Yesterday I was informed by my PCP that I have sickle cell hemoglobin C. I'm not sure how this would affect my eligibility for surgery. I've never had a crisis or flare up and I'm still shocked that I have it. From my research, some symptoms are swollen legs, abdominal pain and joint and bone pain which I experience mildly. Any insight?

So sorry to here! I know sickle cell affects african-americans. There is a forum just for african-americans (search it on this site), I'm sure you'll find someone on it with some helpful knowledge of it. Again sorry to here and good luck.

I am sorry hear about that. I am sorry I wish I have some insight for you

I'm bummed, didn't find any info on here or google! I thought google had everything lol. I'm meeting with my surgeon next Thursday and will ask him. But next Thursday seems like next year :-/ My surgeon happens to be black as well so hopefully he'll know more on this. Thanks to everyone that responded!

If anyone else has this same problem....

It's safe to have the sleeve with sickle cell diseases per my surgeon!

Yay for you LIGeminiNY!!! Do you have a date yet? How are you feeling? Does sickle cell make you feel ill? Really happy for you, your on your way to getting your skinny on!

Yay for you LIGeminiNY!!! Do you have a date yet? How are you feeling? Does sickle cell make you feel ill? Really happy for you' date=' your on your way to getting your skinny on! [/quote']

Thank you! I don't have a set date yet, we're aiming for the end of June b/c that's when I have my vacation time. I don't feel sick and lived 29 years before knowing I had this, my levels were always hovering a little below normal so maybe that's why I'm not sick like some other people I know with sickle cell. I do have swollen legs and tightness in the chest from time to time which I just assumed was because of my weight. I also had tummy pains back in December and had an endoscopy done and they said I had gastritis but not severe enough to be painful, as I reflect it was probably because of the sickle cell. I did cut back on spicy food and I'm making healthier choices now and the pain is not nearly as bad as it was last December. It's barely there at all, depends on what I eat.

I am so excited to get my life started!

So good to here! Glad you're feeling well and on your way!!!