Entry 25

shannyasia bolton
4/30/15
english 4

                                                         Basic Information about SCD
                                                               
There is estimated 100,00 people in the U.S who are living with Sickle Cell Anemia, but are not affected by this disease.  But millions are affected throughout the world. This disease cannot be prevented but can be treated. Sickle Cell Anemia is a disease in which your blood cells form into a C which makes it very hard for your blood to flow freely. Because the blood cell forms into a c, it causes many health complications such as pain organ damage, or stroke. There isn't really an exact cause for Anemia other than it is hereditary. A couple may produce a child in which one of the parents may have the Sickle Hemoglobin  gene which
is the trait sickle, but the other parent may not have any sickle trait. If this takes place there is a 50/50 Chance that the child will have sickle or may not. They could in fact have the gene but experience very little to no symptoms.
All races are susceptible to SCD (Sickle Cell Disease), the reason blood cannot flow freely pass each other is because SCD cause the blood cells to be stiff and sticky, this causes pain to the limbs. There is no cure or prevention from SCD only treatment. You can be diagnosed with SCD as soon as birth. People with SCD can in fact live a normal life as long as they take their medication to help prevent flare up. African Americans are actually mainly diagnosed with SCD.

Entry 24

shannyasia bolton
4/20/15
english 4

                                                            Additional Information

Sickle Cell Anemia is such a complex blood disease, it hard to treat due to what affects it can cause.  As a person who doesn't have sickle hearing about the disease and getting educated made me want to get involved. Especially because I have family members who have SCD. I know of the complications and problems of it. Besides causing physical pain it cause emotions suffering such as depression.
In fact the term Sickle Cell itself doesn't just mean the sickling of a red blood cell but is an term that include all patients who have the sickle cell mutation plus a second mutation gene called 'beta globin'.  Which in this case caused the clinical sickling. Clinical sickling is when the blood cells start to attack each other and turn into a shape of an C.
In 2008 mandatory screening for SCD in newborns is enforced in all 50 states including District of Columbia. hey can now diagnose people who are pregnant 10 weeks into their pregnancy if their child has SCD or not. Anyone can be diagnosed with SCD, usually  one of the patients parents has the Sickle Cell trait in which the patients inherits. The Sickle Cell trait can be passed on and even skip generations. Sickle Cell Anemia is inherited not caught like virus. People living with SCD can live a normal life as long as they eat right, exercise, and take treatment on time.
Change a life by getting educated on Sickle Cell Anemia, and finding out what you can do tell those who have it. Improve a life by getting involved.

Entry 23

shannyasia bolton
4/30/15
english 4

                                                  Additional Information
People normally are diagnosed at birth, the symptoms are developed at a young age. A clinical research team did research on 305 children who were diagnosed at birth. The results showed that however old the child would result in how aggressive they symptoms would be. For example, at 6 months of age the child had 6% of symptoms, at 2 years of age the child had 61% of symptoms, and at 8 years old they had 92% of symptoms.
The pain typically peaks between 19 and 39. Some symptoms can be managed at home, if critical medical assistance is advised. Neurologic complications can even be caused by SCD. 25% of children have had silent ischemic lesions that cause neurocognitive functions to be impaired. This can be prevented by transfusion therapy, meaning a blood transfusion each time the patient goes to medical therapy. SCD does cause pain as well at complications but not every SCD case is the same. Not everyone living with Sickle Cell Anemia are having pain and complications. They can live a normal life by eating and exercising and of course taking their medicine on time.
When people are born with SCD, their immune system are weak. Which cause them to be susceptible to disease and sickness 10x as fast as someone who doesn't have SCD. They have created medicines and techniques to help painful episodes  from happening. There are even support groups specifically made for SCD. These groups talks about the complications and problems of having SCD and how to deal with it. You or anyone with SCD can join a support group to help benefit and educate about SCD. SCD is a serious blood disease that shouldn't be taken likely. Help someone you know dealing with it.

