Hereditary Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)
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Hereditary Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)
Does anybody have any experience with this genetic disorder? Recently diagnosed. Ultimately if untreated it causes cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes and possible cardiac problems. If caught in time the treatments return iron levels to normal with normal life expectancy and a return to normal function of the liver, heart and pancreas.
The treatment involves weekly phlebotomies (bloodlettings of 500 cc) until iron levels are normal (3 months to three years depending on levels at diagnosis). Once levels are stabilized, maintenance phlebotomies are needed for life (at approx. 3 month intervals) however the latter can be done by simply registering as a blood donor and giving blood every quarter. Reduction in iron intake is also advised and certain foods need to be avoided.
I'm currently a 500 hour PPL with a Canadian Class 3 medical. I have no plans for an aviation career but certainly would like to keep the Class 3 so I can continue putt-putting around the sky in my Beechcraft. Does anyone know if this condition can cause a Class 3 medical to be permanently revoked?
I know that one should not fly within a couple of days of a blood donation. I would hope that would be the only restriction assuming that cardiac, pancreatic and liver functions are all in normal ranges.
Thanks.
Beechnut.
The treatment involves weekly phlebotomies (bloodlettings of 500 cc) until iron levels are normal (3 months to three years depending on levels at diagnosis). Once levels are stabilized, maintenance phlebotomies are needed for life (at approx. 3 month intervals) however the latter can be done by simply registering as a blood donor and giving blood every quarter. Reduction in iron intake is also advised and certain foods need to be avoided.
I'm currently a 500 hour PPL with a Canadian Class 3 medical. I have no plans for an aviation career but certainly would like to keep the Class 3 so I can continue putt-putting around the sky in my Beechcraft. Does anyone know if this condition can cause a Class 3 medical to be permanently revoked?
I know that one should not fly within a couple of days of a blood donation. I would hope that would be the only restriction assuming that cardiac, pancreatic and liver functions are all in normal ranges.
Thanks.
Beechnut.
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My Grandfather was an undiagnosed sufferer and passed away at the age of 75, which is when my family found out about it. My father is also a sufferer, however it is completely under control with regular phlebotomies. I Believe it is the most common genetic disorder in caucasians.
I am a carrier, and the old school of thought was that as a carrier you should have no problems with iron levels. However there are now mutterings that this may not be the case, so just to be sure i have my ferritin levels checked every year.
I hold a UK class one medical and have always told the CAA and all AME's that i'm a carrier. Never had any issues.
There is a very good website run by the haemochromatosis society. Not sure about the exact address, but can't be hard to find.
Just one thing about becoming a blood donor though if you are a full sufferer. Different countries have different rules. However my father is not allowed to be a blood donor due to the disorder.
I am a carrier, and the old school of thought was that as a carrier you should have no problems with iron levels. However there are now mutterings that this may not be the case, so just to be sure i have my ferritin levels checked every year.
I hold a UK class one medical and have always told the CAA and all AME's that i'm a carrier. Never had any issues.
There is a very good website run by the haemochromatosis society. Not sure about the exact address, but can't be hard to find.
Just one thing about becoming a blood donor though if you are a full sufferer. Different countries have different rules. However my father is not allowed to be a blood donor due to the disorder.
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ask at the Belgrano . . . . . . . !
Does anyone know if hemochromatosis is disqualifying (JAA class 1 medical) ?
The best way to be absolutely sure would be to ask one of the AMA's ( Aero Medical Advisors - gorgeous aviation trained nurses !) at the CAA. General queries like this will often be answered anonymously if you were cautious about identifying yourself at first.
Tel: 01293 573 700
PPRuNe Tea Lady
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Have It Checked
If you know there is a family history PLEASE have genetic testing carried out.
Both my parents are carriers therefore no symptoms. One brother is also a carrier but my other brother had both hips replaced before he was 40 and has joint damage to ankles, hands and feet as well as liver damage because this condition was undiagnosed for a long time. I have exactly the same mutated genes yet have no symptoms. Its easily controlled and damage prevented IF you catch it early enough.
Both my parents are carriers therefore no symptoms. One brother is also a carrier but my other brother had both hips replaced before he was 40 and has joint damage to ankles, hands and feet as well as liver damage because this condition was undiagnosed for a long time. I have exactly the same mutated genes yet have no symptoms. Its easily controlled and damage prevented IF you catch it early enough.
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How would you deal with this in the UAE?
Hi all,
I was diagnosed with haemachromatosis over 20 years ago after my uncle was found out (alas too late)to have this condition.The earlier the diagnosis the easier the treatment.I have no symptoms and therefore had I not been diagnosed I would still be none the wiser.Venesection (or phlebotomy as some others call it) is a very straightforward "blood-letting" procedure.Last year I was supposed to go once a month but in fact managed only 8 trips.After an admonition from my consultant due to my ferritin levels being raised it was agreed that 1)I should take it more seriously and 2)I would go twice a month for the next twelve months.My levels have rapidly dropped back to normal after 4 months and so I am reducing back to a monthly visit.I have a CAA class1 medical which was issued with their knowledge of the condition and my AME is kept up to date too.I have been flying commercial jets for the last 10 years.It really is no big deal to get the venesection at the beginning of a block of days off.My personal battle has been with my own complacency-no symptoms so why bother?You have to trust the numbers and deal with the reality,thats all.My greatest concern?I would very much like to fly for a UAE carrier such as EK or EY but I have no idea how to raise the subject of a monthly venesection.Should I keep my trap shut and find a friendly GP out there who can monitor it and venesect without fuss or could I declare it and expect them to cover it with the medical coverage provided.I asked my AME to investigate but my AME expressed a concern that he could end up identifying his location and therefore mine too!ANY advice would be much appreciated as I simply do not know how this condition would be viewed out there.
I was diagnosed with haemachromatosis over 20 years ago after my uncle was found out (alas too late)to have this condition.The earlier the diagnosis the easier the treatment.I have no symptoms and therefore had I not been diagnosed I would still be none the wiser.Venesection (or phlebotomy as some others call it) is a very straightforward "blood-letting" procedure.Last year I was supposed to go once a month but in fact managed only 8 trips.After an admonition from my consultant due to my ferritin levels being raised it was agreed that 1)I should take it more seriously and 2)I would go twice a month for the next twelve months.My levels have rapidly dropped back to normal after 4 months and so I am reducing back to a monthly visit.I have a CAA class1 medical which was issued with their knowledge of the condition and my AME is kept up to date too.I have been flying commercial jets for the last 10 years.It really is no big deal to get the venesection at the beginning of a block of days off.My personal battle has been with my own complacency-no symptoms so why bother?You have to trust the numbers and deal with the reality,thats all.My greatest concern?I would very much like to fly for a UAE carrier such as EK or EY but I have no idea how to raise the subject of a monthly venesection.Should I keep my trap shut and find a friendly GP out there who can monitor it and venesect without fuss or could I declare it and expect them to cover it with the medical coverage provided.I asked my AME to investigate but my AME expressed a concern that he could end up identifying his location and therefore mine too!ANY advice would be much appreciated as I simply do not know how this condition would be viewed out there.
