![-]( "caprice") caprice at 11-07-2009 06:53 AM (14 years ago)  (f) Sickle cell disease is very serious, not just for you and your partner but for any children you two may plan to have in the future. I found this rather lengthy article from Sickle cell disease association of America(SCDDA) and thought you and others might find it useful:
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that contain mostly hemoglobin* S, an abnormal type of hemoglobin. Sometimes these red blood cells become sickle-shaped (crescent shaped) and have difficulty passing through small blood vessels.
Normal red
blood cell Sickle-shaped
red blood cell
When sickle-shaped cells block small blood vessels, less blood can reach that part of the body. Tissue that does not receive a normal blood flow eventually becomes damaged. This is what causes the complications of sickle cell disease. There is currently no universal cure for sickle cell disease.
Hemoglobin – is the main substance of the red blood cell. It helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the air in our lungs to all parts of the body. Normal red blood cells contain hemoglobin A. Hemoglobin S and hemoglobin C are abnormal types of hemoglobin. Normal red blood cells are soft and round and can squeeze through tiny blood tubes (vessels). Normally, red blood cells live for about 120 days before new ones replace them.
People with sickle cell conditions make a different form of hemoglobin A called hemoglobin S (S stands for sickle). Red blood cells containing mostly hemoglobin S do not live as long as normal red blood cells (normally about 16 days). They also become stiff, distorted in shape and have difficulty passing through the body’s small blood vessels. When sickle-shaped cells block small blood vessels, less blood can reach that part of the body. Tissue that does not receive a normal blood flow eventually becomes damaged. This is what causes the complications of sickle cell disease.
Types of Sickle Cell Disease
There are several types of sickle cell disease. The most common are: Sickle Cell Anemia (SS), Sickle-Hemoglobin C Disease (SC)
Sickle Beta-Plus Thalassemia and Sickle Beta-Zero Thalassemia.
What is Sickle Cell Trait?
Sickle Cell trait (AS) is an inherited condition in which both hemoglobin A and S are produced in the red blood cells, always more A than S. Sickle cell trait is not a type of sickle cell disease. People with sickle cell trait are generally healthy.
Inheritance
Sickle cell conditions are inherited from parents in much the same way as blood type, hair color and texture, eye color and other physical traits. The types of hemoglobin a person makes in the red blood cells depend upon what hemoglobin genes the person inherits from his or her parents. Like most genes, hemoglobin genes are inherited in two sets…one from each parent.
Examples:
If one parent has Sickle Cell Anemia and the other is Normal, all of the children will have sickle cell trait.
If one parent has Sickle Cell Anemia and the other has Sickle Cell Trait, there is a 50% chance (or 1 out of 2) of having a baby with either sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait with each pregnancy.
When both parents have Sickle Cell Trait, they have a 25% chance (1 of 4) of having a baby with sickle cell disease with each pregnancy.
How will I know if I have the Trait?
A SIMPLE PAINLESS BLOOD TEST followed by a laboratory technique called Hemoglobin Electrophoresis will determine the type of hemoglobin you have. When you pass an electric charge through a solution of hemoglobin, distinct hemoglobins move different distances, depending on their composition. This technique differentiates between normal hemoglobin (A), Sickle hemoglobin (S), and other different kinds of hemoglobin (such as C, D, E, etc.).
Medical Problems
Sickle cells are destroyed rapidly in the body of people with the disease causing anemia, jaundice and the formation of gallstones.
The sickle cells also block the flow of blood through vessels resulting in lung tissue damage (acute chest syndrome), pain episodes (arms, legs, chest and abdomen), stroke and priapism (painful prolonged erection). It also causes damage to most organs including the spleen, kidneys and liver. Damage to the spleen makes sickle cell disease patients, especially young children, easily overwhelmed by certain bacterial infections.
Treatment
Health maintenance for patients with sickle cell disease starts with early diagnosis, preferably in the newborn period and includes penicillin prophylaxis, vaccination against pneumococcus bacteria and folic acid supplementation.
Treatment of complications often includes antibiotics, pain management, intravenous fluids, blood transfusion and surgery all backed by psychosocial support. Like all patients with chronic disease patients are best managed in a comprehensive multi-disciplinary program of care.
Blood transfusions help benefit sickle cell disease patients by reducing recurrent pain crises, risk of stroke and other complications. Because red blood cells contain iron, and there is no natural way for the body to eliminate it, patients who receive repeated blood transfusions can accumulate iron in the body until it reaches toxic levels. It is important to remove excess iron from the body, because it can gather in the heart, liver, and other organs and may lead to organ damage. Treatments are available to eliminate iron overload.
