11 years
Nia is 24
11 years
Nia is 24
Today is Nia’s 24th birthday. Nia has a new doctor, because she is now an adult. She misses the children’s hospital.
People switch to adult care between the ages of 18 and 21.
When you are a child, your parents or other caregivers are responsible for managing your health.
When you become a teenager and young adult, you are more responsible for managing your health.
Your care team can help you with this transition and find a doctor who treats adults with sickle cell disease.
Children and adults have different health issues.
A doctor who specializes in adult patients can help you manage treatments and problems related to sickle cell disease as you grow older.
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Adults need different types and amounts of medications.
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Adults have different mental and emotional concerns.
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Adults have different lifestyle and social factors that affect their health.