Entry 22

shannyasia bolton
4/30/15
english 4

                                                           Additional Information

There are more than 5 types of way to be treated for SCD. You can receive oral fluid, antibiotics, and pills. Only those with severe anemia are treated with blood transfusion. In fact testing all newborns is required by law in 50 states. They test them using blood samples. A normal healthy blood cell lives for about 120 days, in the case of a sick cell it lives for only 10-20 days. That significantly low. There is roughly about 2 million people with the sickle cell trait and don't even know. This is because they have had no symptoms, or tested for it. People may even develop severe Sickle Cell Anemia, which causes severe symptoms. These symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing, stroke, Joint pain and arthritis and bone infarctions , and Blockage of blood flow in the spleen or liver. There is only one FDA drug prescribed for SCD patients, which is called Hydroxyurea. This medicine helps prevent painful episodes. A study showed that patients that used hydroxyurea had decreased symptoms, blood transfusion, and hospitalization. There have only been about 200 people who received a stem cell treatment which almost acts like a cure for SCD. They had to have a sibling donor.  This procedure is tricky, there is 5%-10% chance of death. If the procedure is correctly done, the patient was cured and no longer experience painful episodes.
I personally everyone who has SCD should be given free treatment or even the curable procedure if wanted. Also those who suffer with anxiety and stress should talk to someone with the same disorder as them. That way they can relate to one another and cope.

Entry 21

shannyasia Bolton
4/30/15
english 4

                                                          Additional Information


Those living with SCD can sometimes cause a person to  fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. Talking to a health care team can also help out a lot .Even though SCD causes pain and internal damage there is treatment which helps relieve the symptoms so they can get through everyday life. Also maintaining a healthy diet helps out the body a lot. The diet should contain vegetables and fruits.Your diet should also include whole-grains, and low-fat free dairy. Also food that contain protein, lean meats, eggs, poultry without skin, seafood, nuts, seeds, beans. Also certain medications shouldn't be taken. It has been proven that certain medications which contain pseudoephedrine, worsen SCD Symptoms. Such as causing the blood vessels to tighten, which prevents blood cells from flowing freely past each other.
Even the way you dress can affect those with SCD disease. You should avoid cold and hot places. Even swimming in the wrong temperature of water can affect those with SCD. In fact they may need extra oxygen in high altitudes. If employed avoid jobs that require hard labor. Even when traveling in which this travels requires a plane, you should talk to your doctor.
There are people living with SCD who have no symptoms, due to the fact they eat healthy, exercise and take the proper medication. Also they have regular check-ups and take the advice of doctor. Support from Family and friends can help relieve stress and anxiety. Even talking to people the same disease is also very helpful. It lets those affected by SCD that they are not alone and that there are people who share the same disorder. SCD does not cause any visible damage but internal and emotional damage.

Entry 20 Conclusion

Shannyasia Bolton
4/30/15
English 4

                                            Final thoughts on Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle Cell anemia has been an on going epidemic since 1900s when it first was discovered. Times has changed since then. People are living longer than expected due to the new medications that have been discovered as well as technology. With the proper treatment, diet, and exercise little to no symptoms will be experienced by a SCD victims. 1 in 12 African Americans carry the Sickle Cell Trait. All Races are susceptible to SCD. If you know absolutely nothing about SCD you should get educated. Sickle Cell is being less rare and more common.It heavily affects African Americans and people of other African ancestry. SCD is inherited meaning passed from parent to off spring. A safe way to avoid SCD is to get tested as well as your partner to see if you could possibly pass on the trait to their children. If you wondering how you can help the epidemic of SCD, you can donate blood to your local blood bank to help those in need of a blood transfusion. Even becoming an advocate by talking to people with SCD. By doing this you can bring awareness of this disease.You can also give your support to those living with Sickle Cell Anemia,such as a family member, friend, or anyone associated with the SCD. People living with SCD need emotional as well as physical support.
In fact there are several organization which specifically specializes in SCD. One of the organization is called ‘The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund Inc.’ There vision is to have a world without sickle cell by finding a cure. Their Mission is to find a cure, and support those living with SCD. They are currently trying to respectfully ask the President of the United States to acknowledge that SCD is a national health priority. A petition was made on Monday-September 22nd with official campaign launch. But due to cutback the campaign was taken away. They are simply just trying to ask the United states to make SCD a prioritized disease. Get involved stop the epidemic of SCD.

