Columns

My last column about my medication compliance triggered an interesting conversation with my sister. I’d written about what I did to reach 100% compliance, which is great and necessary for someone who, like me, has sickle cell disease. But the column didn’t touch on how I traveled that…

As the school holidays approach here in Nigeria, the excitement in my household is palpable. My kids, along with my cousin Ada, who lives with sickle cell disease, are eagerly looking forward to the break. The holidays promise longer sleep hours, extended screen time, and endless play under the…

Pica is a disorder characterized by a persistent craving and consumption of nonnutritive or nonfood substances, such as soap, tissue, chalk, ice, paper, sand, or charcoal. This behavior can be harmful and even poisonous, posing significant health risks. According to an article published in 2020 in the journal JBI…

Back in 2020, I shared details of my medication regimen at the time to treat my sickle cell disease. Since then, I’ve had a few changes in my health status. Thankfully, I successfully overcame my battle with iron overload, a serious side effect of sickle cell…

I can’t think of one area of my life that isn’t affected by sickle cell disease — a reality that can easily become overwhelming and emotionally draining. That’s why a strong support system is imperative. A support system refers to a network of people who are active and present…

Many people have asked me how they can be a good friend to someone with sickle cell disease. I’m always willing to give advice, but I include the caveat that my suggestions are what I would appreciate. They may not apply to everyone. That said, I feel like a good…

Would you believe me if I told you that I was once hospitalized with a sickle cell crisis, and a reflexology foot massage is what caused the pain to subside? Probably not, right? I know it sounds rather strange. I’d been given all sorts of medications that were supposed…

Recently, for the first time I can remember, sickle cell disease has been in mainstream media quite a bit. Because much of the discourse has focused on treatments and curative therapies, I’ve been reflecting on what I can do to help drive progress in these areas. In…

Cardiomegaly, or having an enlarged heart, is a significant manifestation and a direct complication of sickle cell disease. It’s a common sign of cardiovascular issues and is more prevalent in adult patients. Sickle cell disease itself is a chronic state of anemic that occurs as a result…

I celebrated my birthday last month, and I’m grateful to be 31 and see another year. I feel blessed — even though, in recent months, I’ve experienced loss within our sickle cell community. Each loss reminds me that nothing is guaranteed in life. Nonetheless, I’m blessed to have…