About this episode

Mr. Sean Powell shares his journey as a patient and advocate for warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, discussing diagnosis, treatment challenges, and the emotional impact of the disease.

In this episode of Heme Talks, we are joined by Mr. Sean Powell as he shares his experiences as a former patient and now patient advocate for a rare blood disorder known as warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA). Sean shares his story of how he was diagnosed, the initial management, drug toxicities, and subsequent investigations that he underwent. Our patient advocate episodes highlight the importance of advocacy, community, and shared understanding between patients and their healthcare providers. Key Takeaways 1. wAIHA can sometimes be associated with an underlying condition. Mr. Powell’s journey illustrates how wAIHA occasionally occurs alongside other diagnoses, highlighting the value of ongoing clinical vigilance and open communication between patients and their care team. 2. Steroid therapy carries significant side effects that patients are often unprepared for. Mr. Powell experienced severe prednisone toxicities, including rage, insomnia, and extreme hunger, and his hemolysis was only transiently controlled. His experience highlights the need for proactive patient counseling about steroid side effects and the importance of escalating to second-line therapies like…

More episodes of HemeTalks: Conversations in Hematology Education

• Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: Challenges, Choices, and New Therapies · July 2, 2026 · 28 min
• Unfolding Amyloid: A Patient Perspective · June 18, 2026 · 31 min

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