Question 1

is there a cure for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

So far only one: At present the only cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow transplant. This is being done with greater frequency, and many pediatric transplant centers are participating in a trial with this. The biggest limitation to this is the availability of suitable bone marrow donors. Brothers or sisters are best, but they must be a match and have no more than sickle trait.

Question 2

do i need a operation if i have sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: For sickle cell anemia, you don't need surgery unless a complication of sickle cell affecting your gall bladder or some kind of osteomyelitis requiring surgery.

Question 3

is sickle-cell anemia a recessive, sex-linked trait?

Accepted Answer

Autosomal recessive: It is recessive, meaning a person has to inherit a gene for ss from each parent to be affected, but it is not sex linked.

Question 4

please let me know if there is a cure for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, transplant: A bone marrow transplant can be cure. There are many medical and personal factors that go into the decision making process about whether a transplant would be a good option for a patient with sickle cell disease. Most patients do not receive transplant because of the risk of death from the procedure. This risk is improving all the time, so transplants may become more common in the near future.

Question 5

can a sickle cell anemia patient gain weight? if so how or what ways?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell, wt gain: This is a tough question.  With increase of metabolic rate due to the body trying to replace RBC's that's life span is 20 days instead of 120 days, increase of calories is important.  Hydration is very important to avoid crisis episodes.  New therapy with Hydroxyurea is showing promise in the area of weight gain. A diet high in Omega N3 fatty acid is important as is avoiding excess iron.

Question 6

is abnormal hemoglobin is a key characteristic of sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Yes: With ss disease a genetic mutation changes the gene sequencing needed for normal hemoglobin production.The alteration changes the way the hemoglobin handles the oxygen molecule as it carries it in the blood.The blood cell then becomes distorted in the small capillaries and the spleen.The cell breaks down rapidly and or remains trapped.Anemia is a chronic problem.

Question 7

how is it possible for a baby to have sickle-cell anemia and leukemia?

Accepted Answer

It is possible: It is not common- but unfortunately it can happen. Sickle cell anemia does not protect somebody to have leukemia and vise versa.

Question 8

i have sickle cell anemia and i have been having a lot of pain attacks what should i do ?

Accepted Answer

F/u with your MD: You need to have a regular f/u with your hematologist and follow  the recommendation.Need to make sure you hydrate yourself well. Avoid getting dehydration, and getting infection. Personal hygiene is important too. Be compliant with your hydrea-if you are supposed to take it. Some people need regular blood transfusion some people dont. D/w your hematologist things you should do to prevent crisis.

Question 9

what are the most effective strategies for taking care of a partner with sickle-cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

What do you mean?: If you mean that you would like to be helpful to them regarding their disease, i would encourage them to be seen and followed in a comprehensive care clinic by experts in sickling disorders. This is most likely a clinic run by a hematologist. Take fevers and abdominal pain seriously. Live a healthy life.

Question 10

how can a patient as well as their family and friends be helped with coping with sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Education: Education and genetic counseling helps to deal with the condition.

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Sickle cell anemia brochure

A member asked:

Is there a cure for sickle cell anemia?

A member asked:

Do i need a operation if i have sickle cell anemia?

A member asked:

Is sickle-cell anemia a recessive, sex-linked trait?

A member asked:

Please let me know if there is a cure for sickle cell anemia?

A member asked:

Can a sickle cell anemia patient gain weight? if so how or what ways?

A member asked:

Is abnormal hemoglobin is a key characteristic of sickle cell anemia?

A member asked:

How is it possible for a baby to have sickle-cell anemia and leukemia?

A member asked:

I have sickle cell anemia and i have been having a lot of pain attacks what should i do ?

A member asked:

What are the most effective strategies for taking care of a partner with sickle-cell anemia?

A member asked:

How can a patient as well as their family and friends be helped with coping with sickle cell anemia?

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