While some people with sickle cell anemia can have a high-quality life with the use of medication and medical procedures, others need a cure. Thus far, the only cure for the illness is a bone marrow transplant. Black people, in particular, should find out everything they can about this procedure as they are more prone to developing sickle cell disease than other ethnicities. Furthermore, their symptoms tend to be worse.
Who Qualifies For A Transplant
Bone marrow transplants are usually limited to people who have significant symptoms and complications from sickle cell disease. Some of the potential complications include stroke, organ damage, pulmonary hypertension, blindness, gallstones, and deep vein thrombosis.
Once your doctor thinks the transplant is an option, they’ll request tests to assess your overall health. This can include blood and imaging tests to check for other chronic conditions that may affect the procedure’s success. You can also expect to do a bone marrow biopsy, which gives an accurate picture of your condition.
However, you should bear in mind that Black people may have a harder time getting a match for a bone marrow donor. Black Americans who need a transplant generally have to wait longer than other ethnicities because there aren’t as many Black donors available.
How To Get Prepared For It
Your doctor will give you more detailed guidance but there are a few things you can do to get prepared for your bone marrow transplant. Eating well is recommended to keep healthy and build your strength.
You should keep hydrated as much as possible. Exercise is also important as it’s been shown that physical activity encourages healing and recovery.
Additionally, you’ll likely undergo conditioning up to 10 days before the procedure. This will be done at a hospital or an outpatient clinic and is meant to prepare your body for the transplant. It can include several doses of chemotherapy, radiation, or both. The treatment is meant to weaken or destroy unhealthy bone marrow and cancer cells.
It also suppresses your immune system and gets your body ready to accept the new cells. Unfortunately, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can affect your fertility. Your doctor will talk to you about your options for freezing your sperm or eggs before getting started.
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What The Procedure Entails
After conditioning, your doctors will install a central line so you can receive the transplant. On the day of your procedure, the stem cells will