Managing Sickle Cell Throughout Life
How can I live well with sickle cell disease across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood? Gary Bell, MD, Internal Medicine Physician at Prisma Health, and LaChina Hollis, FNP, Internal Medicine Nurse Practitioner at Prisma Health, explain how to recognize symptoms (pain crises, anemia, jaundice, infections), common triggers (temperature changes, low oxygen, infections, stress), and practical prevention steps (dress for temperature changes, treat infections early, have an ER pain plan). They review disease-modifying treatments—hydroxyurea (oral), Adakveo (monthly IV), and Endari (oral powder)—and clarify how these differ from acute pain management. The hosts also discuss curative options mentioned in the episode (bone marrow/stem cell transplant and gene therapy), noting eligibility limits such as donor availability and organ-health requirements, plus the role of multidisciplinary follow-up to monitor kidneys, lungs, eyes, and bones. Finally, the episode outlines transition challenges and the Lifespan Center–style support at Prisma Health to help patients, families, and caregivers maintain continuity of care without losing sight of mental-health and social needs.
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