Entry 19

shannyasia bolton
4/3015
english 4

                                                            More facts about Sickle Cell

Most cases of sickle cell anemia cannot be cured, but blood and marrow stem cell transplants have been successful at doing so in a small number of people. More research is needed in this area. For most, the goal of treatment is to minimize symptoms and prevent complications. This is often done using a combination of medications that both directly treat the blood as well as the symptoms that a patient  might be experiencing. Blood transfusions are often used to treat or in most cases prevent serious complications from sickle cell anemia.Such as damage to the organs or having strokes.Sickle cell anemia is just one of many forms of sickle cell disease. It is a condition that is passed along from parents to their children. The disease is more common in people of certain ethnicities, including blacks Hispanics and other African ancestry. Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that causes abnormally shaped red blood cells. Normal blood cells are disk-shaped with an indentation in the center, and they move smoothly through the blood vessels. But with sickle cell anemia, the body produces red blood cells that are shaped like a sickle, or crescent. These cells don’t move through the bloodstream as easily, and they tend to stick and clump together and cause other health complications.

Entry 18

shannyasia bolton
4/30/15
english 4
                                                              How Hydroxyurea works

     Why is hydroxyurea used to treat SCD? Hydroxyurea is used to reduce complications of sickle cell disease in people who have a history of severe symptoms. People with SCD normally have 3 pain crises a year, hydroxyurea reduces that little to none. Hydroxyurea can reduce the number of painful events like acute chest syndrome episodes. It also can reduce hospital stays for sickle cell disease.Some people with SCD can be in the hospital for weeks or months. This medicine doesn't work for everyone though. Everyone case of SCD is different. So far, research shows that hydroxyurea is as effective for children as well as adults. Every medication has side affects , but side affects from hydroxyurea are rarely detected or the patient is able to deal with the side affects. Hydroxyurea is given by mouth one time each day. It comes in liquid or capsule form.
The U.S. (FDA) has approved it for the treatment of adults with severe sickle cell disease.                Red blood cells contain hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout
 the body. People with normal hemoglobin have mostly Hemoglobin A in their red
blood cells. People with sickle cell disease have mostly sickle or Hemoglobin S (Hb S) in their red
blood cells. Hb S is an abnormal type of hemoglobin. In people with sickle cell disease, Hb S causes
the red blood cells to change from a round shape to a sickle or banana shape. Also, Hb S causes the
red blood cells to become rigid and sticky. This leads to blockage of blood flow to important body, organs, and muscles.

Entry 17

Shannyasia Bolton
4/20/15
English 4

                                                    Prolonging Life Expectancy
There are new ways to treat SCD such as the drug hydroxyurea. This drug has actually stopped Crises from happening. People with SCD were only expected to live for 14 years. In today's society people are living 5x as longer. Children with CD are very susceptible to infections, usually because their damaged spleens are unable to protect them from bacteria. Signs of damaged lung functions can occur very young children. As children with SCD live longer, older patients are now facing medical problems related to the long-term adverse effects of the disease process. The most severe complications are acute chest syndrome, long-term damage to major organs, stroke, and complications during pregnancy such as high blood pressure in the mother and low birth weight in the infant. This happens because they did not have the resources back then that they now have in today;s world. 50% of patients with sickle cell anemia survived way beyond the fifth decade. A large proportion of those who died had no chronic organ failure but died during an acute episode of pain, chest syndrome, or stroke. Early mortality was highest among patients whose disease was symptomatic. A high level of fetal hemoglobin predicted improved survival and is probably a reliable childhood forecaster of adult life expectancy.

Entry 16

Shannyasia Bolton
4/30/15
English 4

                                                       More symptoms and diagnoses

People with sickle cell disease may develop severe pain in the chest, back, arms, legs, and abdomen. Pain can occur anywhere in the body. Sickle red blood cells in the lungs can cause severe illness with chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Sickle cell disease can also cause permanent damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, and bones due to the lack of oxygen being distributed throughout the body. The severity and symptoms depend from person to person, especially in the same family.Sickle-shaped red blood cells can be detected when a blood sample is examined under a microscope. But sickle cell disease is diagnosed by a blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis, which measures the amount of the abnormal sickle hemoglobin they do this sometimes by stripping away the oxygen from the blood. The amount of sickle hemoglobin determines whether the person is a carrier (sickle cell trait) or has sickle cell disease. There are also  screening tests that detect the formation of sickle red blood cells or clumps of abnormal sickle hemoglobin when oxygen is removed from the blood. These tests are less commonly used, because they cannot distinguish between sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.

