Retinopathy (or eye problems) can arise as a result of Sickle Cell Disease. I read of one person who literally woke up blind one day. For this reason, it is VERY important to have your eyes examined every year by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).
Ophthalmologists are eye doctors, which is different than a optometrist, who is not a medical doctor. Though they put a solution in your eyes, which causes them to dilate, the exam is painless. I admit, until a couple months ago, I had let this important yearly exam slide. It had been a several years since I had my eyes checked. Thankfully my hematologist stayed on me until I got my eyes examined. And I am happy to report a clean bill of health, as far as my eyes are concerned anyway.
Living with Sickle Cell Disease is kind of like owning a car; there is a lot of maintenance involved. Trust me, I know how tiring it can become always having to go to the doctor and have this or that test done. But taking care of your body is important; and these little checkups are important.
I hope you, my reader, has a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
Until next time.
Jon
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Zinc Sulfate & Sickle Cell Leg Ulcers
I recently did some research on the internet and read several studies and articles about zinc sulfate. Apparently, these studies indicate that taking 220mg of zinc sulfate three times a day can significantly improve healing time.
Like iron and other minerals, proper zinc levels are important to our body's normal function. Sickle Cell patients are often zinc deficient. This deficiency can have many negative side affects. Among other problems, this deficiency may be one of the causes of Sickle Cell leg ulcers.
Intrigued by the studies I read, I asked my doctors about taking zinc sulfate. My doctor recommended I take 220mg once a day, rather than three times a day. It's been about a week and a half since I started taking it, and I have already noticed an improvement. There really seems to be an acceleration in healing. I am cautiously optimistic that perhaps I have found one more thing that makes a subtle difference.
So my friends, if you too are struggling with Sickle Cell leg ulcers, ask your doctor about taking zinc sulfate. Even if it helps just a little, it is worth it. But here is a tip, be certain to take it with food. MedMD said it's best to take it one hour before eating or two hours after eating. I tried that. It made me nauseous. Taking it with food, however.....no nausea. So take it with food.
Best wishes.
Like iron and other minerals, proper zinc levels are important to our body's normal function. Sickle Cell patients are often zinc deficient. This deficiency can have many negative side affects. Among other problems, this deficiency may be one of the causes of Sickle Cell leg ulcers.
Intrigued by the studies I read, I asked my doctors about taking zinc sulfate. My doctor recommended I take 220mg once a day, rather than three times a day. It's been about a week and a half since I started taking it, and I have already noticed an improvement. There really seems to be an acceleration in healing. I am cautiously optimistic that perhaps I have found one more thing that makes a subtle difference.
So my friends, if you too are struggling with Sickle Cell leg ulcers, ask your doctor about taking zinc sulfate. Even if it helps just a little, it is worth it. But here is a tip, be certain to take it with food. MedMD said it's best to take it one hour before eating or two hours after eating. I tried that. It made me nauseous. Taking it with food, however.....no nausea. So take it with food.
Best wishes.
Night and Pain: Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers
Well, the good news is the set of ulcers on my right foot that broke out on my birthday have totally healed!!!! The bad news is I have seven new ones on my left foot. The first broke open around the end of August. As is typical, the skin breaks down around that first wound, causing several others to break open. They kind of look like a chain of islands.
There are several things I find odd about these wounds. The most odd thing is the fact that they seem to hurt the most from around 9pm to 5am. When my ulcers are at a certain stage--the stage they are presently in--I am awaken up one to three times during the night because of the burning pain. I have to get out of bed, clean them, put some lidocaine on them for the pain, and redress them.
I often wonder if this is typical; if other patients who struggle with ulcers experience the same thing. It's can be difficult to remain positive when one is extremely sleep deprived. But, I am doing my best. I know these wounds will heal eventually.
There are several things I find odd about these wounds. The most odd thing is the fact that they seem to hurt the most from around 9pm to 5am. When my ulcers are at a certain stage--the stage they are presently in--I am awaken up one to three times during the night because of the burning pain. I have to get out of bed, clean them, put some lidocaine on them for the pain, and redress them.
I often wonder if this is typical; if other patients who struggle with ulcers experience the same thing. It's can be difficult to remain positive when one is extremely sleep deprived. But, I am doing my best. I know these wounds will heal eventually.
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