blues..

blues..
::every cloud has a silver lining:: @ ::天無絕人之路 ~:~ 明天會更好:: @ ::tiān wú jué rén zhīlù ~:~ míngtiān huì gènghǎo:: @ ::天無絕人之路 ~:~ 明天會更好:: @ ::tiān wú jué rén zhīlù ~:~ míngtiān huì gènghǎo:: @ ::every cloud has a silver lining::

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May 20, 2011

இ Random facts IV ~ The Good The Bad & The Bloody 血

Click to learn Chinese word xue.
Mind my language for using the last word 'bloody' in the title as this entry is practically very bloody oops sorry said bloody again. During my schooling days we were forbidden to utter 'bloody fool' which is considered just as bad as the four letter word but when coming of age we hear or see this word so rampantly used almost everyday.

How nice to inherit millions from our parents and have a whale of a time like the standard fairy tale ending phrase, "lived happily ever after"? Wake me I'm dreaming!!! So far Bananaz has not inherited any goodies yet only CVD or color blindness and now what, more bad news? An incurable HbH disease. Ohhh how dreadful when you read this *let me put it in bold* INCURABLE disease? What runs through your mind? As we all know the speed of light travels faster than sound and the expert NLP practitioners talked about the MIND travel even much faster.

Well let's tap into the hidden powers of your mind to see what disease gets connected with 'H'? Definitely neither 'Hyper Tension' nor 'Hepatitis' disease? Oh dear why so black heart to allow 'HIV' to cross your mind haha. Okie dokie high time to spill the beans, so what is actually HbH Disease? HbH stands for Haemoglobin or Hemoglobin H Disease which is part of the Alpha Thalassemia Syndrome.

What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia 地中海形貧血 *dì zhōng hǎi xíng pín xuè* (Mediterranean anemia in Chinese) is a genetic blood disorder. People with Thalassemia disease are not able to make enough hemoglobin that are found in red blood cells which carries oxygen to all parts of the body. The disorder results in excessive destruction and mutation of red blood cells thus causes severe anemia.

Thalassemia is a genetic disease. This means that a person can only get Thalassemia disease or trait by inheriting the genes for Thalassemia from their parents. Genes determine what we look like, such as hair color, and are also responsible for many diseases. Inheritance of Thalassemia happens purely by chance–there is nothing that parents do, or do not do, that will cause their child to inherit Thalassemia. Thalassemia is never 'caught' by another person in the way that a cold or flu is transmitted. People with Thalassemia disease and trait are born with it. (Source: www.thalassemia.com )

There are two primary types of Thalassemia disease: Alpha Thalassemia disease and Beta Thalassemia disease. There are two main types of Alpha Thalassemia disease. Alpha Thalassemia Major is a very serious disease in which severe anemia begins even before birth and survival past the first few hours of life is rare. Pregnant women carrying affected fetuses are themselves at risk for serious pregnancy and delivery complications. Another type of Alpha Thalassemia is Hemoglobin H disease which Bananaz inherited and considered very unfortunate but then lucky 不辛中之大辛 *bù xīn zhòng zhī dà xīn* to have inherited HbH and not Alpha Thalassemia Major or Beta Thalassemia disease else I am afraid there will not be any Bananaz typing here but long dead and gone. (Source : www.thalassemia.com)

With my hemoglobin (Hb) reading then at 116 g/L (average for male is 130-180 g/L) it will drop as years go by and currently at 109 g/L, my doctor's advice is to stay away from high grounds because of my HbH disease as the supply of oxygen will be thinner and Bananaz would have a huge problem grasping for breath. Did I follow instructions obediently? Nope! What an awesome feeling watching sunrise on top of Mt Kinabalu. “The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” ~ Walter Bagehot. Nothing to worry about Alpha Thalassemia minor with no treatment required and Bananaz will be just as normal like everybody else except pale and sallow.

