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This can be a subject that, regrettably, is very 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 was. My grandmother was a proud woman and didn't talk about it. I only knew because my mother explained. After she handed down and I obtained older, I decided I had to learn exactly what it had been that took my grandmother. This short article provides you with the basic details about what Gaucher Disease is and what treatments can be obtained.

The first thing that surprised me to discover was that Gaucher Disease is most common among people 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 is also inherited, meaning it's passed on from your parents. The likelihood of inheriting the condition decrease with each generation that the disease itself doesn't show up. In my family, it really is now 3 generations since, so we're probably pretty safe now.

So what is Gaucher Disease? Well, it's really a genetic mutation that effects organs just like the liver and spleen. The actual illness is brought on by an enzyme deficiency that subsequently causes fatty substances to amass in these organs. In my own grandmother's case it was in both her liver and her spleen. The disease causes an enlargement of those organs. This explains why my grandmother, who weighed all of 80 pounds, looked like she had a basketball in her stomach.

You will find, unfortunately, many more symptoms besides an enlarged liver or spleen. Other observable symptoms include difficulties with blood clotting, easy bruising, fractures for no apparent reason, and also bleeding when brushing one's teeth.

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

Luckily, we have come quite a distance since the 60s, when my grandmother suffered from this illness until she died in 1974. Today, you will find enzyme replacement therapies which are actually quite effective in treating Gaucher Disease. Also, a good diet, low in saturated fats and meats, high in fruits and vegetable, will also help in battle this disease.

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

In the event that you or even a loved one is experiencing Gaucher Disease, there is hope. Please visit your physician and get him what treatments can be found in your neighborhood.