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I CAN'T COPE

I’m not sure how to handle my girlfriend’s sickle cell anaemia

DEAR DEIDRE: I HAVE fallen in love with a girl who has sickle cell anaemia.

I love her so much and wish to be with her always but I’m scared of coping with the effects, like the pain crises she endures every month.

I don't know how to help when my girlfriend is in pain
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I don't know how to help when my girlfriend is in painCredit: Getty

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I am a young man of 25 and my girlfriend is 23. We met at university but have only been a couple for six months.

She told me recently that it’s only fair I should know she has sickle cell.

I’ve researched it to find out what it means and it says people with the disease have lots of problems and do not live for long.

I’m not sure I can cope. Please help me make a good decision.

DEIDRE SAYS: Looking online, the oldest person with sickle cell is 94. If you really love your girlfriend, don’t make a life-changing decision affecting both of you just by Googling.

Tell her you love her but need to under-stand more about how her condition, which varies greatly, could affect both your lives.

Ask if you could talk to her GP together and you can both find support at sicklecellsociety.org.

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