Malaria and Sickle Cell Anemia — HHMI BioInteractive Video

   The scientist featured in this video learned that they could detect sickled cells by removing the oxygen from the blood. When they removed the oxygen from the blood it helped reveal the abnormal blood cells. Doctors are actually saying SCD is not really rare anymore. More and more cases of SCD are becoming common. This blood disease does not affect everyone the same. The the brother and sister featured in the video; the sister only experienced joint pain as well a bone pain. But the brother had experience abdominal pain. In fact his blood vessel had tighten so much that it caused damage to his spleen resulting in the removal of it. Scientist are trying their best to further research SCD. A REAL cure besides an  umbilical cord is still be looked to. SCD is mostly researched in Africa.This takes place in the Coast of Africa, Lake Victoria, and NAIROBI. Scientist are trying to figure out if Sickle Cell Anemia and Malaria are connected. They discovered places in Africa with high density along with water had a high population of mosquitos which carry Malaria also had a high population of SCD cases.

Shannyasia Bolton
4/29/15
English 4

                                                       Delayed Developmental Stage

     Children who have SCD often struggle with it. They struggle due to their rare blood disorders. A lot of times they go outside to play and come back home feeling tired and sick. But this all could be avoided by learning how to deal with their disease and taking care of their body. They can do this by eating healthy and exercising. Also taking the proper treatment everyday. This being said everyone with SCD is affected differently by it. But children have to be taken care of specially. Sometimes SCD can delay puberty or growing. This happens because of the lack of oxygen the body as well as the joints receive. But just because children have SCD doesn't mean they can't live a normally life or have a childhood.This being said a person can have the Sickle Cell trait and pass it on resulting in their children having Sickle or just the trait. They are simply called Sickle Cell Carriers. A lot of people don't know this but abnormal sickled cells do not only just stick together causing oxygen blockage but they also become hard. SCD is present at birth, they even have technology where SCD can be detected before birth,

Sickle Cell Anemia: A Patient's Journey Entry 14

 There are other children that are dealing with SCD , just like Alexandria. Researchers are trying their best to better understand the cure and get a step closer to finding a cure. Often children with SCD do not understand their disease they just want the pain to stop. Alexandria now 17 years old was diagnosed with SCD at age 4. But now they have technology that can diagnosed a child at birth or before birth. This being said doctors are still researching SCD in children, At only 12 years old Alexandria experienced a 'Silent Stroke'. Meaning she had a stroke not even knowing this. This happened because blood cells in her brain were sickled shaped which causes them to be unable to flow pass each other. Because of their new found shape, the cells start to clump together in the brain cutting off the oxygen supply to the brain. So basically children with SCD , can have silent strokes not even knowing it until doctors take a look at their brain. If they continue to do research on SCD maybe just maybe they will finally have a cure or even a vaccine.

Entry 13

Shannyasia Bolton
4/26/15
English 4

                           September is the National Awareness month for people with SCD. One of the events they have in Philadelphia is the 5k walk. Also fundraiser are big part of honoring SCD. The money goes to research to taking a step closer to finding a cure. Also money is donated to  hospitals and organizations which specify in working with people with SCD. When SCD first came out in the 1900's little to nothing was known bout this rare blood disease. The life expectancy of those living with SCD was very limited. People who are involved with the SCD movement just want to educate people about SCD and give support to those dealing with it.
One effective way with taking control of SCD is getting tested for it.By doing this you can see if you have the SCD trait. Just because people know SCD is genetic and of the symptoms  it's not going stop them from having children. Bur they can be educated about their disease and be supported.

Simple Ways to Prevent SCD Flair ups Entry 12

Shannyasia Bolton
4/26/15
English 4


           Everyone knows that a easy way to stay healthy and clean is by washing your hands. Washing your hands can easily prevent sickness. People living with SCD are very much encouraged to wash their hands. Because they have SCD their immune system is weak which causes them to be very susceptible to disease and even hydration. SCD can damage the organs and even enlarge the spleen. SCD can also double your risk of having a stroke. Children as young as 8 living with SCD are at risk of having a stroke.

