Perplexing

[Darrenmason1978]

Two painful crisis this year- had to unpaid leave! Why is sickle cell not given the same sort of respect say like diabetes?

[bluebug]

Where are you based? If you are in the UK - this site is UK based - you simply tell your employer that Sickle Cell is a disability and under the Equality Act if you need to have medical time for treatment or are ill due to it then it should be treated like other disabilities. Then ensure you get appropriate doctors notes especially specialist ones for your time off.

The reason why sickle cell isn't treated like diabetes is because it is far rarer therefore it is left to sufferers and their families to educate others including some health professionals about the condition.

Oh and if you start having pain at work don't hide it and go speak to one of the first aiders. They can't do anything but if you hide serious conditions and their effects from people then don't be surprised when they decide to claim you are faking it.