LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: AN ACCOUNT OF A PHARMACY STUDENT'S EXPERIENCE

Abstract

This article aimed to report the experience of a Pharmacy student living with sickle cell anemia, highlighting daily challenges, the impact of the disease on professional training, and reflections on patient care. This is a qualitative experience report conducted with a patient living in Teresina, Piauí, who was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia in childhood. Data collection was performed through a semi-structured interview with subjective questions, aiming to understand the experience with the disease as well as the evolution of diagnosis and treatment. The participant, a 31-year-old single, mixed-race woman and Pharmacy undergraduate student, was diagnosed at the age of 17 after a history of multiple hospitalizations due to painful crises, jaundice, and splenomegaly. Diagnosis was confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis at HEMOMAR, and treatment with folic acid and periodic follow-up was initiated. In recent years, with the introduction of hydroxyurea therapy and specialized follow-up, a reduction in sickle cell crises, fewer hospitalizations, and improvement in quality of life were observed. It is concluded that continuous follow-up, adherence to treatment, and multiprofessional care, especially pharmaceutical guidance, are essential for the proper management of sickle cell anemia and for promoting self-care.