About This Case
This is a case about a teenage girl who is coping with pain crises related to sickle cell disease (SCD). The case provides a history of the disease onset and progression from infancy though high school as seen from her perspective (In her own words) and explained by case principals. The case then provides details of a pain crisis episode as she prepares to transition from high school to college (Clinical Encounters). At the end of the case, she is better prepared to handle pain management as she continues her path towards adulthood (The Road Ahead).
Case Principals
Sharee
Sharee is a young adult who tells her personal story about growing up with sickle cell disease and multiple pain crises. She now has concerns about her future care as she transitions away from home and the care of her pediatric providers to be a college student in the world of adult medicine.
School Nurse
Karen Parker has been the nurse at Sharee's high school of 1200 students for 15 years. The "Nurse's Office" has two visitor chairs as well as a refrigerator, a scale, and other equipment; a half bathroom; and a room with an exam table and a single bed separated by a curtain. An additional room serves as a counseling office.
Acupuncturist
Dr. Ergil is a licensed acupuncturist (LAc), who has taught and practiced acupuncture and Chinese medicine at several institutions over the past 30 years. He sees patients of all ages with a variety of conditions including both acute pain and chronic pain syndromes.
Hematolgoist
Suzie Noronha, MD, is a pediatric hematologist, who directs the Sickle Cell Program at a major children’s hospital. She also helps lead the Sickle Cell Support Group recently established in the community. This group welcomes patients of all ages and their family members to meetings and social events.
Physical Therapist
Linda Riek, PT, DPT, PhD is a physical therapist, researcher and faculty member in a physical therapy program. Individuals with SCD are encouraged to #ChoosePT to battle the opioid epidemic at www.moveforwardpt.com. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has launched the #ChoosePT campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription opioids, and encourages consumers and prescribers to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to choose safer alternatives, like physical therapy.
Psychologist
Andrew Cohen, PhD, is an academic clinical psychologist who has experience working with patients with sickle cell disease and their families. He also cares for patients with headache, abdominal pain, and a variety of behavioral/mental health issues.
Inpatient Pharmacist
Kate Juba, PharmD, is a pharmacist who practices and teaches within the hospital setting. She holds a faculty position at a School of Pharmacy.
Outpatient Pharmacist
Angela Nagel, PharmD, is a pharmacist who practices and teaches primarily within the community. She holds a faculty position at a School of Pharmacy.
