Loving a sickler

Sickle cell anaemia is a blood disease that is prevalent in Africa especially sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of Asia. This is because an allelic gene ( S) that is responsible its occurrence is surprisingly resistant to the malaria parasite which is a common ailment in the continent.

It is an hereditary disease that can be transferred from carrier parents. When both parents are carriers, (each possessing an AS genotype), then either one or more of their offsprings would be born with this genetic condition as the child would end up with a double S (SS)

Sickle cell anaemia is caused by spontaneous changes ( mutation) in the genetic materials that is responsible for the formation of hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying pigment of the red blood cells of our body. Hence its sufferers( who are also known as sicklers) have a smaller and unusual shape of hemoglobin.

A defective or sickle-shaped hemoglobin will mean that the blood cannot efficiently transport oxygen to its body cells which is very vital for life. Sometimes, the defective hemoglobin tends to make the red blood cells cram up in the blood vessels , thereby leading to a blockade. This could be very detrimental to the sufferer.

The life of a sickle cell patient is really arduous and they suffer a lot of health challenges during their usual brief life life on earth. As a result of hampered blood flow and reduced oxygen supply, they always complain of excruciating pains in their chest and joints especially at the long bones of the thigh and arms.

The crisis gets really bad especially during the cold and they might become bedridden for days. In worse cases, the pains could cause a permanent limp in their movement. This happens when some bones cells begin to deteriorate as a result of being deprived of oxygen and nutrients for a long time.

I have seen quite a number of sickle cell patients and it amazes me that most of them are not without a special gift or talent. Some of them could be very good at football, others could have a great voice for music. I have heard of of a late sickle cell patient who was a "mathematics wizard" and he could solve complex maths problems even when in pains.

Its very heartbreaking that most of them don't live long enough and fulfill their potentials on earth. Although, there are a few sicklers who look very healthy and full of life that you begin to doubt if they are actually have the condition. This category of sicklers have an in depth knowledge and awareness of their body and what could cause a crisis and they try to avoid them as much as possible.

It is important for sickle cell patients to maintain a healthy diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables. It is also advisable for them to perform soft exercises, never skip their medication, and avoid vigorous activities and exertions.

There was a young lady in my school who was a sickle cell patient. She spent almost seven years in the university for a course that was just four years. This was because she would always fall ill close to examination period or even before a major test due to her health condition. As a result, her academics suffered.

What was more painful is that she was very brilliant but couldn't afford to spend long hours studying since she was not as strong a s other young people. She would always end up in a sick bed at home or at the hospital anytime she tries to overstretch her study time . The disease also affected the retina which was responsible for image formation in the eyes. Due to lack of adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients in the blood capillaries surrounding the retina, it began to deteriorate and this hindered her vision even though she used glasses.

Even though they might have loving, caring and sympathetic people around them, most sickle cell patients hardly gets into a serious relationship. A lot of people are afraid to date them because they are fragile both in body and in heart. A sickle cell patient might find it extremely difficult to cope with an heartbreak or a betrayal and this might result to an episode of dangerous health crisis. The partner responsible would definitely be blamed if anything happens to him/her.

Of course, they might eventually find true love which would lead to marriage. Expectant mothers who are also sickle cell patients are advised to adhere to expert medical attention throughout the nine months as their pregnancy could pose a serious risk to both their lives and the life of the baby during parturition.

May God continue to be with and strengthen all these lovely souls out there.

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