Dunstan Nicol-Wilson is a clinical project manager from South East London, United Kingdom. Dunstan has his master’s in public health with a global health focus. Dunstan was diagnosed with the “invisible disorder” sickle cell disease from birth in 1993. He hopes that his column will raise awareness for this disease, encourage others to share their stories, and showcase all the ups and downs of living with a rare condition. Dunstan loves anime, cooking, and Manchester United.
Sickle cell disease is classified as a rare condition. Yet, for a long time, that was hard for me to believe, especially during my teenage years. Growing up in South London, a city…
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As I’ve grown older with sickle cell disease, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible community that’s emerged. This network connects us, amplifies our voices, and gives us a platform to share our experiences.
Ten years ago, I signed up for a personal training session without telling the trainer I had sickle cell disease. He had no idea about my condition or my limits, so the workout…
I’ve shared reflections from three days after my last sickle cell pain crisis, and then again a month later. Now, four months on, I find myself in a completely different place…
Part of my coping mechanism after a sickle cell crisis is to forget it ever happened. To address that, this year I started an audio journal during the recovery process as a way…
As I mark four years of writing for Sickle Cell Disease News, I find myself reflecting on the journey with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. It’s incredible to think back to…
In honor of World Sickle Cell Day, held June 19, I would like to highlight some incredible U.K.-based organizations I’ve had the pleasure of working with recently. These groups are not only changing the…
I’m a big advocate for giving myself time to recover after a sickle cell pain crisis. After my last crisis, however, I severely underestimated how long this process would take. It’s been two…
I recently had a severe sickle cell pain crisis that forced me to go to the hospital for stronger medication than what I had at home. For the record, it’s been three years…
Living with sickle cell disease comes with challenges, such as pain crises that can set a patient back days, weeks, or even months. The mental and physical toll can be immense. Because February…
I wanted to start new habits at the end of last year instead of at the beginning of 2025. Several sources told me I didn’t need to wait until the start of a new…
It’s almost winter again here in the U.K., and every year I’m shocked by the cold weather and its impact on my body. Winter has always been one of my greatest adversaries, and as…
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