Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

July 8, 2020July 8, 2020

Heat Waves Can Exacerbate My Sickle Cell Symptoms

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

We recently experienced a heat wave here in the U.K., where temperatures climbed as high as 32 C (89.6 F). Those of you from hotter parts of the world may ... Read more

July 1, 2020July 1, 2020

Finding My ‘New Normal’ as Lockdown Restrictions Ease

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

It has started … the period I have been uncertain about. Restrictions are starting to ease.  I have been shielding for over three months, during which my employer placed me ... Read more

June 24, 2020June 24, 2020

On World Blood Donor Day, I Thanked Blood Donors Everywhere

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

We celebrated World Blood Donor Day on June 14. It reminded me that blood donors are a heavily relied upon and greatly anonymous source of support all over the world. ... Read more

June 19, 2020June 19, 2020

Here Are Ways to Help Friends with Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Whenever I meet new people and tell them I have sickle cell disease (and explain what it is), they often ask how they can help. June 19 is World Sickle ... Read more

June 17, 2020June 17, 2020

Let’s Celebrate World Sickle Cell Day by Focusing on Our Achievements

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day, and I have been reflecting a lot on my life with sickle cell. From a young age, I was always encouraged to keep ... Read more

June 12, 2020June 12, 2020

Listening to Sickle Cell Patients Is Crucial During a Crisis

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I recently was admitted to the hospital during a sickle cell crisis and because of suspected COVID-19. My experience was harrowing. I have experienced many things as a sickle cell ... Read more

June 10, 2020June 11, 2020

Sickle Cell Takes a Toll on My Veins

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Small veins and sickle cell are never a good mix. As luck would have it, I have both! From an early age, I associated my health with injections. I would ... Read more

June 3, 2020June 3, 2020

Don’t Take Good Health for Granted

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Dealing with sickle cell disease is a constant battle. In every moment, I either am fighting my way out of a painful crisis or fighting to stay out of a ... Read more

May 22, 2020May 26, 2020

What’s Inside My Medicine Cabinet?

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Living with sickle cell disease, I rely on several medications and treatments for various situations. In general, I take medications for my own well-being, as research shows that sickle cell ... Read more

May 20, 2020May 20, 2020

How My Parents Set Me Up for Success in Sickle Cell Management

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

My parents knew they were carriers of the sickle cell trait before I was born, so they made an effort to find out if I had the disease during the ... Read more

May 13, 2020May 13, 2020

What Does a Sickle Cell Crisis Feel Like?

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

One of the most widely discussed symptoms of sickle cell anemia is a sickle cell crisis. This is an episode of pain caused when sickle-shaped red blood cells block the ... Read more

May 6, 2020May 6, 2020

How I Prepared for the Intense ‘1,000 Reps Challenge’

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

My activity levels have steeply dipped because I’ve been restricted to my house. I’m unable to go on my normal walks or to the gym, and many friends are in ... Read more

April 29, 2020May 6, 2020

‘What’s Wrong with You Now?’

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

“What’s wrong with you now?” I am all too familiar with that phrase. From a young age, I have often felt like I’ve had to prove myself in regards to ... Read more

April 22, 2020May 8, 2020

Keeping Safe During a Lockdown

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

In the early days of this outbreak, only a couple of media outlets nonchalantly reported the events surrounding COVID-19. Back then, we had no idea how serious this virus was. ... Read more

April 21, 2020May 8, 2020

Sickle Cell, Darwinism, and COVID-19: Is My Life Worth Less Than Yours?

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

“Survival of the fittest” is a phrase I have come to loathe. This manner of thinking is particularly appalling to hear as a sickle cell patient. I have heard the ... Read more