It’s Just Sickle Cell Not The End Of The World

The world is about to end, this is what revolves around my inner mind whenever there is a situation of crisis that causes crucial pains all around the different parts of the body. I begin to wonder why me. what’s this!, this is not how I want to live my life, I want to be free, I want to be happy, healthy, and full of strength. but some things just can’t be changed rather can only be managed.

In the effect of this, after much research, I found out that most cases of sickle cell issues have been caused majorly by ignorance and lack of information, sometimes by “Blind love”, which is not really talked about in most parts of the nation, some people usually know that their genotypes are unfit for them to be together but they still end up as couples reproducing children into pain.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the estimated annual number of deaths from sickle cell disease in Africa is 12,000-14,000. This represents a significant proportion of the global burden of sickle cell disease, which is estimated to be 40-45 million people worldwide. Being specific to my country Nigeria especially, with an estimated population of over 214 million people as of 2023, making it the most populous country in Africa, it is estimated that about 25% of Nigerians carry the sickle cell trait, and about 1 in 200 children are born with sickle cell disease.

That is where I come to life, I am part of the statistics, usually I like to say i’m above the statistics, but I am one out of the 200 children born with this disease probably due to a lack of information or awareness by my parents. This genetic disorder which has seriously caused a large number of mortality rate in Nigeria has been a source of strength to my inner mind, that I can make it, I can spread the information on how to manage it, we can be careful as to how we choose our partners to avoid an increase in the number of people with this disease.

In Nigeria, it is estimated that about 15-20% of children with sickle cell disease die before the age of five. Therefore, if I could make it past the age of 5, then I can make it to the highest attainable age possible. That was my motivation, knowing that yes there isn’t access to adequate healthcare but we can try our possible best to manage and live happily.

I have therefore come to the conclusion that rather than having a mindset that our world is about to come to an end, let’s manage it in the best possible ways we can. For those who know, it is not quite easy, it requires a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications, regular medical care, and adherence to treatment plans. Here are some of the best ways or things I do that you can also do to manage sickle cell disease as an individual:

  1. Take plenty of water: Let water be your bestie, always drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can trigger sickle cell crises. always make it a goal to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and increase your intake during hot weather or when exercising.

  2. Maintain a healthy diet: For many strugglers, this is always difficult, even for me. As difficult as it is, you need to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and trans fats. A healthy diet provides essential nutrients needed to reduce the severity of sickle cell crises.

  3. Take folic acid Regularly: Folic acid should be your wife or husband, probably make it your girlfriend. It is a B vitamin that helps the body produce new red blood cells. Individuals with sickle cell disease just like me have a higher need for folic acid, regular use of this drug can help prevent the trigger of anemia.

  4. Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid potential triggers that can precipitate sickle cell crises. Common triggers include extreme temperatures, stress, infections, dehydration, and high altitudes.

  5. Avoid Malaria & Infections: Get all recommended vaccinations to protect yourself from infections that can worsen sickle cell disease complications. Especially in a country like Nigeria, where malaria is rampant, always try to prevent it as it can worsen or trigger the disease.

  6. Manage pain effectively: Communicate any pain or discomfort to your doctor. Work with them to develop a pain management plan that may include medications, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques.

  7. Know your genotype and choose your partner wisely: Do not reproduce children into pain because of love, check your genotypic compatibility before marriage.

Finally, remember to stay informed., get educated and learn as much as you can about sickle cell disease and share your knowledge with family, friends, and healthcare providers. We all are what we believe, like i said, IT’S JIST SICKLE CELL, IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD.

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