I’m in a place where I feel healthy and energetic

My own personal haemochromatosis journey has been an interesting one. My father was diagnosed with Haemochromatosis in 2002 after bouts of severe fatigue that actually culminated in him being diagnosed with terminal cancer. His passing was extremely sad and traumatic for us all, but it did provide a catalyst for close family members to be tested for iron overload. In the months following his death all of his brothers were found to be haemochromatosis sufferers, a rarity apparently, that has led us all on a journey of comparing and contrasting phlebotomies and iron ferritin levels for the best part of 15 years.

Despite the minor inconvenience of frequent phlebotomies and the occasional anxiety about symptoms that may affect me in later life. I believe wholeheartedly that having haemochromatosis has helped me to develop a deeper consciousness about health, wellbeing and diet. My most recent wellbeing adventure has culminated in a decision to become vegan. If it was the diagnosis of haemochromatosis that sparked my search for a healthy lifestyle and diet, it was various Netflix animal welfare and environmental documentaries that have pushed me over the edge into a plant based eating lifestyle. Not only has my cholesterol dropped to 4 but in light of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association’s information booklet, detailing the difference between haem and nonhaem food sources along with a thorough description of inhibitor foods, it appears to be a positive health decision for me. Although I will need to continue to stay informed about the Celtic curse and also to have iron ferritin levels monitored regularly, I can say with hand on heart that having ‘the bloods’ under control, keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum (except when the Galway hurlers won the allIreland) and eating healthily has lead me to a place where I feel happy, energetic and healthy.