viviane salzman

Thank you so much Wendell.

Unfortunately, I come to realize that implicit bias plays a major part in my relationship with my mother-in-law.  She is racist and she admits it.  You know how some see us – lazy, ignorant, etc.  She is an educated woman.  She reads more about sickle cell than I do.  She also went with me on an appointment to see my h…[Read more]

Hi Victoria!

I had been wrestling with the idea of quitting my job for three years.  Not because I wanted to but because my body could not handle the stress anymore.  I could not keep working and taking care of myself, of my husband, the house, all at the same time.  I sincerely believe that things became harder for me after my 50th birthday la…[Read more]

Victoria,

Thank you for sharing.

What you wrote describes exactly what I used to go through.  Since the incident with my mother-in-law, I made a promise to be true to myself.  I no longer question myself about how I feel.  When I feel well, I do what I can.  When I feel tired or sick, I stay in bed for as long as I need to.  I do not care anym…[Read more]

Thanks Tito!

Believe him/her when he/she says he/she is in pain. Most of them – sickle cell sufferers – are not drug seeking. Keep him/her warm. Do not assume anything. Do not pity him/her, just be compassionate.

Hi Micheal,
To answer your question, I trust people to a degree but I always want the final say to be my decision – this is not just with my health, rather in every aspect of my life.
For example, I have a hematologist I like deeply, I know he cares but this does not stop me from questioning every decision making. I take doctors’ advice to a…[Read more]

Hi Tito,

Your question really strikes home and I cannot wait to see how others will reply.

It has not been easy lately maintaining a healthy work/life balance. I have been in an out of the hospital this past year. I had a viral infection at the end of 2019 (December 28), then I got diagnosed with influenza A in January 2020. Since then I…[Read more]

For me it is Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved. Don’t ask me why, I just like the song.

Hi Tito!

This is awesome! I wish I had this information before as I was in London two years ago.  It was not cheap riding the Metro.  Although I am unsure if this would apply to me since I am not a UK citizen.

I don’t think sickle cell has benefited me in any way.  I, however think that the Lord knows why I have this disease.  I think that my li…[Read more]

Thank you so much for your comment Muwanguzi! Stay blessed.

Thanks to you both Micheal and Tito!  Stay blessed.

Thanks Tito

I am part of a support group, and yes the group makes a big difference in my life.  Although we have not been able to meet since the pandemic, there are some members I can call when I am experiencing the blues.  It is good to meet other people with sickle cell.  They are the only people who can really understand because they are going to the sa…[Read more]

Hi Tito,

I became a nurse because I wanted to know more about sickle cell disease.  I wanted to learn how I could take the best care of myself and others with the disease.  Unfortunately I have not been able to work with sickle cell  patients.  Ironically, being sick too often prevents me from being able to work on a med-surge unit where sic…[Read more]

Hi guys!

I struggle with fatigue every single day.  Like you Steve, I used to be pretty energetic in my younger years.  Lately, I have little strength.  It takes a lot out of me to accomplish tasks that used to be pretty easy.  It is difficult for someone without sickle cell to understand the struggles.  Sometimes I cry when I find myself unab…[Read more]

I have trouble with the extremes.  I, however prefer the hot weather.  I get cold easily and sometimes it is embarrassing.  I am enjoying the hot weather right now! I’m with you on this Kassem!