I was diagnosed last fall with hemochromatosis, fortunately without any, or at least very few, symptoms. I began seeing an internist who is also a certified nutritionist, which is her specialty, and she suspected it, as she ordered a routine blood test revealing high iron then ordered the gene test. She is a lifesaver, literally, and I am shocked that my GP or gynecologist did not catch this routinely --the gynecologist prescribed iron pills for heavy menstrual bleeding, without even testing my iron (the bleeding was another lifesaver!).

In the course of testing, she also discovered I had EXTREMELY high lead levels (I have no idea why I have high lead). I began phlebotomies about 6 months ago, and I am also doing chelation for the lead, which helps lower the iron, too, I guess all heavy metals. I am taking various supplements and have done a lot of research.

I should mention that other than my GP and nutritionist/internist, I am also seeing an oncologist, who has referred me to a specialist at UC Davis, as he was concerned about my saturation level not going down commiserate with the iron.

I have several questions for this group:

Has anyone else undergone IV chelation for heavy metals, and what was your experience? My iron levels (phlebotomy every 2 weeks) came down at first (I was diagnosed at 270, then jumped quickly to a high of 600+, when I started phlebotomies), then stabilized around 200+, but my saturation rate continued to be in the high 80’s-90’s. Then after my last phlebotomy and chelation (alternating each every week) my levels dropped dramatically (saturation level dropped to 66% from 97% within ten days), but I have also felt ill (flu-ish) during that time. My Dr. thinks this is a reaction to the metals in my body being purged from the phlebotomies and chelation. Does anyone have a comment or experience to share?

I understand that high iron encourages free radicals, and therefore possibly lots of bad things, and I wonder if anyone has a thought about taking Phytic acid supplements? From what I’ve read, it’s a good, safe, natural chelater of heavy metals (for me, very high iron & lead, and a few others to a lesser degree). My Dr. said it is good liver and immune system support, so encouraged me to try it.

Does anyone know of a link between high lead and high iron? Seems as though whatever makes my body absorb too much iron, perhaps also applies to lead?

Does anyone have a comment about all the above in general?

Thank you for any input!