose weight and avoid booze, go back and get more labs. Ah well, more questions. HH sure seem to fit, but if it ain't, it ain't.
 
Keep getting opinions until you get one that says you have a condition that can only be treated with bikini rides.
 
a bit of research got me this:

  • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is fat in the liver, with inflammation and damage.[/*:m:2fniahz9]
  • NASH occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol and affects 2 to 5 percent of Americans, especially people who are middle-aged and overweight or obese.[/*:m:2fniahz9]
  • NASH can occur in children.[/*:m:2fniahz9]
  • People who have NASH may feel well and may not know that they have a liver disease.[/*:m:2fniahz9]
  • NASH can lead to cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver is permanently damaged and cannot work properly.[/*:m:2fniahz9]
  • Fatigue can occur at any stage of NASH.[/*:m:2fniahz9]
  • Weight loss and weakness may begin once the disease is advanced or cirrhosis is present.[/*:m:2fniahz9]
  • NASH may be suspected if blood tests show high levels of liver enzymes or if scans show fatty liver.[/*:m:2fniahz9]
  • NASH is diagnosed by examining a small piece of the liver taken through a needle, a procedure called biopsy.[/*:m:2fniahz9]
  • People who have NASH should reduce their weight, eat a balanced diet, engage in physical activity, and avoid alcohol and unnecessary medications.[/*:m:2fniahz9]
  • No specific therapies for NASH exist. Experimental therapies being studied include antioxidants and antidiabetes medications.[/*:m:2fniahz9]

I would suggest avoiding anything that increases inflammation and including things in your food like Omage 3's that reduce inflammation.
 
@Mike
Before I got the lab results, I was seriously considering flying out to a Hemochomatosis care center if the labs did not back up what this second doctor was saying. I got the lab report on my fax this morning and it does indeed confirm it for me. My Iron Saturation percentage is down to 32 from 42, my Serum Ferritin is down to 407 from 865. These numbers don't go down in iron overload patients without phlebotomies. With diet and exercise my liver enzymes numbers are going down and with that so is my ferritin levels. Ferritin is a sign of iron overload, but it also can be raised for other reasons which now shows to be the case. 407 is still slightly high, but after I get to my ideal weight I will request more lab work.

@Fluffy
I'm with you! Got a a doc? ;-)

@Cecilia
I have started taking fish oil tablets, do you have any specific recommendations?

Thanks!
 
FluffyMcDeath said:
Keep getting opinions until you get one that says you have a condition that can only be treated with bikini rides.
Click to expand...
Ya, but what can't be treated with a bikini ride?
 
Well, I'm glad you don't have {insert big long word here} but here's my opinion....

As you have now seen two different specialists, each offering their own completely different diagnosis, it should be warranted to seek a third.

The need for a biopsy on the liver however (if they performed one, ouch) should however be fairly conclusive...

I think however, you can live with the diagnosis which is "lose weight and chill out ya fat bastad"... (as can we all)..

Wayne
 
I've also come to the conclusion that your hypertension stress, and other issues are directly related to your choice of avatar... :)

Wayne
 
Wayne said:
I've also come to the conclusion that your hypertension stress, and other issues are directly related to your choice of avatar... :)

Wayne
Click to expand...

Really? I know I don't photograph well, but I thought this was one of my better pictures :wink:
 
@Cecilia
I have started taking fish oil tablets, do you have any specific recommendations?
Click to expand...
I'm not a doctor and I can't do tests on you to figure out how much fish oil you need, etc.

I'm guessing whatever you get from a store may be "ok".

I do know that my aunt's doctor gave her a prescription for fish oil.

I have no idea how different it is from the general fish oil pills found on shelves.

you should ask your doctor(s) about this
 
Best of wishes with your health issues.
 
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