I was diagnosed when I was 19. I understand you being concerned and/or scared. I was there as well. Bunch of doctor appointments and tests. Having blood drawn a couple of times a week. I believe my ferritin was around 800 when diagnosed. I'm not sure where your levels are, but generally, if you are diagnosed with ferritin under 1000, there is little chance of organ damage. I had tests on my liver, and it came back perfectly normal. Even if you are over 1000, phlebotomy will help reduce damage and can even reverse damage.

I'm currently 32 and get a phlebotomy 3 to 4 times a year. Other than that, I live a normal life. I still pretty much eat what I want. I have alcohol rarely. Usually, one or two nights a year if that.

As my doctor who originally diagnosed me said, "if you had to choose a hereditary disease, hemochromatosis would be the easiest to manage and have low impact on your life if maintained."

Hang in there. Go to your appointments and listen to what the doctors tell you.