When I was pregnant with my youngest son, I was overjoyed with happiness. I couldn’t wait to see how he would look. What his personality would be like. But then I had an invent…a “threatened miscarriage” is what the doctor termed it.
I tell you blood is never a welcome sight when you’re pregnant. But through tears and prayers my little one was born a couple of weeks before his due date. 10 fingers. 10 toes. Beautiful and healthy.
That is until our pediatrician called to inform us he has hemoglobin SC, a milder version of sickle cell. I felt punched in the gut. Although I always knew I had sickle cell trait, I failed to realize my husband had the hemoglobin c trait.
Nevertheless, I was intent on not worrying. To cross the bridge if we ever had to deal with sickle cell complications. After all, the doctor said it was a milder version.
My little one is 6 now and has a nice sized medical folder of sickle cell complications. At 21 months, he had his first spleen sequestration (red blood cells get trapped, spleen swells). He was in a tremendous amount of pain. Was given morphine and a blood transfusion. All before he turned 2. This happened on Mother’s Day and he left the ICU 4 days later.
Fast forward to the winter he was two. He visited the ER every month for a pain crisis in his leg. We’ve also had overnight stays to monitor his breathing (trying to prevent acute chest syndrome). Swelling in his arm, which was accompanied by pain crisis in arm. And a few months ago for the removal of his spleen.
It reminds me of the Scripture:
– 2 Corinthians 2:3-4
Better yet, my son believes that God listens to his prayers. He’s quick to pray for healing until it happens. He doesn’t question the timing, simply continues to pray until the hurt goes away.
Have you gone through a trial that has allowed you to offer comfort to others?
*If you wish to find out more about sickle cell, hop on over to SCDAA’s site.
**This post was seen previously on ACFW Virginia’s Blog.
Toni Shiloh 