In August, her mother who has had liver troubles for years, had a ferritin test that measures the body's iron stores. Her levels were elevated, so doctors did a liver biopsy, which showed that she was a carrier of hemochromatosis but does not have the disease. Her doctor suggested that all immediate family members be screened for the disease. During a routine gynecological check-up on Sept. 5, Foster asked for the simple blood test. The good news for Foster is that her disease is manageable, and with treatment, her life expectancy is normal.
Treatment is as simple as giving blood.
For a year, she will give about a pint of blood twice a week. After the first year, she will have to undergo three or four phlebotomies a year. Even after just a few weeks of treatment, Foster is feeling better. I feel like someone has cleared the cobwebs from my brain. I have more energy.