Question on blood test

[tummyache]

I have a question about ferritin levels coming back high [527= normal is 200 or less] on a recent blood test. Could this be related to HFI? Just curious if this has happened to anyone else, or is totally unrelated/

[charlie]

Ferritin levels are used to check for iron related problems eg anemia and then it is usually low, I did however find this on Web MD:
Very high ferritin levels (greater than 1,000 ng/mL) can mean a large buildup of iron in the body (hemochromatosis). One form of this condition is passed on in families (genetic hemochromatosis). Some diseases, including alcoholism, thalassemia, and some types of anemia that cause red blood cells to be destroyed, can also cause hemochromatosis. Also, if you have many blood transfusions, this can sometimes cause the body to store too much iron (acquired hemochromatosis).
High ferritin levels may also be caused by liver disease (cirrhosis or hepatitis), Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, infection, inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis or lupus), or a diet that is too high in iron.
Too much iron in body organs, such as the pancreas or heart, can affect how the organ works.


So maybe, with HFI if there is liver involvement then maybe levels will be high.

[tummyache]

Well, I never drink alcohol, so that's out; Lupus test was negative, iron level was mid-normal. So, my doctor is leaning more toward some sort of inflammatory thing - in fact, all the other bloods came back in the normal range.. except platelets which were a bit high too. Otherwise, besides becoming easily fatigued, my joints are all achy. Anyway, I see the hematologist tomorrow...for much more blood letting, I am sure. Be interesting to see what he comes up with. Maybe he can tell me why 3 glucose tolerance tests have always come back as "Flat Line"- no one else seems to know the answer to that one! Not sure the high ferritin is really related to the fructose intolerance. Let you all know what, if anything, is ever decided.

[tummyache]

The Hematologist thinks the high ferritin [normal iron, etc] is an 'acute reactive marker' for chronic inflammation...possibly intestinal So have an apt tomorrow to touch base with a new gastro-dr who specializes in inflammatory bowel diseases. I must admit that I'm not expecting much considering I have seen 3 other gastro doctors over the years who were pretty clueless about digestive disorders. [When I mention fructose intolerance their eyes glassed over and they drifted off in another direction as if they didn't hear me...IBS or Lactose Intolerance were mentioned...mind you, all without any real testing!]. I have been controlling [all by myself] the gross digestive symptoms and hypoglycemia episodes with diet [gluten free + dairy free + very low sugar] for about 6 yrs now. At least, I thought I was controlling it until this ferritin thing stuck it's head up. Ah well, we shall see what this new guy has to say.

UPDATE for anyone researching this 5/31/2016: found a link in a medical book to High Ferritin + HFI
books.google.com.pa/books?id=7ZiAAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=high+ferritin+with+HFI&source=bl&ots=43IFt2ZxRc&sig=GFY3um5aVgiLrse3Ld9F05j6biQ&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=high%20ferritin%20with%20HFI&f=false