Children with SCD should not handle uncooked meat or unwashed vegetables. Even unpasteurized milk and cheeses's can be harmful to someone with SCD. Just because people living with SCD have a lot of obstacles in front of them doesn't mean they can't live a normal life. They just have to take extra precaution such as eating the correct meals and taking the proper medicine. SCD is not a death sentence it just makes a person living with it to be more careful and aware of the meaning of life.

Freda Lewis-Hall and TLC's "T-Boz" Discuss Sickle Cell Disease on The Do... Entry 11

T-Boz (Birth name Tionne Watkins) the lead singer of a girl group called 'TLC' is a celebrity living with Sickle Cell Disease. She wasn't properly diagnosed til she was 28 years old. Sickle Cell Disease primarily affects African American; especially African American men. T-Boz has battle Sickle Cell Disease for many years not even understanding her disease and how to treat it. This being said due to the lack of knowledge of her disease she pushed her body to the limit by performing show after show. There were several times she had a flair up resulting in a Crises. SCD Crises happens when something sets the body off resulting in the blood cells that are shaped like C's to stick together making it impossible for blow to flow as well as oxygen to the body. T-Boz has experience this many times most often after performing. I personally think SCD is a serious disease and deserves more recognition.

Entry 10

Shannyasia Bolton
4/25/15
English 4

                           Taking care of your body is a great way to lessen SCD symptoms. Your diet should contain fruits and vegetables. It should also include whole-grains, low-fat free dairy. Also food that contain protein, lean meats, eggs, poultry without skin, seafood, nuts, seeds, and beans. Also certain medications should be avoided if it contains pseudoephedrine, it worsens SCD Symptoms. It causes blood vessels to tighten, which prevents blood cells from moving freely past each other cause serve pain throughout the body.
Even the way you dress can affect those with SCD . They should avoid hot and cold places. Such as swimming in the wrong temperature of water can affect their SCD. If employed they should avoid jobs that require hard labor. Even traveling such as a plane ride should be passed by the doctor before travel.

ENTRY 9

Shannyasia Bolton
4/25/15
English 4

  There is a FDA approved drug called Hydroxyurea which helps treat  people with SCD. Hydroxyurea has actually expanded the life expectancy of those living with SCD. Children and adults use this medication as treatment. Doctors who specialize in blood disorder such as SCD are called Hematologist. They are very familiar with SCD as well as Sickle Cell Hemoglobin C.

Hydroxyurea has improved many SCD patients lives. Helping reduce their hospital stays, no longer being in the hospital for weeks or even months. Though SCD is common in African Americans , African American males are the most affected. This video does not include that a team of doctors who participated in the multicellular Bone Marrow Transplant, discovered 94% of the children with SCD who received a bone marrow transplant from a matched relative could be cured.

Entry 8

Shannyasia Bolton
4/25/15
English 4

               People Living with Sickle Cell Anemia can live a normal healthy life. They can do this by eating right, working out and taking the proper treatment everyday at the time assigned. Also dressing accordingly because even the way you dress can affect your SCD. People living with SCD should have support and love from family members as well as friends.

This video just tells a story about a boy managing and dealing with his SCD. Not everyone SCD will be same. Some have little to no symptoms. But the way you treat your body plays a huge role on the affect of how your SCD will affect you. SCD is not a death wish. You can live a normal life with little to none complications.

Entry 7

Shannyasia Bolton
4/25/15
English 4
                             African American are greatly affected by SCD, doctors are struggling to find out why. 1 in 12 African Americans are living with the Sickle Cell trait. This means 100,000 people in the U.S alone are affected by this disease most are of African descant. This disease is commonly found in the Middle East, India, and Mediterranean which are of African Heritage.
The first report of SCD was reported in December 1904, The patient was a man name Walter Clement Noel. The doctor who diagnosed him was James Bryan Herrick. When Dr. Herrick looked at Noel's blood cells he discovered that his cells were irregularly shaped. He called his blood cells "peculiar, elongated and sickle-shaped.

