Hi All
My Name is Hannah Stuart, a mother of
a 27-year-old sickle cell sufferer.
Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic
(inherited) blood disorder in which red blood cells, which carry oxygen
around the body, develop abnormally. Rather than being round and flexible,
the sickle red blood cells become shaped like a crescent (or
sickle).These abnormal red blood cells can then
clog sections of blood vessels leading to episodes of pain which can be
severe. These episodes are called a sickle cell crisis (also known as
a vaso-occlusive crisis).
They can last from a few minutes to
several months, though on average most last five to seven days.
The abnormal blood cells have a shorter
life-span and are not replaced as quickly as normal; this leads to a
shortage of red blood cells, called anaemia. Symptoms of
anaemia include tiredness and breathlessness; especially after
exercise.I brought my daughter up to control her
sickle cell disorder and not allow it to control her. Being a parent has its
struggles, however, it is also a blessing to have a child.
My Name is Hannah Stuart, a mother of
a 27-year-old sickle cell sufferer.
Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic
(inherited) blood disorder in which red blood cells, which carry oxygen
around the body, develop abnormally. Rather than being round and flexible,
the sickle red blood cells become shaped like a crescent (or
sickle).These abnormal red blood cells can then
clog sections of blood vessels leading to episodes of pain which can be
severe. These episodes are called a sickle cell crisis (also known as
a vaso-occlusive crisis).
They can last from a few minutes to
several months, though on average most last five to seven days.
The abnormal blood cells have a shorter
life-span and are not replaced as quickly as normal; this leads to a
shortage of red blood cells, called anaemia. Symptoms of
anaemia include tiredness and breathlessness; especially after
exercise.I brought my daughter up to control her
sickle cell disorder and not allow it to control her. Being a parent has its
struggles, however, it is also a blessing to have a child.