MDS treatment is designed to increase the number of healthy cells in your blood (blood count). When your blood counts go up you are less likely to need blood from a donor (transfusion), your quality of life becomes better and your symptoms are not as bad.
PNH can strike people of any age, race or gender. Only about 500 people are diagnosed with PNH in the U.S. each year. PNH tends to be more common in adults in their thirties and early forties.
Your body is fatigued from fighting a disease; you may be taking strong medication; your outlook on life has changed. For most people, it's natural for sex to take a backseat in these circumstances. Nevertheless, intimacy is a quality-of-life issue that patients can and should discuss with their doctors if it becomes a problem. It's wise for patients to be gentle with themselves and remember that there are many ways to express intimacy.
No one is prepared for the shock of learning they have a serious disease. But in the aftermath of diagnosis, patients can and do learn how to adjust to their condition. With helpful AAMDSIF resources, they can learn about their illness, build their own support system and connect with their peers. But before that happens, patients have to deal with a range of powerful emotions.