high ferratin

[Nagapie]

Hello! I’m trying really hard not to dip into Dr Google so thought I’d asked here first. I have had repeat liver bloods taken and all are normal. My ALT is up to 35 which is the upper end but my ferratin levels have gone up to 402. For the last three months and since my last blood test, I have not had any alcohol. Should I be alarmed? Thanks for listening🙂

[Sunnyskies33]

How is your hematocrit and iron studies? A high ferritin is sometimes linked to too much iron in the blood. Might be worth looking into if they haven't already.

[Nagapie in reply to Sunnyskies33]

Thanks so much for replying. I can’t see that these two were reported on my blood test so will have to ask.

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to Nagapie]

Just in case it turns out to be hemochromatosis (I was recently diagnosed with that via gene testing and high hematocrit...ferritin was 143 which was high for me as I have usually been low). Mine is under 100 now. Two things the GI told me to do is not take a Vitamin C supplement and not to eat iron fortified cereals. So unless you have been told to take those supplements, I wouldn't until the diagnosis is sorted out. Also alcohol boosts iron absorption so it is good you aren't drinking...not good for our livers anyway. I'm sure they will figure it out for you. Don't beat yourself up for the past...just be as healthy as you can going forward. Fresh air and exercise help me with stress...also reading a good book, hanging with friends for coffee or lunch, and watching a good British detective series!

[Nagapie in reply to Sunnyskies33]

Bless you@sunnyskies33! I’m really interested in the no Vit C as I was bitten by a dog recently and the surgeon gave me enormous doses of Vit C to take to help wound recovery - they love these things in France! I am baffled as to why my ferritin increased so much after 3 months of no alcohol though. My hematocrit was 0.463? I don’t handle stress well so am trying very hard to not panic! I really appreciate your kindness and am glad you are getting better x

[RugbyMama]

Had you recently been unwell?

Ferritin can increase with infection.

[Nagapie in reply to RugbyMama]

Thank you , RugbyMama. I haven’t been unwell at all. Pain in the liver area and reflux problems took me to the doctor who sent me for the blood tests.

[MarkC66]

Hi Nagapie - there are numerous reasons why ferritin can be elevated but my specialist said the two main reasons (by a mile) are hemochromatosis and Liver disease.. you ferritin is not that high tbh.. mine was in the 800s... I was tested for hemochromatosis which was negative.. my ferritin is now sub 200 .. this has reduced as my liver has recovered.. in summary, if it's not hemochromatosis it's most likely FLD which is reversible with abstinence, healthy diet and weight loss.. Mark

[Nagapie in reply to MarkC66]

Thanks for replying Mark. I initially had a Ferratin level of 286 and my doctor in France said she wasn’t worried! I gave up drinking though. Recently returned to the Uk and my level has now gone to 402. I am not overweight, eat well and exercise. However I have drunk a lot over the last year to combat a very stressful time. I am now panicking madly and wish I could turn the clock back!