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Campus Construction Update

The Menino building lobby entrance is currently closed. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

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Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To read our full Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.
 

 

Ernest Alce didn’t find out that he had sickle cell disease (SCD) until he was in his 30s. “I always had a lot of pain, but I never knew why, and I never went to the doctor to find out,” he says.

SCD is an inherited condition, and despite having 14 siblings, Ernest never knew anyone else with the disease. “Most of us don’t know each other very well,” he explains. “I told the siblings I am close to about my sickle cell, and they all got tested, but no one else has it.”

“I’ve had a lot of medical issues and now I know they’re all related to sickle cell. So, if I’m having an episode, I know how to handle it.” 

Now 50, Ernest says he lived with pain for years never realizing it was something that could be treated. Then, during a routine visit, his PCP noticed something while examining Ernest’s eye. “My doctor asked if I knew about sickle cell, and I told him I had never heard of it,” Ernest says. “He said I should get tested, and that’s how I found out I had sickle cell disease.”

man wearing sunglasses

That diagnosis changed everything for Ernest. He started seeing Dr. Elizabeth Klings and nurse practitioner Charlene Sylvestre at BMC’s Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease. “I’ve had a lot of medical issues and now I know they’re all related to sickle cell. So, if I’m having an episode, I know how to handle it.” He also tries to manage his stress, because he has learned that stress can trigger an episode.

Ernest says living with SCD is still a challenge, but he’s trying to learn as much as he can about SCD and appreciates the support of his team at BMC. “Charlene is a very big help. She’s always trying to help me cope with any issues that come up.”

Two years ago, Charlene told him about a newer medication, called crizanlizumab, which is given by infusion once a month. “My health has been stable this past year,” he says. “The treatment has been very effective, and I haven't had any major chronic pain that requires an emergency room visit.”

Ernest works at TD Garden, and as a big sports fan, he’s looking forward to the upcoming Celtics and Bruins season. “My work is my enjoyment, and when I have time off work I try to keep active.”

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