I have to donate blood occasionally to get the iron levels in my blood within normal ranges, as suggested by my last nurse practitioner, after reviewing my blood test results. Can this condition be causing me to be a more anxious person? What could be causing me to have high iron levels in my blood? What are long term side effects from having this condition?
Can having too much iron in your blood cause anxiety?
Question posted by Anonymous on 4 Feb 2018
Last updated on 6 February 2018
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Answers
bestpup
4 Feb 2018
Hello G Mc
Hemochromatosis otherwise known as HH is a genetic/hereditary disorder.
Hemochromatosis is not know to cause anxiety. Instead, it's more likely to cause depression and give your skin tone a greyish tinge.
Another common side effect is fatigue.
HH as you know is a condition caused by having to much iron (ferritin protein) in the blood. If you suffer from HH you must get your blood drawn several times a year, otherwise the ferritin protein is stored and remains in your body. The organs that are effected most are the Liver, Pancreas, and heart.
It's important to note, If your levels were high but caught early your symptoms would be mild inflammation conditions. You'd be more apt to suffer inflammation diseases such as dizziness, arthritis, osteoarthritis or irregular heart rhythms.
If however your iron levels got too high the ferritin in your iron would become stored in organs such as the heart, liver and pancreas. If that happens more serious conditions such as diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver and even heart attacks can occur.
These more serious conditions should not happen if you get your ferritin protein levels checked on a regular basis.
Lastly, if the ferritin levels do get high the treatment is to give a pint of blood to your local hospital.
Best regards
bestpup
Inactive
4 Feb 2018
I was just reading over my recent paperwork and lab results from my doctor. She referred to it as "polycythemia", causing my hematocrit levels to be high. So maybe I was incorrect to think that she said that I have too much iron in my blood.
bestpup
5 Feb 2018
Hello again my friend. Sorry it's taken my so long to get back to you. Question, does your lab slip suggest that you have HH or does it give polycythemia for a diagnosis?
Reason being, HH only requires phlebotomy/laboratory monitoring. Where as Polycythemia is an actual disease that not only requires phlebotomy monitoring but it also requires daily medications.
Is your hematocrit above 45% every time they draw your blood? If in fact it is I would look to see a hematologist. They deal with all types of blood-borne illnesses and diseases.
In addition to having a hematologist it would be in your best interest to know what your hematocrit level is each and every time blood is drawn. Also, you should report to either your general practitioner or a hematologist any and all illnesses or disorders whether you think they're relevant or not.
Lastly, polycythemia patients usually take blood thinners to keep blood clots from forming throughout your body. Even if it's just a simple aspirin it'll still helps to negate any blood clots that may occur.
Ironically, I have the opposite of HH my ferritin levels are always low due to my VonWilleBrands & Lupus. At least three times a year I receive extra doses of ferritin by getting a ferritin protein IV.
I'll keep you in my prayers. Also, let me know if I can help you in anyway. Either PQ your question or just ask outright.
Take care
bestpup
Inactive
5 Feb 2018
Hi bestpup: Your comments are very much appreciated. I don't know what the diagnosis is for sure. I was looking through my papers and I don't know that I have an official diagnosis yet. I am between doctors right now. The NP that just left her practice had told me to donate blood every few months to keep my hematocrit levels down, even though they were not very much out of normal range at all. A friend of mine told me she cannot donate blood because she has hemochromatosis. As far as being genetic, I don't remember either of my parents having that condition, or donated blood to try to correct it. I don't have a greyish tinge to my skin. Maybe I am in the beginning stages, as you mentioned could be a possibility. I donated blood twice, and when I had my blood work done once again before my NP left, my levels were already back in normal range. I plan to donate blood once again while I am in the process of finding a new doctor. I think I have one lined up now.
We'll see.
I was not prescribed any medications, so, according to your information here, that would rule out polycythemia.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer me. Your comments are right on the mark. I need to keep those levels in check.
My biggest health problems that concern me are recurring anxiety, which leads to another bout of depression if I don't address it. I have been in a high state of anxiety the last few months. I'm working on that now. Not having a doctor has added to the anxiety level, but I also have "white coat syndrome", so I get very nervous when I go in for a doctor appointment, because I know that my blood pressure readings will be artificially high due to my anxious reaction to the blood pressure cuff. I keep a record of bp readings outside the office setting and take it with me on my doctor visits. The last doctor seemed to believe me and allowed me to bring my readings to her to put in my file.
I wish I could get my anxiety under control, as it causes me to blow situations up out of proportion. I will discuss this with my doctor once I get an appointment.
bestpup
6 Feb 2018
Hi G Mc
With time, patience and medication your anxiety will soon be under control.
Feel better soon
bestpup
Related topics
anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, blood test, iron, blood, nurse
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