Entry 6

Shannyasia Bolton
4/25/15
English 4

                                              Mandatory Screening For Newborns

As of 2008 mandatory screening for newborns was enforced in all 50 states including the District of Columbia. At only 4 months of age babies show 6% of signs and symptoms. As a child grows their symptoms increase becoming more aggressive. Doctors are actually encouraging parents to use the child's umbilical cord to treat their SCD, almost acting as a cure. They also can use the umbilical cord to treat someone else such a sibling or relative. More of this procedure  being done and people are being more informed of how it works. With this procedure SCD can be eliminating almost completely. This procedure is changing the out look of SCD.

Sickle Cell Anemia: Symptoms and Treatment entry 5

There are several signs and symptoms to having SCD. Most common symptom is the aches and pain to the chest, joints, and limbs. This happens due to the lack of blood flow and oxygen which is not able to be distributed through out the body. Blood transfusions is a very affective way to treat SCD.
Taking Hydroxyurea every day can prevent a crises. Eating right and also exercising also helps SCD symptoms. People living with SCD average about 3 crises a year or even more depending on how they take care of their selves. Also taking the advice from doctors play a key role in patients health.

Sickle Cell Entry 4

Hemoglobin is what helps the red blood transport oxygen through your body. Sickled cell is what attacks Hemoglobin turning it into Sickle Cell Hemoglobin C. Hemoglobin C is a less serve form of SCD. They have the same symptoms. Such as dizziness, head ache, tiredness, coldness in the limbs and discoloration.
SCD causes people to be susceptible to disease and dehydration. This happens because the blood cells attack each other. This video doesn't include that there is one benefit to having SCD which being a immune to malaria. A disease common in Africa, people get Malaria from a blood drink parasites such as mosquitos.

SCD entry 3

Shannyasia Bolton
4/25/15
English 4
                                                             Organization and Programs
There are programs and organizations for SCD. Sickle Cell Anemia doesn't just attack your body but it can cause emotional disorders such as anxiety, and depression, and sometimes lead to suicide. SCD patients are commonly found to suffer from depression. SCD go through tremendous physical pain which results in them wanting to take their life because they no longer want to deal the physical pain.
William E Proudfrod Sickle Fun INC. is a non-profit organization made for people who have SCD. William E Proudfrod was the man who started this organization for people living with SCD. When he passed on his family continued to keep the organization going.
There mission is to help people with SCD by fundraising money for them as well as educating people that are unaware of SCD. If you or a friend knows someone dealing with SCD , you should be a supporter and help educate other on this rare blood disorders.

SCD Entry 2

Shannyasia Bolton
4/25/15
English 4

                                                             Treatments of SCD
There is one FDA approved drug for SCD which is Hydroxyurea (Hydrea),and Folic acid. These drugs prevent the Sickle Cell Crises from happening and shorten hospital visits. SCD patients must take this drug everyday how every many times a day depending on how serve their symptoms are how much their doctor prescribes for them.
They also have pain killers prescribed to them. Morphine which is taken by mouth (Avinza) or by injection (Duramorph). There are several types of doctors that deal with SCD. Jefferson hospital located just downtown have a specific program for people dealing with SCD as well as treatments.
Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, Neurologist, Hematologist, and Pediatrician are all doctors who work with patients with SCD. Hematologist Are the most important because their specialty is specifically work with people who blood disorders.

Sickle Anemia Entry #1

Shannyasia Bolton
4/25/2015
English 4
                                                 What is Sickle Cell Anemia?

Sickle Cell Anemia (SCD) is a rare blood disease that causes mutation to the blood. Basically normal blood cells are shaped like a donut without the hole in the middle; when they sickle they form into little thin C's that stick together. When they begin to stick together blood is not able to flow causing pain.
When the sickled sickles stick together this causes a condition called '' Sickle Cell Crises''. Patients experience extreme pain to the limbs as well as fatigue. Some of the symptoms of SCD is  shortness of breath, dizziness, head aches, and coldness in the limbs. SCD also causes discoloration in the skin and eyes.
SCD is a serous illness, it damages organs such as the kidney due to the lack of blood flow. SCD symptoms can be treated. SCD is not contagious, it is inherited by a parent or relative who has it. Blood transfusions are commonly used to treat SCD patients.