If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you’ll know that in 2022, I had a port-a-cath fitted to support my blood exchange program. I have sickle cell disease and notoriously tiny veins, so after years of difficult cannulations, multiple attempts to gain access, and the anxiety that…
Discussion
For the past five years, I have looked forward to turning 40. When my birthday finally arrived on Oct. 18, I expected a quiet day at home. I planned to rest before my big birthday party this weekend, perhaps with a few visits from family and friends. Little did I…
Discussion
Is sickle cell disease (SCD) a blessing or a curse? I came across this question on social media a few days ago. As I prepare to turn 40, my answer, shaped by four decades of living with SCD, is that, to me, it is neither. It has become part…
Discussion
I believe one of the most important things you can do, either as a sickle cell disease caregiver or a person with the disease, is to learn what can trigger a vaso-occlusive pain crisis. It can be nearly anything, both internal or external. Two of the most common triggers…
Becoming educated and informed about sickle cell disease is a good first step. Here you’ll find general information about the disease, including diagnosis, symptoms, and causes.
It helps to know others have been where you are now. Here’s a collection of our columnists’ words of wisdom to help you along on your sickle cell disease journey.
A stem cell transplant is the only potential cure for sickle cell disease, but there are a variety of other treatment approaches. Here you can find more information about current treatments as well as experimental therapies in the pipeline.
Get regular updates to your inbox.
