Found a genetic disorder due to WLS!

So, if there are not already *enough* good reasons to have WLS (so far I have not come up with a bad one!), having mine probably helped in extremely early detection of a genetic condition I have called Hereditary Hemochromatosis (basically, the opposite of Anemia as I have too much iron being stored in my blood, which can result in iron buildup depositing in my liver, kidneys, heart, etc., and can cause organ problems and failure if not treated). I am not much of a doctor person, and pre-WLS would rarely go, even for my annual physical. Now, of course, I was referred to a great, very thorough doctor who insists on running my labs every three months, thus detecting my super high iron levels and sending me off to a Hemotologist (blood doctor). Lo and behold, I got my results today...I have the genetic mutation that causes this disorder. It is something that will be manageable through phlebotomy (basically taking my blood once a week), and constant monitoring throughout my lifetime. My Hemotologist is thrilled that we caught it as early as we did, due to the labwork I was doing due to having WLS. This disease usually isn't detected, especially in women, until they are in their 50's (I'm 33)! Therefore, once again, thank GOODNESS for this life saving surgery, genetic disorder and all!! Beth

Beth, My brother in law has this disorder also. All of his brothers and sisters had to be tested (my hubby is his brother). He was the only one that has it. My mother in law has always suffered from anemia, so it must be a chromosone that their dad carried--he passed away 14 years ago, so they will never know. He has had it for about 10 or 12 years and it is totally manageable. I know he had to have blood taken once a month in the first phase of it, but then they cut it back. I'm not sure how often he has it done now. Your very lucky that you found out at such an early age..before it had time to do damage. I'm very anemic & I have an appointment with my primary dr tomorrow to see if he's going to refer me for iron infusions...want to share some of your iron?? Kathy

Kathy, Thanks for the info...yeah, it appears that the genetic mutations I do have still only lead to a 2% chance of actually developing the hemochromatosis. I'm just lucky I guess...lol! My doctor thinks that they will take blood weekly for a couple months until they get my levels down, and after that monthly, and after that we'll monitor it and figure it out from there. I only wish I could donate the blood itself...I have O negative type blood which the Red Cross always wants, but they are unable to use it. Oh well...I would gladly share some iron! lolol Both my parents and my brother have to be tested, and if my brother has the mutation then his daughter will also have to be tested, poor thing. Anyway, glad to hear your bro-in-law is OK...I have never heard of this condition before, and was interested to find out that it is one of the most common genetic disorders in people of European-Caucasian ancestry. Thanks again, Beth