Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency is a rare genetic blood disorder. About 1 in 20,000 people have it and many have such a mild case that they don't know they have it. Basically I have an enzyme missing in my red blood cells. This makes the red blood cells look misshapen.
Because the red blood cells are misshapen my immune system thinks that they are a virus or bacteria and so they attack and destroy many of them. This causes me to not have a lot of blood. Because I don't have very much blood I also don't have very much blood I get very tired (anemic). And my liver has to work extra hard as well, causing me to have yellow (jaundice) skin and eyes. When I get sick then I lose more blood than normal which can cause problems. I have had several surgeries and countless blood transfusions and hospitalizations.
The biggest way my blood disorder affects my everyday life is that it makes me anemic which makes it difficult for me to exercise and exert myself. The other thing is that I do look different because I am jaundice.
But my blood disorder has also been a blessing because it has made me a stronger person. It has helped me develop an interest in the medical field. It has helped me to decide on my major. It has made me grateful for my health when I am fairly healthy. It has helped me develop empathy and compassion. It has helped shape me into who I am today.
For more information on my blood disorder and how it has affected my life, read this blog post.
