38 and counting: Thriving with sickle cell disease
As I prepare to celebrate my 38th birthday on Oct. 18, I find myself lost in thought, reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought me to this milestone. Over the years, I’ve survived…
The Sickle Cell Crusader — Oluwatosin Adesoye
Adesoye Oluwatosin is a practicing physician, a passionate and award-winning sickle cell advocate, and educator. She’s the founder of Sickle Cell Celebs, an online community for people living with sickle cell disease, and of Sicklelive Foundation, an NGO that caters to people living with sickle cell disease. She’s a Nigerian diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (HBSS) in 1987 when she was just 1 year old. She enjoys using her personal and medical experience to educate and create awareness about sickle cell disease and also help reduce health inequalities in its management. She’s called “The Sickle Cell Crusader.” Her column promises to be expository, educative, and compelling.
Featured Post
My 2-year evolution as a sickle cell disease columnist
As I look back on my two-year journey as a sickle cell disease columnist for Bionews, the parent company of this website, I’m struck by how much I’ve grown and evolved. In fact,…
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Some ways to prevent infections in life with sickle cell disease
I’ve discussed before how infections have been a menace to managing sickle cell disease. I’ve also explained how sickle cell patients are more susceptible to infections because of our compromised immune systems,…
This Sickle Cell Awareness Month, I’m reflecting on why I advocate
As a health professional and sickle cell patient, I’m constantly driven to create awareness about the disease. My motivation transcends professional duty; it’s a personal quest to make a difference. September may be…
Complications of sickle cell disease may often include mood swings
I once thought I might be one of the few people living with sickle cell disease who do not experience mood swings. However, upon deeper self-reflection, I realized that I might very well…
Fighting sickle cell stigma, even within our own community
I once believed that the stigma surrounding sickle cell disease only existed outside of the sickle cell community, perpetrated by those who don’t live with the condition. However, my experiences interacting…
Distraction can be a powerful tool for managing sickle cell pain
Managing sickle cell pain can be extremely challenging. While medical interventions remain the mainstay of treatment, nonmedical strategies like distraction can sometimes be effective in relieving mild to moderate pain. Distractions are…
Expressing gratitude for the irreplaceable caregivers in my life
As I reflect on my life’s journey with sickle cell disease, I’ve concluded that one of the most important factors in managing it is having a sound support system. A great support system…
The beauty and pain of growing older with sickle cell disease
Here in Nigeria, growing into adulthood with sickle cell disease used to be considered an impossibility. Sadly, people like me who were living with sickle cell disease were labeled as “abiku,” which…
Raising awareness about pica behavior in sickle cell disease
Pica is a disorder characterized by a persistent craving and consumption of nonnutritive or nonfood substances, such as soap, tissue, chalk, ice, paper, sand, or charcoal. This behavior can be harmful and even…
Cardiomegaly and sickle cell complications of the heart
Cardiomegaly, or having an enlarged heart, is a significant manifestation and a direct complication of sickle cell disease. It’s a common sign of cardiovascular issues and is more prevalent in adult…
Managing the stress of school and sickle cell at the same time
Sickle cell disease can be challenging to manage at any stage of life, but perhaps especially so for students with moderate to severe disease pursuing higher education. The stress of school can often…
How ‘sickler’ perpetuates harmful stigmas about sickle cell warriors
Sickle cell disease doesn’t only affect people physically; it can also result in social stigma, which occurs in schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and even within families. At the core of sickle cell stigma…
