Thoughts on my recovery 30 days after a sickle cell pain crisis
Part of my coping mechanism after a sickle cell crisis is to forget it ever happened. To address that, this year I started an audio journal during the recovery process as a way…
Sickle Sagas — Dunstan Nicol-Wilson
Dunstan Nicol-Wilson is a clinical project manager from South East London, United Kingdom. Dunstan has his master’s in public health with a global health focus. Dunstan was diagnosed with the “invisible disorder” sickle cell disease from birth in 1993. He hopes that his column will raise awareness for this disease, encourage others to share their stories, and showcase all the ups and downs of living with a rare condition. Dunstan loves anime, cooking, and Manchester United.
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4 months after a sickle cell pain crisis, I’m moving past recovery
I’ve shared reflections from three days after my last sickle cell pain crisis, and then again a month later. Now, four months on, I find myself in a completely different place…
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Reflecting on 4 years of sharing my experiences with sickle cell
As I mark four years of writing for Sickle Cell Disease News, I find myself reflecting on the journey with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. It’s incredible to think back to…
This World Sickle Cell Day, I’m grateful for UK advocacy groups
In honor of World Sickle Cell Day, held June 19, I would like to highlight some incredible U.K.-based organizations I’ve had the pleasure of working with recently. These groups are not only changing the…
My thoughts on recovery, 3 days after a sickle cell pain crisis
I’m a big advocate for giving myself time to recover after a sickle cell pain crisis. After my last crisis, however, I severely underestimated how long this process would take. It’s been two…
My recent sickle cell pain crisis took me to a dark place
I recently had a severe sickle cell pain crisis that forced me to go to the hospital for stronger medication than what I had at home. For the record, it’s been three years…
How sickle cell disease can lead to insecurity in relationships
Living with sickle cell disease comes with challenges, such as pain crises that can set a patient back days, weeks, or even months. The mental and physical toll can be immense. Because February…
Letting go of old patterns as I form new habits with sickle cell
I wanted to start new habits at the end of last year instead of at the beginning of 2025. Several sources told me I didn’t need to wait until the start of a new…
How I cope with cold weather as someone with sickle cell disease
It’s almost winter again here in the U.K., and every year I’m shocked by the cold weather and its impact on my body. Winter has always been one of my greatest adversaries, and as…
Celebrating a milestone in gene therapy for sickle cell disease
I recently wrote about my disappointment regarding Pfizer’s decision to withdraw Oxbryta (voxelotor) from global markets as a treatment option for sickle cell disease. Therefore, it seems only fitting that I also celebrate…
Oxbryta’s withdrawal is a setback in the fight against sickle cell disease
Pfizer’s recent decision to withdraw Oxbryta (voxelotor) from global markets feels like a devastating blow for many people with sickle cell disease. Oxbryta’s conditional approval in 2019 by the U.S. Food…
Here’s what we can do for National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
For the sickle cell disease community, September is an important time for advocacy and raising awareness, because it’s National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Sickle Cell Matters.” For me,…
