Val
Hi: My name is Valeria, I live in Argentina and like your son I'm a sickle beta thalassemia patient. I'm 28 year old and doctors discovered I was seek when I was 4. Since then I used to received 1 blood transfussion every 2 weeks until I was 9 years old when takes out my spleen. Spleen enlargement is common in Thalassemia patients. Is important for you to know that spleen must be removed as soon as possible, that will improve your son's life. At 9, my spleen was removed and since then I didn't need anymore transfussion except when I have pain crises causes by the sickle cell anemia. In order to avoid pain crises (in legs, chest, back, arms) your son must take at least 3 liters of water or other liquid (tea, juice, etc) but water is better because is quickly assimilate by the body. Unfortunatly there is no cure for this desease. Folic Acid help the bone marrow to produce better red blood cells, Penisilin will prevent infections. Both are very important! I suggest you to contact the Cooley's Anemia Foundation, and please feel free to contact me I'll be very glad to help you with my experience. Please take this in mind: IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE A NORMAL AND GOOD LIFE WITH THIS DESEASE. Only takes a few cares