I would like to add that even though I am here so much BECAUSE of my illness, it is still a priveldge and joy to do so. I am falling in love with everyone here, and look forward each day to reading how you all are, and your thoughts on everything.
Apostate Kate, what disorder is it if you don't mind me asking? I am curious because my step-dad was just diagnosed with a blood disorder and I can't remember the name but he has too much iron in his blood and it messes up your kidneys and I think liver too. He is also diabetic and just had an ultrasound in which they found he has only one kidney.
That would be the disease. It is called Hereditary hemochromatosis. There are different mutations of it, I got the worse combination called C282Y homozygous, which means I have a double mutation of that HH gene. The terrible truth is that this disease need not take your life or damage your organs.
I went through a medical nightmare and nearly died several times befopre it was diagnosed. By that time in 1994 my liver was fried. I had to push it back under my rib cage in order to sit up or drive because it was so swollen. The tests showed is badly damaged with chirrosis and blockages. It is called the celtic curese because the gene has been traced through Scotland, Dublin, to the nothern Viking tribes.
The treatment is regular bleedings for the rest of your life. Staying well has been a challenge. I eat a mostly organic raw vegan diet with non soy protein and natural suppliments. Hard to stay on but I have to work harder to be active. I have secondary problems from the HH, lupus, thyroid disease, fibromyalgia.
Here is the link;American Hemochromatosis Society
You can tell your step-dad about it and he can sign up to join a email list that is a lot of help.
Tell him I said hi~Love Kate (unless he is a dub then you can't)
