Haemochromatosis: 'If you are invited for screening, please take up the offer' says man living with Northern Ireland's most common inherited condition
A man living with haemochromatosis, Northern Ireland’s most common inherited condition, is urging anyone offered free screening to come forward.
Haemochromatosis, also known as iron overload, is caused by a genetic condition where the body absorbs too much iron from the diet.
If not detected early, excess iron can build up in the body and significantly increase the risk of serious ill health, including chronic fatigue, joint pain, liver disease, diabetes, heart and bowel disorders, alongside symptoms such as brain fog and impacts on mood and wellbeing for many patients.
The charity Haemochromatosis UK is offering free genetic haemochromatosis screening to up to 23,500 households in selected postcodes across Portadown, Magherafelt, Ballymena and Irvinestown.
The postcodes eligible are BT45 5, BT45 6, BT43 6, BT43 7, BT62 1, BT62 4 and BT94 1.
The screening ervice, which usually costs £129, and has been enabled by Hagan Homes and other donors, is aimed at supporting those affected by iron overload.
Households that are eligible will receive a leaflet through their letterbox with tests offered on a first come, first serve basis.
Finbar Polin from Gilford, who was diagnosed with haemochromatosis in September 2020, urged anyone who receives the invitation for testing to take it up.
"If you receive a letter about this, don’t bin it for it might save your life,” he said, adding that the Haemochromatosis UK charity has people “on the ground” to help people with any concerns.
Finbar was diagnosed with the condition – sometimes known as the ‘Celtic Curse’ – after developing a lot of pain and fatigue.
"I was not feeling well, I was full of pain in my hands, knees and joints and was tired and getting more tired as the weeks passed by,” he said.
"I put it down to my work and stress of the job, but as time went on I was getting more tired and more pain in my body and anxiety was starting to annoy me so after speaking to people close to me I decided I needed to go and see about it.”
Finbar was diagnosed with haemochromatosis after having blood tests through his GP.
"I was in shock as I never heard of it, but my doctor had good knowledge of the condition and said it’s a gene which is passed through the family.”
Finbar had treatment from December 2020 until April 2021 to have blood taken out of his body to remove iron.
He heard about Haemochromatosis UK in the South Tyrone Hospital and found it to be very informative and useful.
“I decided to join them on one their events and then I started to get more involved in helping to get the message out there in the community,” he said.
Finbar has been instrumental in helping to bring We are Overloaded, an exhibition in which Haemochromatosis UK worked with Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Cathal MacNaughton, to Co Armagh.
The exhibition – in the Millennium Court, William Street, Portadown until Friday, March 20 - tells the story of haemochromatosis and features stories and images from 21 people with the condition.