With My Port-a-Cath Placement Complete, I Look to Next Steps
I’ve shared that I’m on a blood transfusion program as part of my sickle cell treatment. There are two key types of blood transfusions: blood exchanges and top-up transfusions, which…
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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How Providers Can Help Sickle Cell Patients Feel Heard and Respected
In my previous column, I shared that I’d contracted what I think was food poisoning, which led to dehydration and, subsequently, a sickle cell crisis. In seeking medical attention, I faced several hurdles…
A Tale of 2 Ambulances and a Sickle Cell Crisis
I was recently hospitalized for a sickle cell crisis. You see, I’d planned to go to dinner with a lovely friend whom I hadn’t seen since before the pandemic. But that was…
Culturally Influenced Stigma and Sickle Cell: A Harmful Combination
Health-related stigma, as I discussed in my last column, is not the only stigma that afflicts those with sickle cell disease. There’s another stigma attached to it, one more localized, that can…
Sickle Cell Pain Is Made Worse by Stigmas and Bias
Living with sickle cell disease means dealing with constant fatigue and painful vaso-occlusive crises. These symptoms can impede on a normal life with wide-reaching implications, such as limiting social or work capabilities.
My Parents’ Top Tips for Raising a Child With Sickle Cell Disease
In a previous column, I gave a brief overview of my family’s experience with sickle cell disease. Both my parents have the sickle cell trait, and of their four children, I’m…
What I’ve Learned From My Family’s Experience With Sickle Cell Disease
In recent columns, I have written about why knowing your genotype is imperative when planning a family, as well as the steps to take to avoid having children with sickle cell disease.
Family Planning Options for Partners With Sickle Cell Trait
Living with sickle cell disease is no easy feat. At 32, I still struggle to understand my body and live as freely as I’d like. Because it’s within our power to prevent children…
Why It’s Important to Learn Your Genotype
If you haven’t already, I would recommend you get your genotype tested. Sickle cell is an inherited disease. This means if both parents carry a sickle gene, there is a chance the baby…
When a Crisis Occurs, I Must Be Honest About the Pain
Last weekend, I had plans to go to brunch with a group of friends I hadn’t seen in a while. We planned it quite a few weeks in advance, and I was really looking…
Returning to Work After a Prolonged Medical Absence
In my last column, I wrote about finally being discharged after a lengthy hospitalization. Once I got home, I rested for about a week and then decided to return to work. Maintaining…
I’m Finally Home After an Extended Hospitalization
In my last column, I shared that I was in the hospital due to a sickle cell crisis. I have finally been discharged, thank God. I contracted an infection at the beginning…
