I’ve previously written about the difficulties I’ve sometimes faced when trying to get my prescriptions filled to treat sickle cell disease. In a stroke of luck about a year ago, I found a…
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In popular culture, self-care often seems to be equated with indulgence or luxury, such as spa visits, retail therapy, or fine dining. But I believe this perception is flawed, and that buying into it…
As most of us know, sickle cell can be a debilitating disease. I’ve been diagnosed with it since I was 18 months old, yet it still causes me much pain, agony, and…
It was a warm morning in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, early this year, and I’d just woken up. I rolled over, picked up my phone, and undertook my usual checks before proceeding with my day.
In discussions about sickle cell disease, the term “sickle cell trait” is often bandied about. But what does it mean? Scientists have found that sickle cell trait originated as an evolutionary response…
Sickle cell disease is one of the most common serious genetic conditions affecting people in England, where I live. An estimated 15,000 people have the disease here in the U.K. According…
Continuing the spirit of offering suggestions to make the healthcare experience more efficient for patients and the National Health Service (NHS) here in the U.K., I want to address the restrictions governing which…
Many sickle cell patients spend a lot of time in the hospital. As inpatients, our symptoms are treated, and as outpatients, our lives are monitored to keep our condition as controlled as…
For me, one of the worst parts of having sickle cell disease, aside from the horrific, debilitating pain of a crisis, is navigating the emergency department here in the U.K, where…
I recently got a new manager at work, which has improved my quality of life as a disabled worker. This change also instigated the creation of an emergency evacuation plan for me, and…
Today is Good Friday, which in my faith marks the crucifixion of Jesus. The Bible narrates that Jesus was crucified, remained dead for three days, and rose to life on the third day. The…
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…
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…
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