What the Hell is Hemochromatosis?!?

Hello!

Being the first post, I figure you deserve an explanation as to why this blog exists in the first place.  Simply put, I am going to become Superhuman in 171 days ~ and this will be my journal.  After telling some people about my situation, more than a few suggested that I document my journey for their reading enjoyment.  

So, here we go.

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Mike.  I'm 31 years old, and live in the western suburbs of Chicago.  I am a holistic health and fitness professional.  You should visit my website.  It's pretty awesome.

Approximately a month ago I found out that my Ferritin (Iron) levels in my blood are about 3x what is considered "normal and safe".  (I've never really had a thing for safety...)

Ferritin. I have too much.

The chiropractor who I am working with (www.fcihealth.com) tells me that I likely have a condition called Hereditary Hemochromatosis.

I know, right?  What the hell is Hemochromatosis?!  I had no idea.  Never heard of it. 

It turns out my body is retaining far too much Iron.  Way too much.  Pretty much enough for 3 people.  Seeing as I am only one person, this could present a problem.  Long-term side effects include liver failure, heart failure, arthritis, and a whole bunch of other really fun things.  Short-term side effects include fatigue, lethargy, muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches.

The only "treatment" for this condition is phlebotomy. (Giving as much blood as you can, as often as you can.)  Great.  I am one of "those people" with a ridiculous mental panic associated with shots, needles, etc...but I have 6 tattoos, figure that one out.

No thank you.  I've decided I don't want this condition, so I'm going to get rid of it.

Apparently it is incurable, I "will not be able to lower" my Iron levels and return my blood counts to normal. 

I beg to differ, and I will show you that I am right.

I went to a hematologist and she tells me I only have 1 of the 3 genes that lead to Hemochromatosis.  This means that it is a weak form of the condition.  Perfect.  Sure, it would be more impressive to conquer the full-blown raging bastard form of the condition...but I am not going to complain.

Me. In 161 more days.

I believe the human body can cure itself of just about anything, if given the proper tools to do so.  To prove this, I am going to heal myself.  I am going to become Superhuman in 171 short days.  This is day 10.

In the next post, I will share with you how I plan on becoming Superhuman, step by step.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you ~ what a ride it shall be.

Mike