Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

June 21, 2021June 21, 2021

Do We Have to Die for Change?

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

June 19 was both World Sickle Cell Day and Juneteenth! It wasn’t until last year that I learned about Juneteenth — forgive me, I’m a Londoner. Similarly, many of my ... Read more

June 18, 2021June 18, 2021

For World Sickle Cell Day, Read About My Reality

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

World Sickle Cell Day is upon us tomorrow, June 19. Following are memories that illustrate sickle cell’s ugly grip on my reality. *** The year was 2018 and the British Society ... Read more

June 14, 2021June 14, 2021

Welcome to ‘Sickle Sagas’: Documenting Life With My Disorder

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Recently I have been engrossed in sagas about the viking king Ragnar Lothbrok as well as his famous sons’ exploits. A saga is a long story often involving herculean challenges. ... Read more

June 9, 2021June 9, 2021

Sickle Cell Disease Is an Inseparable Part of My Identity

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Many people with chronic illnesses may agree with a common statement that “our illnesses do not define us.” I understand that some believe their illnesses don’t change who they are. ... Read more

June 4, 2021June 4, 2021

How to Prepare Ahead of Time for Sudden Hospitalizations

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

One of the most annoying things about sickle cell disease is that a hospitalization can occur with very short notice. I might be fine one moment only to become severely ... Read more

June 2, 2021June 2, 2021

Let’s Respect That ‘Healthy’ Means Something Different to Everyone

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

There is no single weight, shape, size, age, or ability that dictates healthiness — no single standard. Our bodies and minds are built uniquely, so we must embrace our differences ... Read more

May 21, 2021May 21, 2021

Why We Need Better Doctor-patient Communication

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

It has been a while since I last wrote. This is because unfortunately, I had another hospital admission. I was admitted in mid-April and discharged last week, so I was ... Read more

May 19, 2021May 19, 2021

When Health Crises Strike, We Must Focus on Healing

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Unfortunately, the healing process is not always as straightforward as we’d like it to be. In fact, it can become quite exhausting and frustrating. For example, perhaps after feeling unwell ... Read more

May 12, 2021May 13, 2021

I Struggled to Take My Meds — Until It Affected My Pocketbook

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

In 2005, my doctors started me on a medication called hydroxycarbamide, also known as hydroxyurea, or “hydra.” It was prescribed to help me manage the symptoms of sickle cell disease. ... Read more

May 5, 2021May 5, 2021

Should You Blog About Your Health Journey?

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Recently, a fellow sickle cell warrior messaged me on Instagram to ask if I thought they should document their health journey by starting a blog. This is something I will ... Read more

April 28, 2021April 28, 2021

Finding Sickle Cell Awareness in Unexpected Places

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I have a lot of pride when it comes to my general knowledge. I think I am a great person to have on your team when playing board games like ... Read more

April 21, 2021April 21, 2021

I’m Having Trouble Accepting a Recent Avascular Necrosis Diagnosis

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

When I go to my doctors with a problem, I’m never under the impression that it’s something permanent. Rather, I’m usually optimistic that they will offer a solution.  Recently, I ... Read more

April 14, 2021April 14, 2021

What Playing Football Made Me Realize About Myself

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

For the first time in my life, I played a game of football, or soccer as it’s called in the U.S., with my friends. Was it tiring? Absolutely! Was it ... Read more

April 9, 2021April 9, 2021

How to Cultivate a Successful Career While Living With Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I want to start by stressing that I do not believe a booming career is the only parameter of success. I have previously written about what success means to me ... Read more

April 7, 2021April 7, 2021

Getting Vaccinated Was a Major Mental Hurdle to Clear

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Last Wednesday, I received my second and final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Because I have sickle cell disease, I was among the first groups of people contacted to receive ... Read more