Life With Sickle Cell Disease

Living with sickle cell disease has its challenges, but avoiding crisis triggers and managing symptoms can help one maintain a healthy lifestyle. What follows are some tips on how best to deal with sickle cell disease.

Avoiding iron overload

Living with sickle cell anemia poses a risk of iron overload as a result of blood transfusions. Request a serum ferritin screening from your doctor to assess your iron levels and determine if you are at risk of iron overload. Programs such as the Be Sickle Smart Program provide vouchers for carriers to be tested.

Incorporate a healthy eating plan

Plan your meals so that you maintain a healthy balance of vegetables, fruits, proteins and carbohydrates. Talk to your doctor about folic acid vitamins, which help the body make new red blood cells. Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water each day. Limit the intake of sugars and other ingredients that contribute to dehydration.

Wintertime protection

Talk to your doctor about receiving flu shots and other vaccines to help fight infections in your body. See a dentist regularly and contact your doctor if you see signs of infection such as respiratory and nasal infections. Early treatment is important and vital to staying on a healthy path.

Pain management

Pain levels vary from person to person with sickle cell disease; the method of treatment also varies. Consult with your medical professional about treatment options for different pain levels. Use over-the-counter or prescription pain medications as necessary. Try other methods such as a heating pad, warm baths, and resting when in crisis. Explore non-traditional methods such as hypnosis.

Minimize stress

Stress reduction is important to avoiding crisis symptoms. Minimizing stress may involve changing jobs, alleviating certain physical activities, or minimizing contact with people who induce stress in your life. Talk to your doctor if you have experienced depression for a week or more to explore treatment options that will help you cope.

References

• The Be Sickle Smart program
• Sickle Cell Slime-o-rama for children

Resources

• More information on how to live healthy with Sickle Cell Disease