Building Myself Up Yet Again After Another Sickle Cell Crisis
At the start of the year, I challenged myself to have zero sickle cell crises. I knew this goal was ambitious and something I’d never done as an adult, but I wanted…
Sickle Sagas — Dunstan Nicol-Wilson
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.
Featured Post
How sickle cell disease can lead to insecurity in relationships
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…
Read more
One Year On: Raising Awareness by Documenting Life With Sickle Cell Disease
As World Sickle Cell Day approaches on June 19, I’ve been thinking about my contribution to raising awareness about sickle cell disease. For those dealing with the condition, sickle cell awareness…
Learning to Be Kinder to Myself With Sickle Cell Disease
I struggle with the fear of letting others down. For example, suppose someone scheduled a work meeting that is inconvenient for me. I’ll do anything to make sure I attend instead of suggesting…
In Defense of the Importance of Sickle Cell Clinical Trials
I work in the research and development field, an industry I didn’t know much about until I completed my first college degree. In this field, I’ve developed a vast understanding of how clinical…
My Sickle Cell Advocacy at Church Brings Unexpected Healing
Growing up in my African household, religion was a core element of my upbringing. As a family and community, we would thank God for all aspects of life and pray diligently for healing and…
Left to Avoid a Crisis, Right to Trigger One
I love playing adventure games, especially those in which your decisions affect the story’s outcome. For example, if you choose to steal, you’re a villain, and if you choose to share your possessions, you…
It’s OK Not to Be OK With Sickle Cell Disease
Representation of different people in all areas of society is key to empowering the next generation. Having a role model that looks or talks like you validates your own experience. But as a Black…
For My Birthday, I’m Trying to Focus on Life, Not Death
April is my birth month, and as my birthday approaches, I am deep in thought. My thoughts flash ahead, worrying about how close I am to old age. Similarly, I go backward in time,…
How UK Hospitals Can Improve Sickle Cell Crisis Care
No one enjoys being hospitalized. I hate it when a sickle cell crisis forces me to call an ambulance. This is due to the severe pain I experience during a crisis and the fear…
What Parents of Children With Sickle Cell Should Know
Last week, I was privileged to facilitate a discussion between two mothers who have children with sickle cell disease. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for a parent to see…
My Career Was Shaped by Sickle Cell
I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing people who have given me the space to grow and develop. These experiences have been invaluable, and as a manager, I’ve been sharing them with…
With Sickle Cell Disease, Exercise Is a Double-edged Sword
The constant pandemic lockdowns and quarantines in the past two years caused me to put on a considerable amount of what I call “quarantine weight.” My fitness levels dropped below my standard,…
