Columns

I previously shared my suggestions for someone with sickle cell to prepare for a trip and travel by airplane. In this column, I want to tell you about some of the actions I take to ensure optimal health while on holiday and following my return home. Upon arrival…

In my previous column, I shared my suggestions on the preparations you should consider before taking a trip with sickle cell. The environment inside an airplane is not ideal for our bodies. On a flight, we are subjected to extended periods of reduced oxygen levels, tight spaces, and cold…

The love I have for traveling is like no other. I love immersing myself in different cultures and experiencing different ways of living. However, as someone with sickle cell, traveling can be a completely different experience. For me, it’s definitely more stressful. Here are a few things…

In the past, when I felt a vaso-occlusive crisis coming on, my plan was to wait it out. However, I quickly realized that not trying to improve my situation could potentially damage my health. I decided to remedy that by focusing on self-care. Following are some steps I take…

Clean freak, germaphobe, OCD, finicky — these are some of the terms that people have used to describe me from a very young age. I can see why, and I think that anyone who spent a significant part of their childhood in the hospital will understand, too. I picked…

One of the best feelings in the world is cutting a hospital bracelet. Cutting a hospital bracelet can symbolize a fresh start. You’ve been discharged from the hospital. You are feeling like the best version of yourself — happy, relaxed, optimistic, and ready to prove that sickle cell can’t keep…

Sometimes I wish sickle cell anemia was visible. I wish people had X-ray vision and could see how my cells struggle to course through my veins. If people could see the damage that sickle cell anemia causes, I’m certain that life would be easier. Instead of constantly apologizing to…

Ed. note: Welcome to the new column, “Her Sickled Journey,” by Tito Oye.  Living with sickle cell anemia means that you have unknowingly agreed to a lifelong role of teaching. Many others are unaware of the challenges faced by those with the genetic disease, so we’re responsible for making it…