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Suggest Medical Tests To Rule Out Hemochromatosis
Question: Hi,
I am a 35 year old female. I am a recovering alcoholic with 4 years sobriety. I take medications for mental health- welbutrin and seroquel being the medications to treat my bi-polar disorder. I am 5'5", 190 lbs.
During my last doctor's visit, the doctor let me know that I have high iron levels in my blood. I was also told this several years ago when donating blood. I have not had a consistent menstral cycle. My cycle is regular now since I have had an IUD in place.
I, like many others, have researched this, knowing that I may have hemochromatosis. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but, what type of doctor should I see? What blood work should be done, and what food do I need to avoid?
I am considering a whole foods plant-based diet. Right now I am an omnivore. I read that I need to avoid vitamin c, but I feel like I may have a dangerous condition, made more dangerous by not being diagnosed.
Thanks for your time,
XXXXXXX XXXXX
I forgot to mention a few more things.
I have been losing the feeling in my fingers, often when sleeping, or just befor rising, or when on the elliptical. Also, I have smoked off and on for the last 15 years. I am vaping now... I quit cigarrettes a few days ago.
Also, at times when I am just about to fall asleep, I will wake up because my heart is beating very fast. I will get up and lie back down several times until the quick beating stops. It's unclear to me at times whether I am having a physical heart problem or a panic attack. I will occassional have low level chest pains during the day-which my actually be indigestion...
Anyway, I didn't want to leave a lot of info out. Thanks.
I am a 35 year old female. I am a recovering alcoholic with 4 years sobriety. I take medications for mental health- welbutrin and seroquel being the medications to treat my bi-polar disorder. I am 5'5", 190 lbs.
During my last doctor's visit, the doctor let me know that I have high iron levels in my blood. I was also told this several years ago when donating blood. I have not had a consistent menstral cycle. My cycle is regular now since I have had an IUD in place.
I, like many others, have researched this, knowing that I may have hemochromatosis. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but, what type of doctor should I see? What blood work should be done, and what food do I need to avoid?
I am considering a whole foods plant-based diet. Right now I am an omnivore. I read that I need to avoid vitamin c, but I feel like I may have a dangerous condition, made more dangerous by not being diagnosed.
Thanks for your time,
XXXXXXX XXXXX
I forgot to mention a few more things.
I have been losing the feeling in my fingers, often when sleeping, or just befor rising, or when on the elliptical. Also, I have smoked off and on for the last 15 years. I am vaping now... I quit cigarrettes a few days ago.
Also, at times when I am just about to fall asleep, I will wake up because my heart is beating very fast. I will get up and lie back down several times until the quick beating stops. It's unclear to me at times whether I am having a physical heart problem or a panic attack. I will occassional have low level chest pains during the day-which my actually be indigestion...
Anyway, I didn't want to leave a lot of info out. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Hemochromatosis is certainly possible here. You need the following lab tests:
Genetic testing including examination of HFE mutations (C282Y, H63D)
Transferrin saturation levels
Serum ferritin studies
Hepatic iron concentration
Numbness in the extremities and supraventricular tachycardias (palpitations) can also be present in this illness. I would visit a doctor for an examination and to perform the lab tests mentioned above. You first need a proper diagnosis before considering dietary changes.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Hemochromatosis is certainly possible here. You need the following lab tests:
Genetic testing including examination of HFE mutations (C282Y, H63D)
Transferrin saturation levels
Serum ferritin studies
Hepatic iron concentration
Numbness in the extremities and supraventricular tachycardias (palpitations) can also be present in this illness. I would visit a doctor for an examination and to perform the lab tests mentioned above. You first need a proper diagnosis before considering dietary changes.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
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