Alpha thalassemias occur most commonly in persons from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, China, and in those of African descent. Beta thalassemias occur in persons of Mediterranean origin, and to a lesser extent, Chinese, other Asians, and African Americans.

Is my daughter lucky enough to be in the 25% as illustrated in the chart above to escape inheriting the HbH disease? Stay tuned for Part 2..



Emoticon Banana bailando

58 Bunchesஇ:

bluedreamer27 said...

oh so sorry to hear this from you Bananaz....
but i know God is always working in very mysterious ways so he will protect you from any harm for sure

Isaac Tan said...

Sorry to hear it too Bananaz, but you're ok right?

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

bluedreamer27 இ No sweat yes God is watching from a distance and always have plans. tQ

Isaac Tan இ Yeah perfectly ok just as normal human being haha tQ.

Connie said...

Good news that you didn't inherit the other kind, I think. I guess it is good to look on the bright side when you realize it could have been so much worse.

suituapui said...

I wrote something about this in one of my books and was teaching my students about it - can't remember now how it goes about. Just pray all will be ok...

lina said...

You still live life the fullest, regardless.

wenn said...

wow..wish i could be at the top of Mt Kinabalu one day! anyway, take care.

Alice Law said...

Sorry, I didn't know you hv been through so much... however I don't think your daughter will get it!:)

Unknown said...

I think i first came across this medical term Thalassemia about 20 over years ago, when my class mate succumbed to this illness when he was 15 years old.

well bro,we must always always continue to pray for the best, and let HIM deal with the rest,,,,,

You have a great weekend ya and tonight can go Tango with Mango okkk?

yvonne said...

I find Bananaz is such a strong and tough person. And Mango, she's a real supportive wife to stand by Bananaz all these years. Good news that Bananaz's girl escaped the HbH :)

p/s: I think "bloody fool" makes it way back, no?

Anonymous said...

don`t worry, be happy, God bless :)
have a great weekend!

MODERN ROBINSON CRUSOE said...

I learnt these word from a story read long time ago - yeah quite tragic that the victims are constantly in perilous condition not to bleed by accident, fall etc

Pete said...

Bro, sorry to hear that. Scientist are working on stem cells treatment for alpha thallasemia. Are you taking folic acid? Helps to increase hemoglobin count.

Don't worry Bro, we go for more Penang Curry mee expedition....with lots of coagulated blood...., when next round?

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

Daisy இ Yeah unfortunate but lucky its a minor type. tQ

suituapui இ You wrote a book about it? Come share share on more knowledge. tQ

lina இ Yup nothing gonna stop me..tQ

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

wenn இ Yes you can! start training now and you should be ready in a month or so. tQ

Alice Law இ Born with it so have to live with it..my daughter yes/no? next post. tQ

eugene இ So heard about Thalassemia 20 years ago. During my running days in Penang cant complete 10km or Penang Bridge Run in one go, have to stop many times. Now I know why coz Bananaz was deprived of oxygen. Wow Tango Mango what a rhyme haha. tQ

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

Yvonne இ Mango is supportive treat me just like any normal person and sometimes forgot about HbH haha. My daughter.. wait till Part 2. tQ.

Luciana இ That's it..don't worry be happy you have a great weekend too. tQ.

MODERN ROBINSON CRUSOE இ For serious case like Beta Thalassemias they need blood transfusion and a certain kind of drug called Deferasirox and they are quite expensive.

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

Pete இ Not specifically folic acid but normal multi vit may have some of it. Must not take iron vit as the mutation and deletion would harm my spleen. Last check up spleen OK but that was quite time ago which means must redo a new test. Oh yeah pig blood? Not scared of black heart pork meh? haha. So follow the Chinese believe lack blood eat blood, lack brains eat brains haha. Shall arrange another round. Heard from Mango Citrus Park in OUG got ho liao Penang style curry mee woh. How about it?

HappySurfer said...

