What Others Need to Understand About Sickle Cell Pain Crises
In many of my columns I’ve referred to suffering a sickle cell crisis. But what does that mean? Sickle cell disease is a disorder that affects the red blood cells. These cells…
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.
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I didn’t miss the irony of Invisible Disabilities Week going unnoticed
I learned almost by accident that last week was Invisible Disabilities Week. I had no idea such a week even existed, which says something about the invisibility of disabilities in our society. The…
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The National Health Service Faces a Crisis, as Does British Society
Last month, I suffered a sickle cell crisis. After battling the pain for four days, I decided to go into the hospital on Dec. 12. Unfortunately, that was a challenge. The first hurdle…
Reflecting on Another Year With Sickle Cell Disease
For me, 2022 has just been OK in terms of sickle cell disease. I’m still not where I’d like to be health-wise, but I’m getting closer. One thing I’d really like to celebrate…
Living With Sickle Cell Disease Is a Never-ending Battle
Earlier this week, I received an email that left me in tears. Its content is unimportant. But what I can share is that it was disappointing and related to things I require to manage…
How to Prepare Children With Sickle Cell Disease for Adulthood
When children become adults, they must transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services. Transition programs are particularly important for helping patients with chronic conditions navigate this switch. A good program ensures patients are…
How to Prepare for Holiday Travel With Sickle Cell Anemia
Imagine: You’ve had a long and stressful few months, you’ve accrued some leave at work, and you’ve saved up some money, so you decide to take a holiday. You already have a bucket list…
How a Port-a-Cath Makes My Blood Tests and Transfusions Easier
It had been roughly four weeks since my port-a-cath was inserted, and I was due for my next blood transfusion. However, that transfusion would be different than previous ones — it was…
What I’ve Learned About Preparing for Surgery With Sickle Cell Disease
When living with a condition like sickle cell disease, effective communication between different hospital departments and the patient is imperative — especially when the patient is having a surgery that could result in…
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…
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…
