What Causes It?
Deposits of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in a joint, which weaken the cartilage and cause it to break down more easily. The presence of these tiny CPPD crystals in the joints, and the body's reaction to these crystals, creates often agonizing inflammation as ‘A’ cells rush to attack the crystals. A fruitless exercise, as the crystals are indestructible, and, during one of the attempted ‘A’ cell rescue operations, they lose the battle — causing the patient’s immune system to be temporarily compromised, as a result.
Often dismissed as arthritis, Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystal Deposition Disease (CPDCDD) has been reported by many homozygous people (those carrying two HH genes) as having been the presenting symptom of the onset of hemochromatosis. Over the years I have learned, however, that that it is also possible for heterozygotes' (carriers of only one gene) to be afflicted. I have known some with knees so swollen that the fluid has had to be aspirated. Physicians do not readily prescribe oral cortisone for the treatment of CPDCDD, but, from my own experience, I can tell you that an injection into an afflicted joint can work wonders!
To recap: The agony of both conditions is due to crystal-induced inflammation, but whereas real gout is caused by uric acid, Chondrocalcinosis — known as "pseudo-gout" and sometimes "acute arthritis" — is caused by deposits of Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystals. If the "pyro” part of this conjures up fireworks, it is justified! Pseudo Gout — nearly as common as the other form — also causes excruciating pain during a flare-up.
Can People Die of Untreated HH?
Sadly, yes. The common causes of death from HH — sometimes also listed as HHC or IHC — are cardiac failure, arrhythmia (irregularity in the beating of the heart), hepatic (liver) failure, hepatoma (tumour of the liver) or other malignancy, or the complications of diabetes. Before the advent of insulin, diabetes topped the list. Formerly, when the diagnosis was made clinically, cirrhosis and skin pigmentation were almost always present; often accompanied by diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism (diminished sexual function), arthritis and cardiac failure. Today the picture is changing, as diagnostic methods improve.
Article comments
1 - James A. Gardner
Marie: Many thanks for this series on "The Iron Elephant," as an excellent, helpful book calls it. Until your series of articles, that book was my most current information.
Unfortunately, we found out the hard way that hemo. can be fatal, after an uncle developed (ultimately fatal) liver failure. Until he was diagnosed, we would never have heard of hemochromatosis, much less kept an eye on our iron levels. You are performing a great service with these articles, and I greatly appreciate the time and effort.
2 - Sylvia Crosby
Thank you for your informative series on HH. You have provided the answers to several questions which my doc was unable to supply.
I've also posted this message in the guestbook on your website.
3 - Jason Fraser
I see that others are finding this series as helpful as I am. - Now I look forward to reading the promised article on 'Iron in Our Food'.
Your story 'From Hitcock...was riveting!
4 - ted scheriff (new york)
Marie,
your work has been invaluable to me and to so many! under the incompetence of certain doctors, my ferritin levels rose from 3700 (which they thought nothing about and referred me to psychiatry regarding my many complaints) to 5695. finally i found a competent doctor and my levels are now down to 3334. still a long way to go. still having a hard time. MOST of what i've been able to learn about what i'm dealing with though, has come from you and your work. THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing the work that doctors have ignored. thank you for helping us. your work has been saving lives!
-ted-
5 - Marie
Thank you for your kind comments, Ted.I'm glad that your levels are coming down.
I know that you are familiar with my story, but I invite you to click the link [edited] in the hope that you will not give up your treament, and that you will help to keep others informed about this disorder.
6 - Thomas Jackson
Hello Marie..
Gout pure cures are proves to be helpful in protecting towards gout. Typical gout pure treatments include the usage of specific recent fruit and greens, and treatment with all-natural herbal remedies.
Excellent Post...Thank you kindly!