MalvaForney935

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This can be a subject that, unfortunately, is quite 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 absolutely was. My grandmother was a proud woman and didn't speak about it. I only knew because my mother told me. After she handed down and I acquired older, I decided I had to know just what it was that took my grandmother. This article will give you the essential facts 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 common among individuals who are either Jewish or from Eastern or Central Europe. Coming from a Jewish home, it explained a lot to me. Another thing that i learned that also surprised, and also scared me was that Gaucher Disease can also be inherited, meaning it's passed on from your parents. The probability of inheriting the condition decrease with each generation that the disease itself doesn't arrive. In my own family, it's now 3 generations since, so we're probably pretty safe at this point.

Just what exactly is Gaucher Disease? Well, it's a genetic mutation that effects organs like the liver and spleen. The specific disease is brought on by an enzyme deficiency that in turn causes fatty substances to amass in these organs. In my own grandmother's case it had been in both her liver and her spleen. The condition causes an enlargement of these organs. This explains why my grandmother, who weighed all of 80 pounds, appeared as if she had a basketball in her stomach.

You will find, unfortunately, a lot more symptoms besides an enlarged liver or spleen. Other observable symptoms include difficulties with blood clotting, easy bruising, fractures for no apparent reason, and even bleeding when brushing tooth.

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

Fortunately, we now have come a long way considering that the 60s, when my grandmother experienced this illness until she passed on in 1974. Today, you can find enzyme replacement therapies which are actually quite effective in treating Gaucher Disease. Also, a good diet, reduced in saturated fats and meats, full of fruits and vegetable, may also aid in battle this illness.

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

If you or a loved one is suffering from Gaucher Disease, there is certainly hope. Please visit your physician and get him what treatments are available in your area.