Osteoarthritis Warning! Hemochromatosis | Arthritis Information

 

I was on this board a year or 2 ago looking for answers. I was diagnosed in 2006 at the age of 26 with osteoarthritis.

 

After a blood test showed some abnormality, it turns out that my osteoarthritis is not the root, but the symptom. I have been diagnosed with Hemochromatosis. It is a genetic disorder that causes iron to be absorbed more rapidly and deposited into the vital organs. Osteoarthritis is often the FIRST SYMPTOM of this disorder.

 

It affects 1 in 200 people. It is mostly found in white people, because most of us have Irish, British, Scotish or Viking heritage. I didn't even know I had an Irish heritage until my diagnosis led me to trace down my family lines!

 

If you are somewhat young (below the age of 60), and you have osteoarthritis or similar joint pain, PLEASE do yourself a favor and get checked. It's a simple blood test folks that checks your iron and "serum ferritin". Go now.

 

Had I not been blessed with such a good doctor, I'd have never known I had it. It can kill men by the time they are 40 and sometimes before. Women tend to fair better. If treated you can live a normal life span just like everyone else.

 

Do it to make sure. Do it for your children.

 

Another thing, if you've had relatives die at young ages from heart problems, liver problems, pancreatic problems, including cancers of each, it can be a red flag for this disorder. Many dr's still aren't up to speed with it and it goes undiagnosed until it is too late.

 

God bless, Thanks for that heads-up ... you are right that one dis-ease is often just a symptom of another disease. 
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