Your Sickle Cell Care Team
Sickle Cell
care you need and deserve.
“I'm really hopeful with the new treatments that have come and that are coming
for sickle cell disease.”
— Gina, Parent
Care Team Members
General Practitioner
Hematologist
A pain care team may include a physical and occupational therapist, a psychologist, and a pain management specialist. Together they can provide you with support both physically and mentally.
- A pain management specialist can work with you to evaluate, diagnose, and treat different types of pain. They may work with a physical therapist and psychologist to ensure your pain management plan is comprehensive.
- A physical and occupational therapist can aid in promoting and/or restoring physical abilities so you can function on your own.
- A psychologist—a person who specializes in mental health—may provide additional support for any psychological effects you experience due to chronic pain.
“I have a great support system—my grandmother, my mother, my uncle. I have amazing friends, even people in my life who don’t really know much about sickle cell, but because they know what affects me, it’s like, OK, I want to know more.”
—Renisha, Living With Sickle Cell
Your Sickle Cell Community



Having sickle cell has really pushed me to do more research. I have to focus on making sure I’m taking care of myself. Because if there’s something that I want to do, I can’t let sickle cell stop me from that.”
Having sickle cell has really pushed me to do more research. I have to focus on making sure I’m taking care of myself. Because if there’s something that I want to do, I can’t let sickle cell stop me from that.”
CORY
Living With Sickle Cell
Working With Your Care Team
1 |
Be open and honest about any sickle cell pain, symptoms, or concerns you may be having. Your care team wants to help you as best they can. |
4 |
Keep notes of healthcare issues between appointments, and bring them to future visits so you are prepared to discuss any concerns with your doctor. |
2 |
Taking notes at doctor’s visits, or asking a friend or loved one to come along can help you track information discussed during the visit. If your doctor is willing, consider recording your conversation to refer back to. |
5 |
Start your visit by telling your doctor what you’d like to discuss. Check your list of topics before you go to ensure all your issues are addressed. |
3 |
Learn how to access your medical records, and see if they are available online. This may make it easier to view information from past appointments such as test results, medication history and notes from past appointments. |
6 |
Be active in conversations with your doctor. It may be helpful to ask your doctor to provide written information that you can reference after your visit. Don’t be afraid to ask questions until you understand. |
1 |
Be open and honest about any sickle cell pain, symptoms, or concerns you may be having. Your care team wants to help you as best they can. |
2 |
Taking notes at doctor’s visits, or asking a friend or loved one to come along can help you track information discussed during the visit. If your doctor is willing, consider recording your conversation to refer back to. |
3 |
Learn how to access your medical records, and see if they are available online. This may make it easier to view information from past appointments such as test results, medication history and notes from past appointments. |
4 |
Keep notes of healthcare issues between appointments, and bring them to future visits so you are prepared to discuss any concerns with your doctor. |
5 |
Start your visit by telling your doctor what you’d like to discuss. Check your list of topics before you go to ensure all your issues are addressed. |
6 |
Be active in conversations with your doctor. It may be helpful to ask your doctor to provide written information that you can reference after your visit. Don’t be afraid to ask questions until you understand. |