The Irish Haemochromatosis Association is organising a Patient Information evening for patients, family members and members of the public who are interested in finding out more about haemochromatosis, on Tuesday next May 23from 7-8pm at the Galway Bay Hotel.
Dr Brian Osborne, local GP and Assistant Medical Director with the Irish College of General Practitioners will give a presentation on ‘Understanding Haemochromatosis’, including what are the symptoms, how to get tested and diagnosed and what is the treatment for the disorder.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free in-person event and there will be a Question and Answer session, where people will have opportunities to ask lots of questions on the night.
Haemochromatosis is more common in Ireland than anywhere else in the world, as one in five people carry one copy of the gene and one in every 83 Irish people carry two copies of the gene, predisposing them to develop iron overload. Haemochromatosis, also known as ‘iron overload’, is Ireland’s most common genetic disorder.
Early diagnosis is vital and if left untreated, can lead to organ damage or even premature death. The Irish Haemochromatosis Association estimates there are at least 20,000 undiagnosed cases of Haemochromatosis in Ireland. Some of the symptoms of haemochromatosis can range from chronic tiredness and joint pain, to abdominal pain and sexual dysfunction.
Commenting on the event in advance of World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week, which is taking place from the 1st to the 7th June, Dr. Brian Osborne sayid they urge anyone who has symptoms of haemochromatosis to get medical advice if you have any worries or concerns.
“Although haemochromatosis can be life-threatening, once diagnosed before organ damage has occurred, Haemochromatosis can be successfully treated and patients go on to live their lives to the full, without any impact,” he said.
The Irish Haemochromatosis Association was established over 24 years ago and is the only registered charity and organisation representing and supporting haemochromatosis patients in Ireland.
Volunteers and ambassadors such as Mark Cagney, former RTE Presenter and Paul Harrington, musician, songwriter and former Eurovision songwriter winner, who both have Haemochromatosis, have promoted awareness of the disorder over many years.
