Daily tasks most people don’t think too much about, such as eating breakfast, drinking water or even sitting too long, are always top of mind for Jermaine O’Connor.
The 26-year-old has sickle-cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder that can lead to a number of complications, and not taking care of his health can exacerbate his condition, including his chronic pain.
“It can always feel like a very solitary experience,” he said. “It actually spills over into sort of everything you like to do or want to do.”
O’Connor has had chronic pain since childhood. He’ll typically feel it in his hands, arms and legs, but it’s hard to predict, and can last from hours to days.
