Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles
— Mary Shaniqua

Just like that, 2020 is over. What a year! I do not think 2020 turned out as expected or planned for anybody at all. When the year started, I had really low expectations. I did not expect a pandemic,…

Here’s a little fun fact about me: Christmas is my second favorite time of year after August, which I like because it’s one of the hottest months here in the U.K. It’s also my birthday month, and the month…

Iron overload is a side effect that some sickle cell patients suffer from as a result of blood transfusion programs being used as long-term treatment plans. Back in September, I wrote about trying a new medication…

Recently, I was playing a question-and-answer game with my partner, and one question that came up was, “What message would you like to tell your younger self?” My answer essentially was about prioritizing and measuring my life by the…

In a previous column, I spoke about some of the things that trigger a sickle cell crisis. This week, I want to share some pointers on how I try to address a crisis in its early…

A sickle cell crisis is one of the main symptoms sickle cell patients face. However, just because we all experience the same symptoms, or similar ones, it doesn’t mean the condition affects everyone equally. As I meet more…

Iron overload is a common side effect for sickle cell patients participating in blood transfusion programs. When this happens, the body’s excessive iron levels can cause an accumulation of iron in the body’s organs, which can…

I turned 31 on Aug. 20, 2020. That’s 31 years as a sickle cell patient, and what a journey it has been so far! As sickle cell patients, we are often exposed to all sorts of negative comments…

Have you ever informed somebody of your diagnosis and found their response to be a little annoying? I often have. I try to extend grace in such situations because usually people don’t know what to say and, as such,…

Living in lockdown the past few months has been quite an experience. If you had asked me before the pandemic if I could stay indoors for 12 weeks and go out only for hospital appointments, I would…

Whenever I meet new people and tell them I have sickle cell disease (and explain what it is), they often ask how they can help. June 19 is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, so I thought it appropriate…

I recently was admitted to the hospital during a sickle cell crisis and because of suspected COVID-19. My experience was harrowing. I have experienced many things as a sickle cell disease patient. I have had pneumonia more…