What is Hydroxyurea?

I want to go back and explain some key medical terminology that I use in my blog so every so often you will see a short post like this to help better understand. 

Hydroxyurea is a a popular drug therapy used to help lessen the complications of Sickle Cell disease. It increases Fetal Hemoglobin , reducing Hemoglobin S ( the mutated gene that causes sickle cell) which reduces the number of sickled red blood cells. Hydroxyurea was once used as chemotherapy and does have some side effects, the benefits outweigh the minor side effects.

When taking Hydroxyurea you will have frequent blood work, in my case that is once a month. To see if treatment is helping or not and also to monitor your kidneys, liver and bone marrow.

Hydroxyurea doesn't work for everyone. I Am very blessed that it does and has cut down the amount of pain crisis' that I have. It has helped me have a better quality of life and not have to worry SO much about being in pain at any moment. It has helped me form some sort of control over my disease.

Stay Strong
Morgan