View Full Version : Being sickle cell carrier
espejuelo
Apr 13, 2009, 05:17 PM
Hello everyone, I've a big issue and I need opinions, I'm with the most wonderful guy, he is all I always wished for, our connection is wonderful but we just found out he a carrier of sickle cell just like I'm and I don't know what to do, it has been very hard to break it off we are so confused and don't know what next to do... I need any opinion if someone is going through or have gone through the same thing... thanks
redhed35
Apr 13, 2009, 05:42 PM
Hey,I carry the cystic fibrosis gene,my ex was also a carrier.we had two children,one was totally normal healthy child,our second child had cf.
We didn't know we were carriers until our second child was born.
The fact that you both know,gives you the chance to source information regarding odds, and genetic information,when you are equipped with all the facts you can make an informed decision.
inthebox
Apr 13, 2009, 08:07 PM
Sickle Cell Anemia: eMedicine Hematology (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/205926-overview)
The sickle gene is present in approximately 8% of black Americans. The expected incidence of sickle cell anemia in the United States is 1 in 625 persons at birth. The actual prevalence is less because of early mortality. More than 2 million people in the United States, nearly all of them of African American ancestry, carry the sickle gene. More than 30,000 patients have homozygous Hb S disease...
Sickle cell trait is the heterozygous carrier state of Hb S. These individuals have approximately 40% Hb S and 60% Hb A, less so with coexisting alpha-thalassemia trait.
People with sickle trait generally are well and have the following characteristics:
Normal life expectancy
Not at excessive risk for infection
Not subject to painful crisis under normal circumstances
No anemia
Nevertheless, providing genetic counseling to prospective parents with sickle cell trait is important
Get genetic counseling
G&P