CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Roughly 15 to 20 people gathered at a news conference to raise concerns about care at Charleston’s new sickle cell center, saying treatment meant to help them isn’t working when they need it most.
Patients say they hoped the Rena N. Grant Sickle Cell Center would provide specialized care for a disease defined by severe, recurring pain. But advocates claim those expectations have been replaced by rigid treatment plans and what they describe as drastic reductions in pain medication.
“I was told they would only treat my pain for five days. After that, they said I’d be sent home on my regular medication. And I asked, what happens if it doesn’t work? They said that the plan is considered a failure and to me, that feels like giving up,” attendee Nakia Brown said…