Sickle Cell at Age 50

I was just diagnosed with Mild Sickle Cell Disease at 50. I was always told that I had the sickle cell trait. I have had 2 major surgeries but no blood transfusions. I have had pain crisis all my life, but I always thought it was due to my age or perhaps arthritis. But where I work is so stressful, the sickle cell has really come out, and this is how I found out I had this disease. My doctor seems to not believe me because I have never complained of issues until now. I think at 50 I am feeling pains. Sometimes I just don't want to say anything.