I am a 33 year old female in remission with Aplastic Anemia. I was diagnosed in November of 1985. I was treated with over 200 blood transfusions(red cells and platelets), prednisone(steroids), ATG(Anti-Thymocyte Globulin), then, eventually had a splenectomy(removal of the spleen) in September of 1986. I was told I was in
remission in the Spring of 1987. I can't ever be told that I'm cured, because, I have never had a bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant is the only known CURE. Unfortunately, a perfect match could not be found for me.
When I was diagnosed, my white count didn't exist at all. My hemoglobin was
4.0, and my platelet count was only 500(normal is 150,000-350,000). Therefore, my immune system was "shot". I was open to get all kinds of infections. I was bruised all over, had terrible migraines, and low blood pressure. The doctors even had to stop my menstrual cycle so I wouldn't bleed the little blood that I had left. You may be thinking, well, what's the miracle??!!?? Well, that was all of the negative information.
Now, for the positive: I've been in remission for 10 years now; I went on to finish college(I was a junior when I got sick), and, I got married. I didn't know if I'd make it through the Aplastic Anemia, and, not only have I survived the illness, I
brought a new life into this world! On March 3, 1995, I delivered a healthy beautiful girl named Alexa. Her middle name is Faythe(for all the faith I had to get through the illness). I had the child that I never thought I could have, due to all of the medications I had taken.
I continue to have bone marrow biopsies(YUCK!) every year to check my bone marrow. I have acquired other problems from some of the treatments. I have Hepatitis C from all of the blood transfusions, bi-lateral avascular necrosis of the hips(from the prednisone), and, recently had spinal fusion due to a fracture in the lower part of my back. However, I still have my life and my precious little miracle, Alexa. With Aplastic Anemia, as for many things in life, it's a waiting game. One is always waiting for the blood counts to rise...always waiting for results. We can only choose to sink or swim. I chose to swim, and, I choose to keep swimming. I wish everyone who is ill, or who has a family member, or friend with Aplastic Anemia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome the best! Good luck to you all, and, please hang in there!!
For ANY emotional support, please e-mail me at
MIRACL2100@aol.com
Shari
THINGS I ENJOY DOING!!
*Spending time with my husband and
daughter(being silly with my daughter)*
*Singing*
*Listening to music*
*Acting*
*Giving emotional support to anyone
who needs it*
*Writing poetry*
*Playing with the computer(of course!!!)*
*Bringing the child out in me(I love to have fun)!*
*Meeting new people*
POSITIVE THINGS TO DO TODAY!!
*Say, "Today Is Going To Be A Good Day!"*
*Donate A Unit Of Blood!*
*Be Honest*
*Help Someone In Need*
*Call An Old Friend*
*Tell Your Loved Ones You Love Them*
*Watch The Rosie O'Donnell Show!*
*Give Someone A Hug*
*Be Grateful*
*Look Forward To Tomorrow!*
MY FAVORITE PLACES!!
Aplastic Anemia Information
My Special Friend Katy Has Aplastic Anemia
Look Up A Medication
Send A Free Postcard
Search The Medical Library
Medical Information Search
For Music Lovers(audios/sounds)
Everything To Make You Laugh
Print Your Own Coupons!!
My graphics come from
Sign My Guestbook and let me know you were here!
View My Guestbook and see who's been here!
Have visited my page since Jan 9th 1999!
This page hosted by
Get your own FREE Homepage!