How a dive on the barrier reef uncovered a HH diagnosis

In 2014, my wife and I had planned a visit to our daughter, Eimear, who lives in Brisbane, Australia. I decided that a chance to scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef would be too good an opportunity to pass up. So I applied to get my PADI diving certification. The diving instructor informed me that because of my age (56) and a pre–existing back condition I would require a doctor’s sign off on the training. As part of the medical examination my GP asked the practice nurse to take some blood samples. When the nurse was taking the blood samples she said that she would also get me tested for Haemochromatosis. I had never heard of Haemochromatosis and the nurse was handed a copy of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association (IHA) information leaflet. On reading the information on the leaflet and later on the IHA website it occurred to me that the diagnosis explained the fatigue and also a heart irregularity.

The blood test results came back and it was confirmed that I had Haemochromatosis with a Ferritin level of 1000. Once the diagnosis was confirmed an appointment was made for the Venesection Clinic in St James’s Hospital where I met the resident nurse, the marvellous Liz, coincidentally an avid scuba diver. A programme of venesections was set up and my stored iron (Ferritin) levels were restored to a safe level. In addition to the venesection treatment I had my liver function checked and also had my joints scanned, luckily there didn’t seem to be any deterioration.

I ensure I maintain a healthy diet. Having recently retired, I hill-walk every week and I’m planning another dive in Australia shortly. My energy levels have improved hugely.