A HFE hereditary haemochromatosis story

Adopted, had no medical information. Hysterectomy in 2006. Diagnosed in 2013 at age 44 after 10+ years of joint pain, fatigue, depression, IBS, GERD, gallbladder removal, brain fog and being called a hypochondriac by physicians. I ended up in the ER with my third mono relapse. Blood work revealed ferritin over 1500 (stopped registering at that point) and elevated liver enzymes. Blessed to have a GI doc who ordered the HFE test right away. One week later I had my diagnosis of homozygous c282y. Eight weekly phlebotomies and levels under control. Haven't had to have a phlebotomy since. Completely quit drinking (used to drink 1-3 beers/day 5 days a week), red meat, cereals. Now buy water, as I learned my well water was loaded with iron, which I had been drinking. I take calcium with every iron-rich (chicken, turkey, fish) meal. No organ damage to my knowledge. Abdominal CT revealed a hemangioma (bruise) on my liver and a benign adrenal adenoma. I do have osteoarthritis in my knees, hips, neck and lower back. I get Euflexxa injections in both knees twice a year. Echo indicates no heart damage, just a congenital murmur and slight mitral valve regurgitation.

I miss an occasional juicy steak or really good burger, and I miss having a drink, but none of those things are as important to me as growing old and being a grandmother. I feel truly blessed to have had the good fortune of coming across a competent physician when I did. I pray that there are many more happy endings out there!