Oh wow, your Bananaz facts are getting more and more intense, in a good way, of course. Glad it's a condition that still allows life to be led normally without major restrictions, right? And to think you have even conquered Mt Everest, oops, Mt Kinabalu, I mean.

I know someone who has this condition too and he's living life normally and has two lovely children who are without the condition. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your daughter is free from it too.

Count our blessings, eh?

It's raining, it's pouring (again) to the tune of Jose Feliciano's Rain. Have a wonderful weekend, Bananaz!

Small Kucing said...

Sorry to hear that. Dont give up as medicine is getting more and more advance daily.

Unknown said...

Glad you're coping with your condition. It says a lot to have conquered Mt Kinabalu too.

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

HappySurfer இ Ahem how 'powderful' to scale Mt Everest. Live life and not waste cherish the moment. Your friend children escaped they are blessed as for my gal shall wait for Part 2. Being pouring in late afternoon so have to wakie early and finish my work before Jose sings Rain. Happy Sunday tQ.

Small Kucing இ No problem boleh tahan see what technology is in store for those affected. tQ

Keats The Sunshine Girl இ Yeah coping pretty well merely short of breath while jogging maybe also cant hold breath for too long underwater or cant sing too well oxygen not enough haha. tQ

Netster23 said...

Wow Bananaz! people will definately learn a lot from you.

This article helps me :)

btw, did the insurance company by any chance approve you a medical card?

Cheers

Regina said...

Well I learned something new here again. I'm sorry to hear about this ..it's different and a little hard to wrap my mind around. Unlike you, I contracted Hep C from a double blood transfusion early in 1980. Anyway..I didn't find out until about five years ago..(when I began to notice all sorts of changes). Anyway..last two doctor's visits- (with a big grin), says- your not anemic!! You know it isn't like I want to hear something bad but I'm wiped out most of the time. So how about your blood pressure? Is yours low then? Mine is and I'm beginning to realize that's the reason I'm dealing with the fatigue? Anyhow, I really sympathize with you!

Lily Riani said...

my friend has the same, and apparently she said you guys tend to be smarter... hemmm...

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

Netster இ Hope to bring the awareness to the public to a higher level with my sharing. I got my medical card they sent me to medical checkup every year and it got renewed automatically without question asked. tQ

Regina இ Oh dear sorry to hear you about double trouble with blood transfusion. My BP is low too but getting normal over the years.

Lily Riani இ Why guys should be smarter? For ladies a bit taxing due to the monthly menses which will be mentioned n my Part 2. Maybe Bananaz could have a mental retardation, which affects only males. This is referred to as a-thalassemia mental retardation-X syndrome (ATR-X). No wonder I did not do well in my studies *lame excuses*?...muahahaha..~;).

foongpc said...

So naughty! You didn't listen to your doctor!! Haha!

foongpc said...

WHy is "bloody" a bad word? People use 4 letter word all the time especially when they say they have to go FCUK to shop, haha!!

foongpc said...

Staying positive is always good. And you climbed Mt Kinabalu! Wow!!

[SK] said...

hmmmm, i actually didn't think much about HbH other than something to do with blood - because you've been mentioning that in the title correct?? i don't know, just thot it could be something to do with your blood..

[SK] said...

but well, i guess you are taking it very positively right?? and from the way you delievered this post, seems that you are not really badly affected and you still maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle.. hmmm, hope your daughter will be the lucky 25%.. :)

London Caller said...

What can I say...
Life is like a gamble!

You're a winner today.
You may lose tomorrow.

No pain, no gain mah! Right?

Cloudia said...

祝你身体健康和运气有福


Warm Aloha from Waikiki

Comfort Spiral

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Yannie said...

I admit that I do not have much knowledge about this until I read yours. Glad to know you lead a very healhty and normal life all this while. Best of luck always and you keep well.

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

foongpc இ Yeah Bananaz belongs to the opposition party always against and rebel.

darul_makmur@yahoo.com இ silakan no sweat be my guest sama sama.

