My mother is on warfarin for blood clots in her legs (twice), calcium plus D, Actonel once a month, methotrexate for arthritis, folic acid and PreserVision for degeneration of her eyes.

DEAR READER: Your mother is likely suffering from a condition known as hemochromatosis. It is the most common form of iron-overload disease. There are several forms, including primary/hereditary, secondary, juvenile and neonatal.

Primary or hereditary hemochromatosis is generally caused by a defect of the gene HFE, which regulates the amount of iron absorbed from food. There are two mutations, C282Y and H63D. Those with one copy of the defect C282Y become carriers who don’t develop hemochromatosis but may have higher-than-normal iron levels throughout life. Those with two copies can develop the condition.

Secondary is caused by anemia, alcoholism and other disorders. Juvenile and neonatal hemochromatosis are caused by a mutation of the gene hemojuvelin.

Treatment, as you know, is phlebotomy (blood drawing). If started before the condition progresses, it may prevent symptoms; otherwise, it typically improves but doesn’t eliminate symptoms. Arthritis caused by iron overload will not benefit from treatment. There is no other treatment available.