Sickle Cell Disease Essay

Introduction

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disease that leads to abnormal functioning of the red blood cells. It is a genetic disorder which affects the red cells of the blood and the hemoglobin. The red blood cells of these individuals are sickle-shaped, which means their cells cannot circulate enough oxygen throughout the whole body (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2018). Healthy blood cells are round and sturdy. They can swiftly navigate through blood vessels and supply enough oxygen to the body. Sickle blood cells are either crescent or sickle-shaped. They appear rigid, and their shape allows them to stick to blood vessels hence slowing down oxygen flow. People with this condition inherit sickle genes which help the body to generate the hemoglobin SS gene (Howard and Telfer, 2015). The dominance of hemoglobin SS is the disease known as sickle cell anemia. This hereditary disease is incurable, and the severity of its symptoms and risk conditions vary among different individuals.

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How would you approach Ms. B about her vocational plans given the healthcare provider's recommendation?

I would begin by telling her some of the risks that come with sickle cell anemia. I would explain why sickle cell individuals lack the ability to counter the effects that result from exposure to radiology rays and lab equipment. I will make her understand the severity of her condition because she has been hospitalized severally. Because her bones have become affected, any interruption of blood supply can cause the death of more bones, increased joint pains and ultimately worsening the condition (Howard and Telfer, 2015). I intend to illuminate the possibility of laboratory tools falling on her and injuring her bones. As a technician the chances of injuries like cuts and bleeding in her chosen line of work are high. These injuries together with radiation rays have the possibility of distorting blood supply to her bones which will result in her condition worsening. I will explain how radiology rays increase her chance of developing cancer and how she can easily succumb to this condition.

The practicability of Ms. B's vocational choice

Her career choice is not realistic. A chosen vocation is supposed to explore one's intended purpose without straining them. It encompasses more than just getting paid for the job. It is fulfilling and often leads to personal satisfaction. Her expectations are not genuine because being aware of her condition and its implications; she knows the limits of her body. Having been severally admitted to a hospital due to sickle cell disease, Ms. B knows that she is sensitive and a lab technician job is strenuous and may worsen her condition. With her current physical state, she will not be able comfortably to engage in manual work activities. She will often feel a strained and tired and her painful episodes might become more frequent. She should consider a less risky job which will not impose any more danger to her condition

Functional implications of sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell anemia has functional implications which could be social, physical, mental, emotional and vocational. With sickle cell disease, she risks developing conditions such as blindness, gallstones, leg ulcers, pulmonary hypertension, organ damage, acute chest syndrome, and strokes (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2018). Physically she might suffer delayed growth, weak muscles, and bones. Physical retardation will limit her from seeking forms of employment which require a lot of physical involvement. Socially she might face stigma due to health-related conditions that result from her disease. Living with sickle cell anemia can be very stressful and distorts mental health, which might make any patient experience constant depression and sadness (Howard and Telfer, 2015). Without the correct support, an individual tends to feel isolated and exhibit signs of low self-esteem. A patient tends to feel inferior to normal people which may lead to feelings of dejection and contempt.

Which treatment professionals assist in managing sickle cell anemia? How are they helpful?

Treatment professionals and specialists include gene specialists, oncologists, infectious disease specialist, bone specialists, psychiatrists, and ophthalmologists. Infectious disease specialists and hematologists can help detect blood infections and help them manage and treat infectious conditions present in sickle cell patients (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2018). They can also prescribe drugs which can help patients manage pain. Gene specialists can help patients with the sickle cell disease have adequate information about the long-term outcome and treatment possibilities of sickle cell anemia. Bone specialists can help the patients manage joint and muscular pain caused by vaso-occlusive episodes and cope with the effects of osteonecrosis (Howard and Telfer, 2015). Psychiatrists help deal with the stress and depression caused by sickle cell anemia. Psychotherapists also help sick individuals to accept and live with the condition without feeling inferior. Sickle cell anemia causes blindness which ophthalmologists can help to control and manage.

Adaptive devices used in managing sickle cell disease. How are they helpful?

She could undergo bone marrow also known as stem cell transplant. Bone marrow and stem cell relocation can help in replacing damaged bone marrow. With a healthy yellow bone marrow, an individual can produce healthy red blood cells which could help alleviate the sickle cell trait. Bone marrow transplant could be the only way to treat sickle cell anemia. For her condition, she will need to use medication that relieves pain and consistently take hydroxyurea. Because of inadequate blood flow, her joints and muscles might continuously experience pain hence the need for painkillers. The hydroxyurea will suppress the occurrence rate of painful episodes and eliminate the possibility of future blood transfusions and occurrence of blood infections. Penicillins are also helpful in sickle cell conditions because they help prevent diseases like pneumonia.

References

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, March 8). Sickle cell anemia. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355876

Howard, J., & Telfer, P. (2015). Sickle Cell Disease In Clinical Practise. London: Springer Publishing. Retrieved April 18, 2018