I thought I'd chime in here about our chelation experience.
Our son Grant was on Exjade for a couple of years. Since he was continuously transfusing, we honestly didn't see a decrease in his ferritin levels. He wasn't super compliant either because it tasted so nasty so that has to be considered.
Now he is on Day +22 of a MUD BMT. As soon as he got the marrow, his doctor stopped the Exjade because it is known to affect wbcs. Unfortunately he appears to now be rejecting his transplant but in the meantime, has started Desferal infusions over 18 hours each day. The only side effect being "vin rose urine".
Wendy mom to Grant
dx 12/4/98 AA
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/grantbeltrami