Annie's Mailbox (formerly Ann Landers' advice column) written by Marcy Sugar and Kathy Mitchell (pictured above) featured  the letter below on Hereditary Hemochromatosis on June 24, 2005!     If you can, please send us a copy of the article to our address at: AHS, 4044 W. Lake Mary Blvd., #104, Lake Mary, FL  32746-2012 U.S.A.   You may call us at: 407-829-4488.

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DEAR ANNIE: I am a female nurse, 46, married with two small boys, ages 7 and 8.  Ten years ago, my brother was diagnosed with hemochromatosis.  I had a physical recently and told the doctcor to check for this.  My serum iron came back slightly high, and I have now had the lab test to diagnose this disorder.  

I am protected somewhat, because I still menstruate and lose iron each

month, but if I had let this go until after menopause, I could have developed arthritis, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, etc.

Please tell your readers that having a serum iron test could save their lives.
Treatment is simple: Donate a pint of blood. I would like to know if there are other middle-aged females with this so I do not feel alone. Thank you. -- Lawrence, Kan.

DEAR LAWRENCE: We guarantee you are not alone.  Hemochromatosis, or iron overload, is a genetic metabolic disorder that causes iron build-up in major organs.  You can have it, or be a carrier, and not know it. For more information, contact the American Hemochromatosis Society (www.americanhs.org) at (888) 655- IRON.