Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

September 23, 2020September 23, 2020

I Started Going Outdoors More, but Soon Changed My Mind

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

After many months of sheltering in place, or shielding, as we call it here in the U.K., the time finally came for me to leave my house for reasons unrelated ... Read more

September 18, 2020September 18, 2020

Trying a Different Medication to Address Iron Overload

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Iron overload is a common side effect for sickle cell patients participating in blood transfusion programs. When this happens, the body’s excessive iron levels can cause an accumulation of iron ... Read more

September 16, 2020September 16, 2020

Thinking Ahead by Cultivating Healthy Habits Now

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Having a lifelong condition like sickle cell disease forces people to grow up pretty quickly. We must acknowledge certain responsibilities early on, and we can’t afford to ignore them because ... Read more

September 9, 2020September 9, 2020

My 2 Hopes for Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Just like that, it’s September again – aka Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell awareness means shining a light on sickle cell warriors and revealing what life is like with ... Read more

September 4, 2020September 4, 2020

My Birthday Wish for Sickle Cell Patients

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I turned 31 on Aug. 20, 2020. That’s 31 years as a sickle cell patient, and what a journey it has been so far! As sickle cell patients, we are ... Read more

September 2, 2020September 2, 2020

What Chadwick Boseman Taught Me About Perseverance

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Death always is a sobering thing to process. Hearing about someone’s untimely passing — whether the person was close to us or not — reminds us of life’s fickle nature.  ... Read more

August 26, 2020August 26, 2020

Breaking the Habit of Assuming the Worst in Others

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Looking at my diagnosis in a positive light doesn’t come naturally to me. I usually view my health as a disadvantage, and I used to expect others to do the ... Read more

August 19, 2020August 19, 2020

Sickle Cell Patients Should Have Medical Exemption in the UK

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

In the U.K., the National Health Service maintains a medical exemption list with conditions that entitle patients to free prescriptions. This is a wonderful concept that relieves some of the ... Read more

August 14, 2020August 15, 2020

Rolling With the Punches

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Life can change so unexpectedly, especially when dealing with the unpredictability of sickle cell. Sometimes we have to warm up to the idea of rolling with the punches.  What does ... Read more

August 7, 2020August 10, 2020

What Not to Say to Someone With Sickle Cell

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Have you ever informed somebody of your diagnosis and found their response to be a little annoying? I often have. I try to extend grace in such situations because usually ... Read more

August 5, 2020August 6, 2020

So, What Is Sickle Cell Disease Again?

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

In the U.K., approximately 15,000 people have sickle cell disorder and approximately 240,000 have the sickle cell trait. Despite these high numbers, I only meet someone who knows about sickle cell ... Read more

July 29, 2020July 29, 2020

How Lockdown Has Affected My Weight

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

During this period I have heard a lot of people complain about unwanted weight gain, but it is the opposite in my case. I have been losing a lot of ... Read more

July 22, 2020July 22, 2020

A Message to Parents Expecting a Child With Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I recently spoke to a mother who gave birth to a child with sickle cell. The diagnosis was not expected at all. The news completely rocked her world. That’s understandable, ... Read more

July 17, 2020July 17, 2020

Staying at Home Has Helped Me Follow a Healthier Routine

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Living in lockdown the past few months has been quite an experience. If you had asked me before the pandemic if I could stay indoors for 12 weeks and go ... Read more

July 15, 2020July 15, 2020

Avoid Using the Internet to Self-diagnose

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

The internet has been a blessing in many of our lives. It is an extremely handy tool, and a quick Google search can turn any of us into a mechanic, ... Read more