Question: Who can people suffering from sickle cell anaemia marry and on what condition? How long do they live because I`m one?

Answer: Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder which requires both parents at least having one gene for the sickle hemoglobin. If you have "ss sickle cell disease" and marry someone with no "ss" then the children will have sickle cell trait, not the disease. Life span is changing and people live into . . .

Ask an Expert: Eric Kraut MD, Sickle Cell Anemia View full article

Bacteria From Uncooked Hamburger Meat

Question: My wife has sickle cell anemia and up until around 2002 she rarely got sick with any pain crisis. The summer of 2002 my brother had a barbeque and one of the hamburgers was not fully cooked. She ate it and since then she seems to get sick every 3 to 4 months. My question is, is it possible that the . . .

Answer: The bacteria from the hamburger is long gone. I think it is just a coincidence.

Ask an Expert: Anthony Villella MD, Sickle Cell Anemia View full article

Difference Between Iron Deficiency, Anemia And Thalassemia Trait

Question:

Many in my family have the trait and I am anemic as well. My hemaglobin level has never gone over 10.25 and goes as low as 7 after surgery. How much iron should I take each day? I have never been able to find a doctor to tell me why I have been tired my whole life and I am always cold. Just from . . .

Answer: It is often difficult to tell the difference between iron deficiency, anemia and thalassemia trait. From the information you have provided, I cannot make a diagnosis either. I recommend that you see your primary care doctor or ask for a referral to see a hematologist to establish a diagnosis and hel . . .

Ask an Expert: Anthony Villella MD, Sickle Cell Anemia View full article

Sickle Cell Anemia Traits

Question: Can a man with sickle cell anemia have children without passing it on to them?

Answer: Yes. If his partner does not have the sickle cell trait, then all of his children will only have sickle trait. If his  partner has the sickle trait, then there is a 50% chance of sickle disease and a 50% of sickle trait. If his partner also has sickle disease, then all of the children will . . .

Ask an Expert: Anthony Villella MD, Sickle Cell Anemia View full article