Emergency Guide: When To See the Doctor
It is very important that every person with SCD have a plan for how to get help immediately—at any hour—if there is a problem. Be sure to find a medical facility that will have access to your medical records or keep a copy that you can bring.
Go to an emergency room or urgent care facility right away for:
Fever above 101°F.
Difficulty breathing.
Chest pain.
Abdominal (belly) swelling.
Severe headache.
Sudden weakness or loss of feeling and movement.
Seizure.
Painful erection of the penis that lasts more than 4 hours.
Call a doctor right away for:
Pain anywhere in the body that will not go away with treatment at home.
Any sudden problem with vision