For people living with sickle cell disease, chronic pain becomes an all too familiar part of everyday life. The UT Physicians Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center is working to help change that.
UT Physicians has expanded the Sickle Cell Center to accommodate the growing number of patients. Subspecialists, social services and behavioral health services have all been added to the center for a holistic approach to patient care.
The unique facility, located at 1200 Binz Street, Suite 850, is the only family comprehensive sickle cell center in Houston.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited group of blood disorders that causes red blood cells to become misshapen or sickle-shaped. A red blood cell’s normal shape makes it flexible and allows it to easily move through blood vessels to deliver oxygen. When cells are sickle-shaped, they stick to vessel walls preventing blood and oxygen flow, which ultimately causes severe pain. These episodes of pain, known as “pain crises” can last a week.
“If you sat on your leg for several hours and it began to hurt, that pain is what sickle cell patients experience as a common occurrence,” said Sarah J. Abke, M.B.A., senior practice manager for the center.
What makes the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center unique is that it provides lifelong care for patients. The center focuses on providing a wide range of care and resources for its patients.
The patient-centered approach includes a no-cost support group. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm, and the following Thursday from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm. The group provides emotional support to individuals with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, along with those who participate in their care. To register, you can call 713-486-5660, select option 1.
Modupe Idowu, M.D., assistant professor of hematology at McGovern Medical School, is the clinic’s medical director. Harinder S. Juneja, M.D., professor and division director of hematology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, serves as the lead project physician at the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center.
“Having the facility and care available at one place is key,” said Juneja. “Sickle cell patients need a multidisciplinary team that can care for their unique needs and prevent visits to the emergency room.”
Thanks to the medical professionals at the center, not only do patients have access to quality care, but there are also resources available to assist them in managing the pain. Infusion rooms are designed to help keep patients comfortable and relaxed. The rooms come equipped with televisions, treatment recliners, privacy curtains, pillows, heated blankets, and IV therapy used to keep patients hydrated while doctors monitor their pain.
“It is quiet and they get the attention they need there,” Juneja said. “We can’t take your pain away, but we can help get it to a controlled state.”
Please fill out the necessary forms in advance of your appointment to help save time during your visit to the clinic.
New Patient Adult Health History Comprehensive Sickle Cell
All new behavioral health patients should fill out the New Patient Health History Behavioral Health Form.
Please do not email these forms. Print and fill out prior to your appointment.
