Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, prevent complication and relieving symptoms.
Common medications include hydroxyurea, an oral powder, voxelotor and pain relieving medications. Medications like antibiotics prevent infections. Childhood vaccinations against pneumonia, meningitis, hepatitis B and an annual flu shot are paramount.
Surgical and other procedures like blood transfusions and stem cell transplants aim at introducing normal red blood cells into your body.
Self care
To avoid complications, take folic acid supplements and choose and healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain, drink about eight glasses of water a day, exercise regularly but with moderation, do not smoke, avoid extreme weather where possible and before using any other medication, consult with your doctor first.
Coping and support
To help you cope with Sickle Cell Anemia, seek other ways to relieve the pain like hot baths, heating pads, massages or physical therapy, consider joining a support group, find someone to talk to such as a social worker, counsellor or psychologist and educate yourself about sickle cell anemia to better make better informed decisions about your care.
What do I need to know as a Sickle Cell Anemia patient
Be hungry for information. As a teen with Sickle Cell Anemia, know what is the most likely cause of your symptoms, find out whether there are other possible causes, what tests are needed, what treatments are available, and which would be recommended for you, what side effects are common with these treatments, find out whether there are alternatives to the primary approach that the doctor is suggesting, what is your prognosis, are there dietary or activity restrictions for you and are there brochures or other printed material that you can have and finally what websites does your doctor recommend.
The doctor will want to review what your symptoms are, what improves or worsens the symptoms and their frequency and nature.
Remember, you are not alone. Seek help. There are people trained just to help you navigate living a productive life with SCA.