[SK] இ Have to live extra ordinary to be ordinary..tQ for well thoughts shall wait for Part 2.

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

London Caller இ No pain no oxygen no gain haha. tQ

Cloudia இ Aloha tQ

Sheoh Yan இ Glad to share the knowledge could be important knowledge for couples who wants to get married and have children. If both parents have this disease most likely the baby would get it and that depends if its major or Beta could pose a huge problem for the child in future.

mNhL said...

I have a friend with this disease too. And she can suddenly faint when she have her monthly period. So scary.

LifeRamblings said...

sorry to hear about your health woes, Bananaz. You're in my good thoughts and prayers.

Autumn Belle said...

T, alpha, beta, somemore what formula? Hey, you are fit enough to conquer the tallest mountain in Malaysia, truly Asia! I haven't done that yet, with no T, alpha, beta...

I thought 'bloody' is a common phrase in the British english vocab. I even used to sing, O-bloody, O-blaa - daa, hahaha ;>)

Don't worry, Bananaz. Take care of current health so that in future will not have HBP (hypertension), obesity, heart disease, diabetes, etc. Your DW, Mango is good for you. Also, visit MNG (My Nice Garden) more often!

Merryn said...

Bananaz, you mean as you aged, the hemoglobin reading will get lower and lower? what can you do to stay in tip top condition like that? pls advice as i know someone who is in da same condition as u..

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

mNhL இ Oh probably she must have very low bp and an anemia. Quite scary seen a colleague fainted just sitting on her chair.

Life Ramblings இ Thanks for your kind thoughts and wishes. tQ

Autumn Belle இ Hahaha you make my day with your O-bloody O-blaa-daa. Have to do more exercise and take care of health. Thanks for well wishes. One consolation with thalassemia have a resistance against malaria. Yeah love your MNG very much tQ.

Merryn இ Sorry got no solution for you as my doctor said there is no cure and nothing can be done. Yup now that you brought it up it worries me will my hb be reduced to below 100g/L in 10 years time? Need to check it out. tQ

London Caller said...

Ha ha... You know what!?
No pain, no oxygen, no gain.... is nothing.
No money, you die liao.

If you don't have money, you better don't get any serious illness. My mum always tells me that!

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

London Caller இ Very true serious illness can cost quite a lot of savings down the drain or losing a house. Anyway there is such a thing call 'risk management' so gotta transfer them to the insurance company asap.

Twilight Man said...

Aiyah my favourite BananaZ!! You scared me la. I hope you will be strong and overcome it. I am glad you went up to Mt Kinabalu. I was there on Dec 24th and my big toe nails are not back in shape yet after peeling off.
I had a friend who has the similar blood disorder and he was very restless, not being able to sit still or meditate. I will get him to read your blog post. Take care Bananaz!

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

Twilight இ It was indeed a great experience and wonder will we make to the top it if we could see the slope while climbing. Lucky it was so dark at 3.00am that we are not aware of the steepness haha. This HbH is getting quite common and great to share the awareness with one another to see if we have other 'miracles' to 'save' our hb. tQ

London Caller said...

Risk management?
I used to study this subject. :)
Yes, you can transfer risks but you cannot get rid of them. That's the problem.

Lrong Lim said...

Very informative piece...
Take care my friend...

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

London Caller இ Yeah right but at the least can the main bulk is taken care of.

Lrong இ tQ for your concern will keep healthy.

Annie Q said...

Thanks for sharing this, at least now i know what is that. I get to know this 地中海形貧血 is from the tv series. :P

Hey, you always look so cheerful and happy!! This is what we all must learn from you.

Take good care of yourself. :)

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

Annie Q இ Great need to raise the awareness of the public. Life goes on as usual..tQ

Shingo T said...

Alot of people I know only heard of this term after they want to get preganant.

I find it sad sometimes if 2 people who love each other cannot be together because of this condition.

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

Shingo T இ They can get married but no babies. Yeah quite sad, so during courting time must do blood test first.

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