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I first learned of Sickle Cell Disease as a freshman at Howard University. To say the least it was a mind blowing experience. I was always told that my sickness associated with sickle cell disease was due to my being anemic. As a kid you never put two together. As a black male at Howard I was reluctant to tell anyone about my disease. For many years I continued to hide behind a secrecy. I attribute this part to holding myself together and being strong.
It was a pact that I held with myself. I kept this from family, if possible, friends and even lady friends. Ultimately, my early knowledge allowed me to make some critical decisions. I was determined not to bring a child into this world with sickle cell disease. When I proposed to my wife we both knew my condition and desire. I think because of her knowledge she felt the same way. That we not take the risk and therefore she was tested and found not to have the sickle cell trait. We have three wonderful children and sometimes they complain of trait like symptoms but will never experience the devastating pain nor hopefully organ damage that I have experienced. They have full knowledge of the disease and can make appropriate decisions.
I was particularly interested in talking about testing after my wife and I overheard a couple in our hematologist office discussing finding out that she had sickle cell anemia and he had the trait, therefore the baby would have sickle cell anemia. You see some patients are in favor of knowing prior to the birth of the baby. It is only my opinion that one should know ahead of time what they are looking forward to. What's your opinion on the subject of testing and prior knowledge of newborn screening?
A link on testing is provided below
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/sickle/
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/sickle/
Hi there. I was looking up fertility and males with sickle cell disease and came across your post. I am 25 years old and my husband is 29 and he has sickle cell disease. I do not carry the sickle trait. We are trying to conceive but we have been having some issues. I see you said you and your wife have three children. That gives me hope. If it is not too personal could you tell me did you and your wife conceive naturally? I have been doing research on male fertility and sickle cell but I haven't found much info. Only that a large percent of males with sickle cell suffer from low sperm count. If you have any information on this please comment back. Any encouraging words will be greatly appreciated. Thank you
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