Columns

Reminiscing about the old me as I look to the future

Here’s a feeling that I’m certain other sickle cell disease patients relate to, and who knows, perhaps their carers do, too: It’s astounding how much sickle cell can change the body over time. I know I say it often, but honestly, it feels like the disease has its own…

Beyond my breaking point: My hypothyroidism diagnosis

Managing multiple sickle cell complications can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. Today I’d like to share an experience that still resonates deeply with me: my heartbreaking reaction to the diagnosis of one of those complications. Interestingly, it wasn’t the worst I’ve faced, but my reaction to it was undoubtedly…

Improving sickle cell pain management requires more research

With sickle cell disease, pain is often ever-present. Many people who have this disease experience various forms of pain throughout their lifetimes. Sometimes the pain is acute, other times it’s chronic, and still others it’s acute-on-chronic (when acute pain develops into chronic pain). Pain may be caused by various…