I have Sickle Cell Disease (SS pattern) and my eyes are constantly yellow, even after recently undergoing gallbladder surgery for choledocholithiasis. What medications or treatment options are recommended to manage this persistent jaundice?
In Sickle Cell Disease, yellow eyes (jaundice) are very common and usually caused by the rapid breakdown of fragile red blood cells (hemolysis), which releases a yellow pigment called bilirubin. Since your gallbladder was removed, this persistent yellowing is likely due to this ongoing breakdown rather than a new blockage. \n\nTo manage this, your hematologist may recommend medications like hydroxyurea or voxelotor, which help stabilize red blood cells, reduce hemolysis, and lower bilirubin levels. Daily folic acid is also important to support healthy blood cell production. Please consult your hematologist to monitor your blood counts and ensure your liver and bile ducts are healing well post-surgery.