Promising Treatment Developments
In search for a substance that can prevent red blood cells from sickling without causing harm to other parts of the body, Hydroxyurea was found to reduce the frequency of severe pain, acute chest syndrome and the need for blood transfusions in adult patients with sickle cell disease. Droxia, the prescription form of hydroxyurea, was approved by the FDA in 1998 and is now available for adult patients with sickle cell anemia. Studies will now be conducted to determine the proper dosage for children.
Other treatment options in clinical development include new, more convenient options than current therapies to eliminate iron overload caused by repeated blood transfusions.
http://www.sicklecelldisease.org/about_scd/[/color] | Posted: at 11-07-2009 06:53 AM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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![-]( "swagga") swagga at 11-07-2009 10:36 AM (14 years ago) (f) well you said shes is a carrier not a sufferer...can u be more specific what her genotyp is??...is she AS or SC or AC or SS n what is ur genotype....are you any of the following or are u AA if u are for example AA n she is AS you will have a carrier but no sufferers...carriers dont show the disease or experience anaemia or the sicke crisis.....for example, if u are AC and she is AS or SC u will have carriers and normals in case of AS but not SC.....if she is SS n ur AA den jus carriers but if u r AS den u will have a sufferer...ui need be sure of her genotype....go to the hospital get the results seat ur folks down....get a good doctor willing to go home with you to explain it to your folks....SIMPLE!! den 4rm there u can decide | Posted: at 11-07-2009 10:36 AM (14 years ago) | Upcoming | |
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![-]( "glory4life") glory4life at 11-07-2009 01:56 PM (14 years ago) (f) listen to your heart, please | Posted: at 11-07-2009 01:56 PM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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![-]( "azeezizou") azeezizou at 11-07-2009 07:35 PM (14 years ago) (m) with your genotype AA,there would be no problem but i am sorry if otherwise is the case. | Posted: at 11-07-2009 07:35 PM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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![-]( "McBona") McBona at 12-07-2009 12:35 AM (14 years ago) (m) with your genotype AA,there would be no problem but i am sorry if otherwise is the case.
U've said it as the Medical field requires. For taking Ma place in this very topic! Imma gonna say 'Gracias'. | Posted: at 12-07-2009 12:35 AM (14 years ago) | Gistmaniac | |
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![-]( "Iyaana") Iyaana at 12-07-2009 04:53 PM (14 years ago) (f) 7 years of courtship cannot and can neva be compared with a lifetime of unhappines. if you are AA and a christian and your people agrees especially your parents, then i bliv you can go on but if your people esp your parents refuses, its a no go area cos you will not always be with her 24/7 neida can you ignore all you relatives cos of one person so think deeply cos of the future. i tell u, u still av a very long way to go so think deeply before you leap. | Posted: at 12-07-2009 04:53 PM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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![-]( "biggodwin") biggodwin at 13-07-2009 12:18 AM (14 years ago) (m) SORRY, BUT IF BOTH OF THEM A BORN AGAIN, AND THEY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE IN THEM, THEN THEY ARE BORN OF AN INCORRUPTIBLE SEED, THEY WERE BORN NOT OF THE WILL OF BLOOD, AND NOTHING SHALL BY ANY MEANS HURT THEM. The Just shall live by faith! With God, nothing is impossible. By His Stripes, ye were healed. All these scriptures are potent weapons effective enough to make even two AIDS Couple live as long as they wish. I rest my case. | Posted: at 13-07-2009 12:18 AM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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it depends on him.if u love her and u can sacrifice for her why not.Afterall love is all abt sacrifice.We need love and give love in return.I want u to ans this questions,can u stand the crisis when it comes?can u spend sleepless nyts in d hospital?what abt the drugs?how do u want to handle her when she's carrying ur baby?Marriage is a life time comitment,not a contract.If u can cope with all the stress thats associated with sickcell then go ahead bro.If u cant then talk things oer with herand be realistic.I know u are in love at times we get selfish when it comes to decision taking.7 years is a long time.let me ask u this question,did u just discover dat she has sickle cell anaemia?if not why did it take u so long to address the situation?i'll advice u talk it over with her.Make her understand why you cant marry her.On the other hand if you feel strongly for her go ahead and marry her.
Na wah oh, love too much. | Posted: at 13-07-2009 09:58 PM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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My advice is "go seek a medical doctor's ad on what step to take b4 it's too late." | Posted: at 13-07-2009 11:22 PM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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![-]( "Temmysam") Temmysam at 14-07-2009 01:30 PM (14 years ago) (m) with God all things are posible | Posted: at 14-07-2009 01:30 PM (14 years ago) | Upcoming | |
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You got the Girl of Your Dreams. Gorgeous, Respectful, Innocent. The Ideal "Take Home To Mama Material! You guys have been going out for 7 years. You really Luv her and You both believe that "Sickle Cell" will not be an issue in your marriage. Everything is going on fine till your folks hear about You and Your Girl's Plans. They Have kicked against it and say it is only over their dead bodies that it can ever happen. They have advised BOTH OF YOU TO ?#!BREAK UP?!#. This is the situation one of my close friends is in rite now. Could you kind members of this community COMMENT and ADVISE on what my Good Friend should do!!!??? His Happiness and Joy for Eternity Depends on it  hmmm well, if the man is AA, they should get married.........no shaking!
