Tracy:

I can offer only personal experience. My blood tests done about 10 years
ago (hemoglobin electrophoresis) show "consistent with beta thalassemia
minor" and I confirmed it through genealogical research. This version comes
from a Mediterranean heritage; southern Europe (for me) and the Middle
East. The alpha version can be found among people in or from Southeast Asia.

People with the trait can have varying degrees of it, but it's generally a
lifestyle nuisance - until you face having a baby with someone with the
same trait. The results can be disastrous for the baby: Cooley's Anemia.

Standard iron supplements do NOT improve the anemia. They make the symptoms
worse. A good, balanced diet, and an occasional nap during the day when
possible, can help. Normal maternal exhaustion can be more of a problem for
these mothers. I have no experience with transfusions, but have been
consistently refused as a blood donor due to my low hemoglobin.

Personally, I had no problem producing milk. I had more than I needed
because my babies were voracious nursers. During one pregnancy when I had
very low blood count, around 8, the doctor assumed it was iron deficiency.
When iron tabs didn't work, he doubled my dose with an attitude that I was
"non-compliant". I became extremely constipated and it took well over 2
months for me to climb up to 10. My general low hemoglobin levels did not
seem to affect any of my children's gestational development or general
health. My daughter has inherited the trait. My sons never exhibited
symptoms and have not been tested. Both lead very physically active lives.

My own energy levels have been low since toddler hood. Field Day during
elementary school was a disaster. I blew all my energy on the takeoff in
the sprint and totally ran out of energy half way down the track. That's
during the days I was forced to consume great quantities of calf's liver
and spinach. Yuck!

I am of the opinion that some alternative remedies might be helpful, but
have yet to begin researching them for myself. Others wiser than I in
medical care can offer their opinions on the value or effectiveness of a
transfusion.

Try a Google Search on Thalassemia and you can learn a lot about this
trait. I did find one site with an obvious URL     www.thalassemia.com

Phyllis



--- Phyllis Adamson, IBCLC, RLC
--- Glendale, AZ, USA
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