I have recently been living with a case of sickle cell anemia. My friend Carol, unfortunately, has this autoimmune syndrome that affects 2 out of every 100 Black people in Brazil. This disease originated in Africa and is congenital and hereditary. Despite being called anemia, it is not similar to iron-deficiency anemia; on the contrary, the presence of iron can worsen the patients health. Sickle cell anemia is an alteration of the red blood cells in the blood, which take on a sickle shape.
Two people who carry the genes for Sickle Cell Anemia can have a child who is actually born with the disease and go through all this suffering. Sickle cell anemia manifests as blood clots, leading to difficulties with blood circulation in the veins and arteries, causing pain throughout the body. Another cause is ordinary infections for someone without anemia, but these infections cause great pain for those with anemia who are more susceptible to infections.
But After All, What are the Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia?
The symptoms of sickle cell anemia are basically pain, but in some cases, a person can have complications in organs such as the spleen, gallbladder, lungs, liver, and others. Sickle cell anemia can also be characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. The symptoms of sickle cell anemia can be terrible, with severe pain that can only be relieved with intravenous morphine treatment in the hospital.
According to Carol, the pain can start suddenly and for no apparent reason. It might happen in the middle of the night or during a walk in the park. Sickle cell anemia is not widely publicized, and there are cases where the problem is only discovered after much suffering and a long time, mainly due to a lack of information. The diagnosis of sickle cell anemia can be made not only by symptoms, but also with a blood test called the Hemoglobin S Test, so the doctor can start proper treatment. Some time ago, Carol had to have her spleen removed because there was a blood sequestration, which is common in those with sickle cell anemia. The spleen filled with blood, raising the risk of it bursting over time or causing a lack of blood for other organs. Sickle cell anemia can be cured, but it is a complicated surgery that follows the same principle as leukemia treatment; a bone marrow transplant can solve the case, but it is very risky and, unfortunately, very expensive.
Currently, Carol is doing well, her crises have decreased, but when she has a crisis, hospitalization is necessary. In São Paulo, there is a hospital specialized in sickle cell anemia, the Darci Vargas Children’s Hospital; for adults, treatment is provided at the Hospital das Clínicas in SP. Sickle cell anemia can be prevented with simple pre-pregnancy tests; if there are people with anemia in the family, it is always good to get tested before getting pregnant. Treatments to prevent the disease in the baby exist and are free. The important thing to say is that people with sickle cell anemia can have a relatively normal life; of course, there are some limitations, but nothing prevents them from being just like me and you!
I hope this has helped; a kiss from me and Carol!
See also: Sickle Cell Anemia Does Not Stop My Dream – Ana Carolina
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30746413@N05/4482896835/ bangkokrecorder.com
