When sickle cell management feels like a constant battle
Why does everything have to be a fight? I ask this because the past few weeks have been frustratingly difficult for me. I recently had to drive to a different county to sort something…
Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles
— Mary Shaniqua
Mary Shaniqua is a sickle cell patient (HbSS) living in the United Kingdom. She was diagnosed with sickle cell at 18 months old and uses “Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles” to narrate her experiences, to educate healthcare professionals, as well as empower and embolden other sickle cell patients. Mary Shaniqua is committed to raising awareness of sickle cell and its impact, with an aim to educate non-haematological specialist healthcare workers and the general public more widely on the life of a sickle cell patient.
Featured Post
Exploring some of the lesser-known symptoms of sickle cell
Two of the most commonly known symptoms of sickle cell disease are a vaso-occlusive crisis (perhaps the best-known symptom) and fatigue. But others aren’t so well-known; in fact, I’d say most people aren’t aware…
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The importance of self-care in managing sickle cell disease
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…
How I find the silver lining while living with sickle cell disease
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…
After years of iron overload treatments, finally some good news
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.
Spreading awareness of sickle cell trait and its possible complications
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…
Why sickle cell education, access to testing are so important
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…
Reforming areas of coverage for ambulance services in the UK
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…
How community nursing could benefit sickle cell patients
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…
How day units can improve sickle cell crisis pain management
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…
We need to talk about emergency evacuation for the disabled
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…
Observing Good Friday and Easter from a sickle cell perspective
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 to help a loved one with sickle cell disease
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…
