SCDhealthhub

If your loved one has SCD, you want to help the person to enjoy a normal life. Here are ways you can render help:

1. Detecting signs of crisis:

Being able to tell when your loved one is about to have a crisis. Knowing the signs can help you deal with crisis quickly or perhaps keep them from happening again.

2. Provide a support system:

Be alert to symptoms, be prepared, and make allowances when necessary (especially for children) when SCD effects crop up.

3. Help with pain relief:

Take an active role in easing pain. This could mean giving a massage, finding a heat pad, or applying bandages. You could help your loved one with breathing exercises or other diversions to help the person relax.

4. You can also help your loved one stay physically and mentally healthy. Make sure they eat a balanced diet and get regular, mild exercise. Help children with SCD cope with the disease by joining support groups and ensuring they have trusted people to talk to. As children age, help them become more independent in managing their own treatments and condition.

5. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about your role in their pain management plan. When an acute pain episode starts, you may be responsible for:

• Giving them certain pain medicines
• Making sure they drink water
• Helping them with heating pads, warm baths, or massage
• Deciding when to go to the ER for severe pain