- Title: People First: Blood Count
- Date: 19th August 1995
- Summary: People First - the strand committed to raising disability issues returns tonight for a new run of investigative documentaries, exploring the treatment of the elderly, technological innovations and architectural advances for the disabled. The first programme BLOOD COUNT draws attention to the pain and suffering caused by an inherited blood disorder, sickle cell anaemia. Imagine, if, for two weeks, needles constantly pierced your flesh, a sledgehammer intermittently battered your back, or your stomach was gripped by stabbing pain. For the 6000 patients with sickle cell anaemia in this country, such pain is a regular occurrence, but they may find themselves ignored by medics, used for experimental treatments they don't understand or suspected of faking pain to get hold of drugs. Sickle cell largely affects African, Afro-caribbean, Arabic and Southern European people - frequently poorer sections of society. While money flows into research for life threatening diseases like leukaemia and cancer, 'sicklers' allege that sickle cell, also a fatal illness - is poorly researched and sometimes unrecognised by doctors and nurses. Non sufferers tend to know little about it or consider it a social stigma. Sickle cell is a gentic disease - it is inherited by victims from their parents. The sickle cell gene causes the red blood cells to become crescent-shaped - literally sickle-like and consequently lack haemoglobin which carries oxygen to muscles and organs. The shape of the cells causes them to clog up veins leading to the pain and infection. However, treatment causes stress to sufferers. Claudine Davis has blood transfusions which cause a build up of iron in the body. This can destroy the heart, liver, lungs and kidneys so she needs constant injections of a combatting drug. For patients suffering a severe attack, hospitalisation is usually required. The narcotic diamorphine can ease the pain but it can cause hallucinations. Often ill-informed nurses and doctors are suspicious of black youngsters seeking narcotics, or they can be unsympathetic. Claudine Davis was once told off by a nurse for being noisy because she could not help screaming in pain. Haemotologist Dr Sally Davis believes more funding is needed for research, specialist treatment centres and screening. Dr Mark Layton, senior lecturer in haematology, explains current research into the illness. Most research concentrates on the genetic aspect of the disease. Drugs can correct the condition but treatment is still at an experiemental stage and patients are often offered it when they arrive at hospital in crisis. Siclers feel they are unable to make rational decisions about treatment when in extreme pain. Neville Clare, who campaigns on behalf of sicklers, welcomes research but only if it is part of a protocol in which the patient has a say. Mark Layton also recognises the need for dialogue and education to explain the benefits of clinical trials. As well as the numerous medical problems, sicklers find their social life can be decimated. Long stays in hospital require support from family and volunteers who will help sort out benefit payments and other state provisions. Often friends and lovers cannot cope with the idea of long term illness. Sickler Sharon Johnson's boyfriend nearly freaked at the idea of having to look after an invalid. Melanie Greaves was going out with someone who visited her in hospital, made an excuse to leave early and never returned. For sicklers in BLOOD COUNT there is only one cure - working together with other sufferers. Together they could shout louder for research and money.
- Description:A condition prevalent in the black community,funding and research is a low priority. Seen through the eyes of "Sicklers" and self help projects.
- Broadcaster:Channel 4
- Collection: Channel 4
- Genre:Documentary and Factual
- Producer:MAPLEGLASS LTD T/AS MIRUS PRODUCTIONS
- Programme Episode:Episode 1
- Transmission Date:19/08/1995
- Rights:On Request
- Decade: 1990s