I too am afflicted with this condition, hereditary/genetic, but I am heterozygote. It was explained to me that I only have 50% of the gene and, therefore, unlikely to need regular sessions with leeches or Sweeney Todd or Dracula et al.

Mine was discovered when I had jaundice a couple of years ago. I am also a diabetic, the tests for which don't ordinarily show up this problem.

I've often wondered if too much iron in the blood would set off the alarms at airport security!

Back to the ass question. Donkey (UK) = ass = hairy equine quadraped. Arse (UK) = bum = posterior = butt.

Mudcatters are not up their own asses (well maybe in some remote rural locations - Skipy ?). They are in the vast majority decent, helpful, knowledgeable etc. They do, however, have an almost universally weird sense of humour that often goes into surreal mode. Anyone not used to this sort of thing might well find it strange and feel offended. There is only one answer to this. Lighten up, get surreal.