Living with Hemochromatosis [Paperback]

Gregory T Everson MD FACP (Author), Marilyn Olsen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 4, 2003

One of the most common genetic disorders in America is also one of the most frequently misdiagnosed. But anyone who has just learned they have hemochromatosis will have lots of questions: How did I get it? Can I pass it to my children? How can I avoid organ damage? The answers are in Living with Hemochromatosis by Dr. Gregory T. Everson and Hedy Weinberg.

Over 30 million people in the United States carry the gene for hemochromatosis, and almost 2 million have developed the condition. Hemochromatosis, also known as "iron overload" or "bronze diabetes," causes the body to retain much more iron than it should. Because it is often not diagnosed until the patient is over 40 years old, the long-term iron buildup can damage not only cells and tissues, but also larger organs including the heart and liver.

But there is hope. Living with Hemochromatosis guides patients through the whole spectrum of this condition, from early to delayed diagnosis, and answers their questions. It contains valuable information about recognizing the signs and symptoms of hemochromatosisÐand why it is frequently misdiagnosed.

Living with Hemochromatosis also offers advice about genetic testing, and how to interpret the results. There is up-to-date information about treatment options, including phlebotomy, liver transplants, and new areas of research. The authors provide patients and their families with guidance on coping with the physical, emotional, and financial issues, as well as nutritional recommendations and much more. 25 b/w photos.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gregory T. Everson, M.D., F.A.C.P., one of the country's leading experts on liver diseases, is Professor of Medicine and Director of Hepatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He counsels hundreds of liver patients, directs the University of Colorado¼s Program in Liver Disease, and advises physicians throughout the Colorado. He also co-authored Living with Hepatitis B and Living with Hepatitis C. Hedy Weinberg is an award-winning writer and essayist whose work has appeared in such prestigious publications as The Washington Post, The Denver Post, Senior Edition USA, Bon Appétit, and New Choices. She also co-authored Living with Hepatitis B, Living with Hepatitis C, and My Mom Has Hepatitis C. Weinberg is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Authors Guild, and Society of Professional Journalists.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Hatherleigh Press; 1 edition (June 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157826104X
• ISBN-13: 978-1578261048
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #699,875 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Misinformation, December 7, 2004

By 

Kathryn E. Dunklebarger (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Living with Hemochromatosis (Paperback)

On page 34, second paragraph, the author states unequivically, that two mutations of H63D do not cause HH. The author is way behind the times. My father was genetically tested in 1999 for mutations that cause HH. He had been diagnosed with HH in 1998. His results showed that he had two mutations of H63D. In case anyone questions the results, the tests were done at Kimball Genetics in Denver, Colorado (800-320-1807). The genetics counselor who spoke with my father about his results said that a year earlier (1998), his diagnosis of HH would have been thrown out because it was thought that you could only get HH from the C282Y mutation. In the last five years, genetics research has discovered more mutations that may cause or affect iron overload. The Iron Disorders Institute's book, Guide to Hemochromatosis, speaks about H63D causing hemochromatosis, and the copyright on that book is 2001. The author of this book is inexcusably behind the times. He is at the University of Colorado, yet Kimball Genetics in Denver, Colorado, had information five years ago that disproves what he put in his book. The Iron Disorders Institute had information two years before this book was published that disproves what he put in his book. Readers beware!! Please research what you read in this book!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars life saving, May 3, 2004

By 

Deborah MacGillivray "Author," (US & UK) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Living with Hemochromatosis (Paperback)

I was diagnosed with HHC, laughingly called the Celtic Curse because it can strike people of Scottish and Irish ancestry, there was not a lot of information out there about it. One in four people can carry the gene that causes the body to store too much iron in the deep muscle tissue, kidneys, liver and heart. It can be fatal if not caught. This book helps those find a way to live with this problem.

When I learnt I suffered from this, I had not heard of it, no one I knew had it. However, within in the last five years, many people I know are aware of a friend or family member that now has it. It often mimics many other health problems, so it's good to get early treatment and have books such as this one that help you manage your lifestyle.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable information: Recommended, October 13, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Living with Hemochromatosis (Paperback)

This book is truly the most comprehensive book on hemochromatosis I have seen. It contains all the information you need to know and is written in a way that is easy to read. Recommended.