My parents were informed I had SCD whilst my mother was pregnant. It was only when I was aged 10 and experienced my first crisis I realised I had SCD and began to understand how it affects me.
My advice would also be to listen to your body and understand the signs that indicate, you need to slow down and rest. This also helps in terms of being proactive to minimise any discomfort or pain that may occur.
I would also say a clean, healthy diet is essential, to help with symptoms. I am currently using hydroxycarbamide (which has helped tremendously) but have now decided to make the transition to more natural remedies and readjusting my diet.
Sickle Cell Trait is a disease. 
Child carrier but neither parents tested positive for trait
Sickle cell trait but leg pains
people with Sickle Cell Trait can and do have symptoms it is not very common for instance but I have been having these symptoms for years