Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is possibly the most common genetic disorder in Caucasians. It is the increased iron absorption in the intestine resulting in the gradual build-up of excess iron(iron overload). This disorder is prevalent in persons of Celtic descent.
If this disorder is caught early, it is easily treated with bloodletting. This bloodletting reduces iron levels to normal levels. If untreated, this disorder can be fatal as the excess iron attacks organs in the body. 1 in 8 people carry one gene and 1 in 200 carry both genes. It takes two genes to have a full blown case of hemochromatosis. It is my understanding that there can be some problems with only one gene. Some of the symptoms are: chronic fatigue, cirrhosis/cancer of the liver, arthritis/joint pain, diabetes, darkening of the skin. There are quite a few more symptoms that can be seen on the internet.
I send this to Glenn Tuley in the hopes that if someone sees themselves, they can take action and prevent unnecessary illness. My father died at 59 with primary liver cancer. That was 24 years ago. After learning about this disorder, I was tested and found to have the one gene. Due to my genealogy research, I believe that this disorder caused illness and premature death in my family for a couple of generations. Of course, most of my evidence is circumstantial, but I will now be tested on a regual basis to make certain that my iron stores are within normal limits.
Physicians are not very well informed on this because it has not been discussed to any great extent. Researchers at the CDC in Atlanta are working on it. My father was a Tuley and his maternal grandmother was a McGinnis. I have seen this disorder referred to as the "Irish Illness.'
Submitted by: luthermcg@ellijay.com Posted: 28 May 99
Return to Genealogy and Medicine