The patients are treated for these disorders, which can be caused by hemochromatosis, but never treated for the disease. Hemochromatosis is treatable if detected early, but John wasn't so sure when he first researched the disease. At first, John needed the bloodletting almost weekly. But his condition has improved. He has not been bled in more than 10 months.
Most people have to continue being bled for their whole life.
Every three months, doctors screen him for a high iron count. Most patients have to be bled three to five times a year, said Krikker. I suspect the early detection saved my life.