Hi Bill,

October 2002, I had an MRI (that turned up a brain tumor... but that's
another story) that found a discoloration in my brain. I'm 38 years
old. My ankles had been hurting badly for 10 years. My liver numbers
were wacked as well. Doctors wrote off the liver numbers as a result
from taking an anti-inflamitory drug called VIOXX for my ankles.
Anyway, after the MRI, a doctor followed through and found that I have
hemochromatosis as well. This was June 2003. My ferritin level was
5,100. Anyway, I've been give 1 1/2 pints a week since then, and have
seen my ferritin level drop to 1,700. My doctor wants it down to 4.
The other good news is that my liver numbers have improved as well,
indicating it will probably recover. Your ferritin level seems to
indicate it was found pretty early.... that's good. BTW, my ankles
have progressively gotten better, and I'm not nearly as tired as I
used to be. Also, iron penetrates the brain blood barrier.... which
may fit in with the tumor. Take care of yourself,

John Adkins