I recently shared my thoughts here on why accepting the reality and implications of a sickle cell diagnosis is essential for both patients and their loved ones. One element of my support system is a virtual group of sickle cell patients. We all aim to share knowledge and…
Columns
Here in Nigeria, growing into adulthood with sickle cell disease used to be considered an impossibility. Sadly, people like me who were living with sickle cell disease were labeled as “abiku,” which means “born to die soon.” I, too, was told by many that I wouldn’t survive beyond…
I recently shared my journey to accept my diagnosis of sickle cell disease. When people are told they have an illness, it not only affects them, but those around them as well. It’s therefore not just patients who have to accept the journey ahead, but their loved ones, too.
This month is special for me. On June 14, I celebrated my third anniversary of writing this column for Sickle Cell Disease News, and June 19 will mark both World Sickle Cell Day and Juneteenth. The past three years have been quite a journey, and I’m…
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…
Recent Posts
- Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of a sickle cell crisis
- US senators seek 5 more years of federal funding for stem cell program
- Adults with SCD face high risk of stroke in their 30s and 40s, study finds
- Sickle cell doctors face higher burnout than other specialists: Study
- Disease burden heavy for SCD patients in US, despite promise of gene therapy
- The conversation we avoid: Telling children they have sickle cell disease
- New study finds distinct molecular signatures in newborns with SCT
- Blood test may improve kidney damage detection in children with SCD
- Understanding the impact of leg ulcers in sickle cell disease
- Asthma seven times more likely in SCD children than in unaffected siblings