Dear Butterfly:

In Wikipedia it reads about sickle cell disease (SCD): “The average life expectancy in the developed world is 40 to 60 years…The terms “‘sickle-cell crisis’ or ‘sickling crisis’ may be used to describe several independent acute conditions occurring in patients with SCD. SCD results in anemia and crises that could be of many types…(that)last between five and seven days” One of those crises is “The vaso-occlusive crisis” where the sickle-shaped red blood cells obstruct capillaries and restrict blood flow to an organ resulting in ischaemia (inadequate blood supply to an organ), pain, necrosis, and often organ damage” A second most common complication for people with SCD is “Acute chest syndrome” which “is defined by at least two of the following signs or symptoms: chest pain, fever, pulmonary infiltrate or focal abnormality, respiratory symptoms, or hypoxemia(oxygen deficiency).”

Butterfly, his disease is very serious, not only for shortening a person’s life but in the quality of life. If he has been suffering from those crises, and knowing there is no cure for his disease, of course, this disease would have a huge affect and effect on his attitude and behaviors.

Keep in mind that he is a physically sick man who needs calm in his life. We talked about the Roller-Coaster Dynamic before. It is not good for him either to be on such a ride. So not only do you owe yourself to stay away from him, but you owe him the same as well. Having relationship trouble is not good for him either.

anita