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Diagnosed with Sickle Cell
At the age of 4 months old she was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. At the time she was admitted to a hospital as she had a very high fever, was very lethargic, had breathing problems, and appeared to be in a lot of problems. She was found to have splenic sequestration, severe anemia, and sickle cell anemia. -
Hosipital Admittance
In a diary entry, a 10 year old Anna talks about how she was admitted to a hospital for pain and a fever. The pain was most likely from her sickle cells blocking arteries. She talks about how she has to take medications and be poked with a needle repeatedly. She talks about her school life, and how her illness keeps her from participating in various school activities, such as the science fair. She also talks about missing out on things with her friends, and having to do physical therapy. -
Hydroxyurea
In a diary entry, a 17 year old Anna talks about taking a drug called hydroxyurea, which supposedly will help her with her pain crisis, but has unfavorable side effects. She talks about how getting pregnant while taking it can cause birth defects. She talks about her loneliness caused by her illnesses and problems, like her hip which forced her to stay indoors during a school skiing trip, making her feel "really alone". -
Hip Replacement
In another diary, a 22 year old Anna talks about being faced with the decision of having to have a hip replacement. She talks about her decaying hip, and how she was talking arthritis pills to slow it down. A hip replacement would relive of her pain and make her more mobile. Her hip is already a problem as in the future she will need a chaperone, and even if she gets a hip replacement, she will have to renew it within 10 years. -
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
At the age of 14, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This is because she showed common symptoms such as fatigue, thirst, and weight loss. In urinalysis, glucose was found in the urine. -
Child
In another diary entry, a 31 year old Anna talks about her life. She is taken off of hydroxyurea to prevent any birth defects. She found out that her husband has the sickle cell trait. She is torn on if she wants to have a baby knowing that it might go through the same thing she did. This in addition to her general health and her hip, makes her uncertain of what she wants. She is recommended to a genetic counselor for help. -
Heart Murmur
After having two incidents of chest pain she was referred to a cardiologist. After an EKG, it was found that she has a slight heart murmur. She is also tachycardic, and also had an above average blood pressure. -
Serratia marcescens
After being admitted to the hospital for extreme pain, she noticed that she had a persistent urge to urinate but when she did a small amount of it, pink in color, would appear. It is suspected that due to her needing a urinary catheter, she had gotten infected with Serratia marcescens. This disease in her current state could prove fatal if not treated. -
Death
On August 28, Anna Garcia was found dead at her home. Her neighbor called the police as her dog had been barking for a long time. It was estimated that she died around 7 am that day. Pain killers, vomit, blood, fingerprints, and shoeprints were found on the scene.
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