Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

November 25, 2020November 25, 2020

We Go Through Life at Our Own Pace

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I hate when sickle cell disease gets in the way of life, although I feel its effects 24/7. There is no escaping the symptoms, such as fatigue and chronic pain, ... Read more

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020

Switching Treatments Helped to Reduce My Iron Overload

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Iron overload is a side effect that some sickle cell patients suffer from as a result of blood transfusion programs being used as long-term treatment plans. Back in September, I ... Read more

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020

Why I Will Be Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

On Nov. 9, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that their COVID-19 vaccine was found to be more than 90% effective in preventing people from contracting the novel coronavirus. On Nov. 16, Moderna ... Read more

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020

‘Disabled’ Is Not a Bad Word

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

“Disabled” is not a pejorative, but it definitely felt like one when I was growing up. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines disability as “any condition of ... Read more

November 6, 2020November 6, 2020

What Does It Mean to Be Successful?

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Recently, I was playing a question-and-answer game with my partner, and one question that came up was, “What message would you like to tell your younger self?” My answer essentially ... Read more

November 4, 2020November 4, 2020

Preparing for Lockdown 2.0

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

COVID-19 cases are increasing again here in the U.K., and government officials can no longer prioritize improving the economy over protecting people’s health. Instead, they must acknowledge the toll the ... Read more

October 28, 2020October 28, 2020

When Feeling Overwhelmed, Here’s How I Reduce Stress

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I have felt pretty overwhelmed lately. After months of sheltering at home and being relatively inactive, I’ve suddenly taken on a ton of new responsibilities. I’m trying to get into ... Read more

October 23, 2020October 23, 2020

How I Manage a Sickle Cell Crisis at Home

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

In a previous column, I spoke about some of the things that trigger a sickle cell crisis. This week, I want to share some pointers on how I try to ... Read more

October 21, 2020October 21, 2020

While My Health Challenges Are Tough, I Smile Through Life

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

One of my favorite features is my smile, and I find that in life, I have many things to smile about. I have very good people around me who provide ... Read more

October 14, 2020October 14, 2020

Why I Share My Health Journey on Social Media

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I share much about my journey with sickle cell disease on social media. I find it to be a handy tool in raising awareness, because it allows me to do ... Read more

October 9, 2020October 9, 2020

Here’s What Triggers a Sickle Cell Crisis for Me

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

A sickle cell crisis is one of the main symptoms sickle cell patients face. However, just because we all experience the same symptoms, or similar ones, it doesn’t mean the ... Read more

October 7, 2020October 7, 2020

How to Be a Good Friend to Someone With Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Friendships are beautiful and make life much more meaningful. I love being in the company of friends. They have been a blessing in many ways, especially when it comes to ... Read more

September 30, 2020September 30, 2020

Saying I’m Fine When I’m Not to Avoid the Hospital

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Needing to go to the hospital due to a vaso-occlusive crisis is never ideal or pleasant. As a kid, the idea of going to the hospital was a nightmare to ... Read more

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