Blood transfusions play a critical role in the management of sickle cell disease. They can help prevent and manage various complications as well as reduce disease severity. This lifesaving intervention has brought many sickle cell patients on the verge of death back to life — including me. Despite being…
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.
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My sickle cell disease advocacy journey began more than a decade ago, but it has changed shape many times. I have lived through a silent phase, an angry phase, a loud phase, a tired phase, and, finally, a more understanding phase. In my early teens, after learning about my…
Living with sickle cell disease is not a proverbial bed of roses; instead, it’s a journey of twists and turns. Yet I’m grateful for the experience. It’s imparted invaluable life lessons that have shaped me into the woman I am today, and that woman is a better human being.
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with various medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and oral opioids. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping any therapy. Sickle cell disease involves recurring episodes of pain, which can be acute…
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 with flying colors after all the complications that sickle cell disease has thrown at…
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, splenic dysfunction, and sometimes, chronic inflammation. Infections can be both triggers of sickle cell…
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 National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, but for me, every month is an opportunity to educate…
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 be the queen of them. Mood swings are a common complication of sickle cell disease,…
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 with fellow patients and joining sickle cell support groups have revealed a harsh reality: Stigma,…
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 therapeutic strategies, activities, or interventions that divert attention away from pain and discomfort, providing relief during…
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 has made the journey easier and the load lighter for me, alleviating some of my challenges.
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 means “born to die soon.” I, too, was told by many that I wouldn’t survive beyond…
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 poisonous, posing significant health risks. According to an article published in 2020 in the journal JBI…
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