McmurryHollenbeck49

This can be a subject that, unfortunately, is very close to my heart. My grandmother, who practically raised me while my mom was out working, suffered from Gaucher Disease until the day she died. As a young person, I did not know what it was. My grandmother was a proud woman and didn't discuss it. I only knew because my mother explained. After she passed on and I obtained older, I decided I had to know just what it absolutely was that took my grandmother. This short article will give you the basic factual statements about what Gaucher Disease is and what treatments are available.

The first thing that surprised me to find out was that Gaucher Disease is most typical among people who are either Jewish or from Eastern or Central Europe. From the Jewish home, it explained a great deal to me. Another thing that I learned that also amazed, as well as scared me was that Gaucher Disease is also inherited, meaning it's passed on from your own parents. The likelihood of inheriting the disease decrease with each generation that the disease itself doesn't arrive. In my family, it's now 3 generations since, so we're probably pretty safe at this point.

What exactly is Gaucher Disease? Well, it is a genetic mutation that effects organs just like the liver and spleen. The specific infection is caused by an enzyme deficiency that consequently causes fatty substances to accumulate in these organs. In my grandmother's case it was in both her liver and her spleen. The condition causes an enlargement of these organs. This explains why my grandmother, who weighed all 80 pounds, looked like she had a basketball in her stomach.

You can find, unfortuitously, a lot more symptoms besides an enlarged liver or spleen. Other symptoms include problems with blood clotting, easy bruising, fractures for no apparent reason, and even bleeding when brushing one's teeth.

Detecting if somebody has Gaucher Disease is just a simple matter. A blood test is all that is needed. The enzyme deficiency will show in the liver and spleen. You will find three kinds of Gaucher Disease, but type one is the most frequent and the type that my grandmother endured.

Fortuitously, we have come a considerable ways since the 60s, when my grandmother suffered from this infection until she passed away in 1974. Today, you will find enzyme replacement therapies which are actually quite effective in treating Gaucher Disease. Also, an excellent diet, lower in fats and meats, high in fruits and vegetable, will also aid in battle this disease.

Those who find themselves struggling with this infection can live a long time with it. My grandmother developed this disease very young in life but still lived to be 66 years old.

If you or a cherished one is suffering from Gaucher Disease, there was hope. Please visit your medical professional and ask him what treatments are available in your area.