A good apology has three parts:1 I'm sorry. 2 It's my fault. 3 What can I do to make it right? | Posted: at 14-07-2009 06:17 PM (14 years ago) | Gistmaniac | |
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![-]( "McBona") McBona at 15-07-2009 01:12 AM (14 years ago) (m) You got the Girl of Your Dreams. Gorgeous, Respectful, Innocent. The Ideal "Take Home To Mama Material! You guys have been going out for 7 years. You really Luv her and You both believe that "Sickle Cell" will not be an issue in your marriage. Everything is going on fine till your folks hear about You and Your Girl's Plans. They Have kicked against it and say it is only over their dead bodies that it can ever happen. They have advised BOTH OF YOU TO ?#!BREAK UP?!#. This is the situation one of my close friends is in rite now. Could you kind members of this community COMMENT and ADVISE on what my Good Friend should do!!!??? His Happiness and Joy for Eternity Depends on it hmmm well, if the man is AA, they should get married.........no shaking! Yeah! PresciousO. They should & no qualms. . . Medically comfirmed. | Posted: at 15-07-2009 01:12 AM (14 years ago) | Gistmaniac | |
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![-]( "Oyakhs") Oyakhs at 15-07-2009 07:26 AM (14 years ago) (m) I WILL NOT JUST ASK U TO MARRY HER OR DUMP HER...IF UR GENOTYPE IS AA, DEN CARRY ON BUT IF ITS AS DEN THERE COULD BE COMPLICATIONS. THOU THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SICKLE CELL, SO IF HER'S IS ONE OF THE GOOD TYPE(DONT FALL SICK OFTEN AND VERY HEALTHY) U CAN MARRY HER OTHER U GUYS SHOULD MOVE ON ON DIFFERENF PATH OF LIVE....JUST BECOME FRIENDS | Posted: at 15-07-2009 07:26 AM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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![-]( "olufowowe") olufowowe at 15-07-2009 08:53 AM (14 years ago) (f) oh wat a life to live in, if trully they love each other, the guy should go for test too, if he is tested positive they can go ahead and marry each other and make sure that they dont have more children to be at the safer side and at the same time, they should everything in Gods hand to put a permanent solution to their problem cos l know of someone after sometime she was tested positive to sickle cell. fowowe O.A. | Posted: at 15-07-2009 08:53 AM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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![-]( "Zibabe") Zibabe at 15-07-2009 10:51 AM (14 years ago) (f)  It's really confusing, but if u belief in God like i do ooo. My advise is no shaking. When it's comes to parent's matter 1 have to be very careful bcos even God Z after Him it's your parent. If u ar sure u dont both has the same genotype (ss), i min if urs is AA nd ur parent still insist on e no go happen, try ur possible best to convince them, if it didn't yield to ur expect it means God doesn't has hand in that Marriage. If your parent insisted you should not marry her because she's the affected, if you are the affected will they prayed you should'nt be married? what would be their prayer? and what will they do? | Posted: at 15-07-2009 10:51 AM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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![-]( "Zibabe") Zibabe at 15-07-2009 10:55 AM (14 years ago) (f) But if your parents didn't oppose my guy: No shaking! With God all things are possible. | Posted: at 15-07-2009 10:55 AM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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it depends on the guy status.(his genotype)if he is not a carrier,he can go ahead marry her.but be ready to face anything that comes his way. | Posted: at 15-07-2009 01:33 PM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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if your girlfriend is a carrier and you are not,then you guys should go ahead and get married,if you are safe,there is no possibility of your children being sickle cell anaemic.go ahead and marry her if you still love her.you can convince your parents to accet her as their in law.all de best! | Posted: at 15-07-2009 06:42 PM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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i would not advice you to discontinue with her you have to know your status first. also know dat love counquers all things, if i may ask you how sure are you sure that she is a sickel cell patient? have you gotten a confirmation? | Posted: at 15-07-2009 08:35 PM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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![-]( "MDLUV") MDLUV at 16-07-2009 12:22 AM (14 years ago) (f) as long as u know dt urnt ss(sickli cell or as)u can go ahead and marry her, | Posted: at 16-07-2009 12:22 AM (14 years ago) | Newbie | |
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caprice
swagga
glory4life
azeezizou
McBona
biggodwin
favour4realf
willson2694
Temmysam
presciousoluchi
Oyakhs
olufowowe
Zibabe
adamhamdeeya
preciousgrat
MDLUV
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