Sickle Cell Anemia is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin. The red blood cells that are usually round, flexible and move freely through the veins are sickled shaped. These sickled shaped cells obstruct oxygen flow throughout the body. Essentially, there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body.

I do not recall my reaction to finding out that I have Sickle Cell.  However, my mother oftentimes tells the story of a two year old who was in constant pain, with swollen limbs who could not be comforted. My parents were given my diagnosis at age 2. They then learned that they both carried the Sickle Trait.

At what age did you start understanding your illness, who helped you to understand and what was the process Like?

 

Living with Sickle Cell is an ongoing learning experience. I learn new things about the disease and new coping mechanisms every day. Unfortunately, the variety of sickle cell publications leaves much to be desired. The learning process has been a tedious one based on trial and error. For as long as I remember I had an understanding of my illness and my limitations.  I have been so privileged to have a mother who held my hand throughout the entire process, she not only is a source of constant encouragement, but she helps me to reconcile mentally and emotionally. I also connected with others with this illness and I learn a great deal from them. Discussions of our shared experience has taught me much more than I could have learned on my own.

What is the different between having the sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease?

When someone has a sickle cell trait, it means they inherited one abnormal (sickle cell) gene and one normal gene, as opposed to the two abnormal genes found in sickle cell disease. People with the sickle cell trait rarely exhibit symptoms of a full-blown sickle cell anemia patient. They have a 50% chance of having a child with HbSS  (Sickle Cell Anemia).

How has living with Sickle cell affected you positively or negatively in both your personal and professional life?

 

Friendships and relationships have suffered due to my illness. The sudden emergency room visits, fatigue and my unwillingness to disclose when I am sick leave others feeling neglected.

I have been fortunate enough to find employers who understand the illness and were still willing to give me a chance. However, for every employer willing to take a chance with me, there were five others who would not.

Have you had to follow any specific diet restrictions? If so, explain.

I discovered that I had gallstones in 2009. My doctor at the time suggested that I remove fried chicken from my diet. Oh the horror!! So I decided to convert to vegetarianism.

I have to monitor my sodium intake, as well as, avoid caffeine and alcohol.

What health complications are associated with Sickle cell?

Health complications associated with Sickle Cell Anemia include chronic painful vascular crises, organ failure, fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches,  dizziness, strokes, infections, pulmonary hypertension, acute chest syndrome and eye damage.

Tell me more about your charity and what you do to bring awareness to sickle cell in Antigua.

The Sickle Cell Association of Antigua and Barbuda is an advocacy, support group for the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda living with Sickle Cell. The core objective of the organization is to raise awareness and educate the populace while improving the treatment options available to patients with the blood disorder. Thus far the SCAAB has advocated for free new born screening of Sickle Cell. We are currently raising funds to equip the Sickle Cell clinic at the former Holberton Hospital to be the first treatment option for patients in a crisis.

What have you learned on your journey and what advice would you give to younger sickle cell warriors?

I learned that Sickle Cell Anemia and its treatment is not “one size fits all”. While respecting your limitations may reduce the occurrence of crises, we should never use Sickle Cell as a crutch. You are capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind on.

You can do well in school, you may have to work harder on your healthy days. Always stay ahead with your prescribed course readings.

You should exercise, without overly exerting yourself. Not only does exercise relieve stress, which is a trigger of sickle cell crises, getting fit boosts your self-esteem.

What is your biggest takeaway living with Sickle cell, and what is your hope for others living with this disease

 My biggest takeaway from living with sickle cell is that your quality of life is commensurate to the strength of your support system.  Having a tribe that loves and supports you on both good and bad days is necessary.