BMT Nurse, Aziken-John Speaks On New Cure For Sickle Cell Disorder

Those living with sickle cell disorder can find complete healing by undergoing a bone marrow transplant and then live a normal life Blessing Aziken-John, a nurse at the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of the Sickle Cell Foundation has said.

Speaking in an interview on Inspiration Radio, FM 92.3 on Saturday, Nurse Aziken-John, however, called on patients who have undertaken the transplant to adhere to their regimen of drugs, vaccines and other prescriptions in order to avoid a relapse.

While noting that bone marrow transplant, BMT is about the best therapy for sickle cell disorder, she said that it helps in removing the cause of the sickling as it gives the patient completely new blood that is devoid of the sickled cells.

Nurse Aziken-John who recently completed a three-month course on the management of Bone Marrow Transplant patients in India courtesy of the Sickle Cell Foundation said that BMT patients have to be managed like newborns and be subjected to vaccines to protect them from opportunistic infections.

Asked of the regimen for individuals following a transplant, Nurse Aziken-John said:

“Yes, they have to be immunized and handled like newborns, protected. Post transplant, they have to stay for up to 100 days either in a hospital provided home or a confined place that is in proximity to the hospital during which they are monitored after which they go home and protect themselves with masks, handgloves for up to one year, If they have to go out” she said.

On the role of the nurse in BMT, she said “the nurse is the first point of contact and the communication they give and the support they give helps to assure the patients on what they are about to go through.”

They educate the patients, prepare them for conditioning regimen; monitor their vitals signs; nurses are also involved in the collection of stem cells and in tranfusing them to the patients while monitoring their symptoms to detect and manage complications promptly, they also provide emotional support and long-term follow up for the patients.

On how the nurse can bond with patient at any point in time, she said:

“YES, Nurses can bond with their patients but as taught in psychology, be empathetic and not sympathetic”

Asked on those who are not able to afford the BMT and living with the disorder, Nurse Aziken-John said:

“Those living with sickle cell disorder, my warriors, sickle cell foes not put a clause on you, you can achieve your dreams and everything you need to do, ensure you take your medications,” further urging that they also abide by the precautions as prescribed to them.

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