UPCOMING SESSIONS in ET
Thu, Jun 4, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 AM Bangkok
When to Go to the Emergency Room Dr. Lewis Thomas Click To Register
UPCOMING SESSIONS in ET
Thu, Jun 4, 2026 · 2:00 – 3:00 AM Bangkok
When to Go to the Emergency Room
Dr. Lewis Thomas
Click To Register
View all sessions

When a sickle cell pain crisis interrupts a stretch of good health, part 1

Sickle Cell Anemia

After months of feeling well, the sudden onset of a crisis was frustrating.

If you’ve read my recent columns, you’ll know I’ve been in a really good place with my health as someone with sickle cell disease. I credit a lot of that to the work I’ve been putting in at the gym to strengthen my body. Even small things, like walking to the gym, felt different. I could bounce along, enjoy myself, and not feel tired. It seemed like my health had significantly improved.

Unfortunately, I recently suffered a sickle cell pain crisis. Before it happened, I said something out loud that I never usually say: “I think I need a massage.” At the time, it didn’t seem important, but looking back, it feels like my body was trying to tell me something.