My Daughter Has Sickle Cell, This Is How We Keep Her Life Normal

As a mother, all you want to do is protect your kids from the world but more importantly, keep them happy and healthy. I think I speak for most mothers when I say a completely healthy baby is what you pray for, the minute you find out you’re pregnant. It’s almost like those protective instincts kick in immediately. I was introduced to a new reality when my daughter was born. My daughter was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia during her newborn screening. Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that requires ongoing medical care. A person with sickle cell anemia has red blood cells that become sickle-shaped or c-shaped, instead of round. When the red blood cells become sickle-shaped, this interferes with the blood cells’ ability to transport oxygen around the body. This can cause pain, trigger symptoms and other serious complications, such as acute chest syndrome, infection and the possibility of stroke. Other symptoms associated with sickle cell anemia: Shortness of breath and/or pain when breathing Inflamed hands and feet Sudden pain in the chest Sudden pain throughout the body and/or joints Having a hard time moving parts of your body Dizziness Extreme fatigue Low oxygen levels throughout the...