Jerry Paige
Fifteen years ago I complained of chronic fatigue and reported I had difficulty sleeping for a number of years. Initially I was dianosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Later due to joint/generalized aching with Fibromyalgia. Finally the "experts" diagnosed me with Major Depression. Over the past 10 years I've taken every psychotropic medication on the market with poor results. I can't honestly say that I've observed any improvement in the way I feel as a result of regular treatment with Phelbotomy. I did finally have to retire. Today doctors have changed my diagnosis to 'refractory depression' which, I understand is a label for patients who don't respond to traditional treatments.Based on recent research they're for the first time acknowledging a connection between sleep disorders, depression, and hemochromatosis. Unfortunately, they still have no better idea how to treat it. I know this doesn't pertain directly to your question, but I decided to respond anyway. If for no other reason than to alert you to the fact that most doctors have a very limited knowledge of hemochromatosis. When it comes to managing care in the purest sense of the word I'd advise you not to place your faith blindly in M.D.s Ten years after I was dianosed I feel considerably worse than I did before. I've also learned that I haven't seen an M.D. that treats hemochromatosis any more seriously than the common cold. I'm not sure if that's a lack of information, or a reluctance to be honest with patients. Personally, I believe it's ignorance, and lack of interest in a condition that doesn't present in dramatic terms.