Columns

I often hear a fascinating question among those living with sickle cell disease, sickle cell advocates, parents, caregivers, etc. — “Can sickle cell disease affect our goals and career choices?” — and I usually find some of the answers as interesting as the question. I’ve heard answers like,…

Research is essential for change. For example, researching different diets and exercise regimens has helped me learn how to better manage my sickle cell disease. I’m open to discovering new techniques because no one drug or treatment will work for everyone. I’m also keen to learn about…

Healthy eating is crucial for those who suffer from sickle cell disease. It’s beneficial both for overall health and to avoid complications. For children with sickle cell disease, the breakdown of red blood cells requires more energy than in typically developing children. A child who is affected…

For me, stress is one of the biggest triggers of sickle cell crises. As a child, it wasn’t easy to identify when or why I was stressed. Although I try to do this now as an adult, I tend to ignore stressors until it’s too late. Stress can come…

How can you help a loved one with sickle cell disease? As a patient, I’m asked this question frequently, especially when I’m unwell. The reality is that there’s no single grandiose action that will help people living with sickle cell disease. I’d challenge loved ones to think smaller,…

From my experience, pain is one of the hallmark symptoms of sickle cell disease. In fact, it is its trademark. Unsurprisingly, the translation of sickle cell disease in my Yoruba language is “aro’moleegun,” which denotes “bone pain.” If you have moderate to severe sickle cell disease, pain is…

When traveling with someone who has sickle cell disease, it’s crucial to be well prepared for any emergencies that may arise. Most importantly, don’t forget to pack your regular prescriptions! I made that rookie error when I took an unexpected trip with my entire family, including my little niece…

I’ve been reflecting on what it means to have an invisible condition. Sickle cell disease is often called an invisible illness because you can’t immediately see it and it’s poorly understood. Life would be easier if people could tell that I had sickle cell and not make assumptions…

I graduated from college in 2010. Fortunately for me, I was able to secure a job before I had even finished school. In August of that year, after finishing my final exams, submitting my dissertation, and passing a background check, I began a full-time job. I’ve been working ever since,…

“I have another patient with sickle cell disease, but she’s not affected as severely as you. What’s wrong with you?” “This person has your same genotype. Why isn’t she experiencing the same sickle cell complications as you are?” “I know a sickle cell warrior who can do this…