high ferritin - advice on further testing

[Boo3004]

Hi all, I recently had some blood tests as part of a health MOT which included FBC, U&E, LFT, vitamins.

I have no symptoms of any illnesses and am in good health.

Everything was within range apart from serum ferritin, which was 899 (range 20-300 for males). I have done a bit of research and think the next steps should be an iron panel, however my GP has told me that it’s a good thing to have a lot of iron in the blood and there is no need for further testing. I don’t take any iron supplements or eat any food which is particularly rich in iron. I’m thinking of going back to my GP to discuss again. Can anyone offer any advice please? Thank you

[JCAylesbury]

It is worrying that your GP could think that high levels of a toxic mineral in your body is a good thing. It's good that you are feeling good. To keep it that way seek further support from a other GP.

If you are in the UK contact Hemochromotosis UK, who are great.

My serum ferritin levels were 613, signalling Hemochromotosis.

Good luck and get support.

[Boo3004 in reply to JCAylesbury]

Thanks for your helpful reply, I thought that was quite worrying too but then started questioning myself! Thanks

[judetheobscure22]

Agree with JCAylesbury - levels that high warrant further investigation. If you can't get your GP to refer you for the genetic test, a Haemochromatosis UK offer it for a relatively small cost.

I have similar levels to you and also no symptoms. But I have blood tests every six months to make sure my levels aren't rising which will protect my organs from damage.

[Boo3004 in reply to judetheobscure22]

Thanks so much, this is really helpful

[Needingyourhelp]

I had something very similar and it turned out to be hemacromatosis. It's important to get a diagnosis as I didn't for some time and ended up with liver damage. If diagnosed promptly this can be avoided and treatment with venesection is quite straightforward and successful. Best of luck, kev

[Boo3004 in reply to Needingyourhelp]

Thank you, that’s reassuring, I will be going back to have a further discussion

[DJK99]

Hey there. Wow... yikes. Your GP needs more training... and he can get it from Haemochromatosis UK for moments like this.

Your Ferritin is deemed high yes - but the GP (or a better one than the one you mention!) will maybe say it's "not yet critical - which is 1000). You must go right back to you surgery and ask your GP surgery to do an relatively urgent "serum transferrin" test - and if this is over a certain percentage then this is indicative of "iron overload". Also to check your MCV, MCH, serum B12, and all your liver tests ie LFT's and standard RBC's, although you say all your other bloods were ok - which ones?

If your transferritin test percentage is over the normal amount then I think they must order something called a Ferriscan, but presumably would need to refer you to Haematology or Hepatology (liver bods) as this test identifies whether there are any iron storage issues in your liver.

I have just last week received my blood result from Haemochromatosis UK - it was costly *(£125) but it told me what I'd be thinking for a very long time, as I am very much not in a good way health-wise with many of the classic iron overload symptoms. I am only a carrier but I have, as I say, global symptoms.. and my brother is passed from similar at 62 and thankfully I don't have any other close family as unable to have kids, as was my brother due to "a gene issue" that he never told me about but that meant he could no longer be a sperm donor. I don't know why he wouldn't tell me, but we weren't close and he wasn't very open about anything.

Anyway, early days for me on all this, and I hear your concern.. so yes, absolutely go back to your GP, but hopefully it's just a strange anomaly.. so I hope I've not concerned you too much.. not my intention, jsut info sharing, of course.

Maybe let us know how you get on?

Best wishes

D

[Boo3004 in reply to DJK99]

Thanks so much for your advice, it’s really helpful. All of the other blood tests you mentioned were done and all within range, very much mid-range. I’ve seen another GP and am booked back in for further blood tests in a couple of weeks, will update afterwards. Thanks again