SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: Coping Strategies and Prevention

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SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: COPING STRATEGIES. 


There are warriors out there battling with this preventable disease. 


What is sickle cell disease? 

It's a disease that originated from the genetic makeup of the red blood cells. The normal is the AA genotype, however due to mutation and rearrangement of the components of this gene, we get a new combination entirely giving us the S type. There are also more types of new combinations including the C type. Being a SS or SC depends on what is combined as a pair in the genetic composition of the red blood cells. 


While the above remains purely genetic and scientific we should understand that those bad combinations resulted in the recurrent crises these people have. 


The normal genotype A blood cells is round in shape making them able to carry red blood cells round the body and do not change shapes in the presence of reduced oxygen, however, the S or C blood is Unstable and changes shape suddenly losing its oxygen carrying capacity and exposing the body cells to lack of their most needed nutrients and vitality, hence causing all sorts of diseases and outcomes not palatable as the patients grows. 


A true life story 

Let me tell this short story, I know of a couple who got married without checking their genotype, well, the lady knew she is AS and based on this she asked the man of his genotype who gave only a verbal confirmation that he was AA. They consummated the marriage and ended up being blessed with twins. It was 3yrs later that the 2 children started falling ill repeatedly and ended up to be diagnosed sickle cell anemic. This made the parents to have a check of the father's genotype and of course he was found to be an AS. 


The above story is a pathetic one, having one hbss child is enough stress, not to talk of having a twin as hbss. This is a true life story. 


How can we prevent sickle cell disease

  1. Know your genotype. If you do, you will be able to choose your match. 

  2. Know your partner's genotype too before you go far in a relationship and before making a promise of marriage. 

  3. Peradventure, you are married already to a wrong match of genotype, you will have to go through the stress of checking the child's genotype before birth. 

  4. In a country with a higher level of technology, they may be able to change the Hb genotype before birth. 


Let me help you with the matching. 


  1. AA can marry AS or SS or AC or SC or AA

  2. AS only goes for AA

  3. SS only goes for AA

  4. AC only goes for AA

  5. SC only goes for AA

By following the above and preaching it from generation to generation, we can conveniently eradicate sickle cell anemia or disease. 


Let's have some short Coping tips for those who are currently affected.

 

  1. Get closer to your doctor preferably a hematologist 

  2. Make water intake your ritual to prevent dehydration. As an adult, you should take at least 3l of water per day. 

  3. Take your routine drugs including Folic acid and others. 

  4. Avoid mosquito bites, sleep under insecticide treated net

  5. Avoid infections, upgrade your personal cleanliness. It's Coronavirus pandemic season, observe needed directives. 

  6. Avoid stress, physical or emotional as much as possible. 

  7. Avoid self medications as much as possible. 

  8. If you notice any symptoms, let your doctors know. 

  9. Never stop praying as God remains sovereign and ultimate. 


In conclusion, sickle cell anemia is highly preventable by making an informed decision. It can be successfully managed too, of course some do live longer than expected. Stay healthy and make responsible decisions always. 


Thanks for reading. Kindly share with those who might need it.



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