Take Control of Your Health

If you’ve had multiple blood transfusions, it may be important to protect yourself from iron overload.

To help take control, you can:

• Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help find out whether you have iron overload. He or she can then help prevent or treat health problems the condition may cause.
• Know how many transfusions you’ve had. If you’ve had multiple blood transfusions, make sure your doctor knows this. It’s important to keep track, and for your doctor to know how many blood transfusions you’ve had.
• Know your ferritin levels. A simple blood test for serum ferritin (pronounced fer-i-tin) can help your doctor find out whether you have iron overload.
• Educate yourself. The more you know about iron overload, the better prepared you’ll be to take steps to protect your health.
• Stay positive. Even if your doctor finds signs of iron overload, it can be treated. Be aware that early treatment can help prevent many serious health problems. You can continue to receive needed blood transfusions as long as you get treatment to prevent further buildup of iron.
• Sign up, and get your free Doctor Discussion Guide.