In as much as most of what I will be posting here are things that will be in my diary, I'm creating this thread to get others' opinion and feedback on certain issues that require such. Thanks

Good morning nairalanders.

My neighbor came to knock my door and woke me up early in the morning. He wanted to enter and lock my door, but I carefully moved outside to attend to him. He is so drunk, his steps been wavy and his words were incoherent. He claimed he wanted to lock the gate and just came to check on me, as he's scared. He was talking and blabbing about issues that are not even urgent. Asking about why my brother is not around and his daughter coming to visit me. He was talking as if it's still the previous day and just came out to lock our main gate.
N.B.: I'm the only one in my apartment. My families are not around for now. He's a family man staying with his wife and their daughter in the next apartment.
Just wondering, am I unnecessarily been paranoid or should be careful around him? Is it because he's drunk?

fam24:
In as much as most of what I will be posting here are things that will be in my diary, I'm creating this thread to get others' opinion and feedback on certain issues that require such. Thanks

Fam24, I only came to appreciate your personality here, since I won't be able to do that on the dairy thread. Thank you for being a fighter and a hero, fight on, you are a victor already... I 'm sure so many of us on this platform who has opportunity to go through your dairy are with you... Go on and fulfill your purpose, because HE (God ) created you for a purpose. Cheers.

Please put a copy of your dairy here as promised, so that people can respond to them accordingly. Thanks and God bless

OkoAnike:


Fam24, I only came to appreciate your personality here, since I won't be able to do that on the dairy thread. Thank you for being a fighter and a hero, fight on, you are a victor already... I 'm sure so many of us on this platform who has opportunity to go through your dairy are with you... Go on and fulfill your purpose, because HE (God ) created you for a purpose. Cheers.

Thanks so much. I'm blushing right now.

OkoAnike:
Please put a copy of your dairy here as promised, so that people can respond to them accordingly. Thanks and God bless

Okay. Noted.

Hello everyone,
I got some really sweet names warriors are being called by loved ones, such as:
Strong and smart
Super Strong
Slim and sexy
Super Special
Smart and Classic
Slim and classic etc.

I'm so super excited, so we aren't just called by the bad names, I won't like to mention.

What other sweet names have you been called or do you call your loved ones, as a result of their genotype? Kindly add yours.

OMG, the rate of suicide is so on the rise, the rate of depression is so alarming. Everyone is going through some deep shits and want to keep it to themselves. Please and please, don't do it, suicide should not be seen as an option. If you need anyone to talk to, I promise to make myself available. We can encourage each other. We can share our problems with others and see from another angle. Things may not be going as we plan, but it will definitely fall in places if we are patient and don't kill ourselves before it does.
I personally I have been going through some deep poo. Depression has really creep in a number of times, the thought of suicide has been strong for a while, but I promise not to allow it. The thought of how my mom will feel won't let me do such to her. I have been trying to stay sane.
Since, around early June this year, I have been battling with depression. The death of some really closed warriors, my academic performance not going as expected, sickle cell crisis and complications and all.
Around May, I lost a really close friend and colleague (a warrior) who I draw inspiration and motivation from, as he's really good academically. After then, we lost a member of a sickle cell support group I belonged, though he had an accident which in no way was related to Sickle cell.
About two members from an online support group I belong to, also died from Sickle cell complications.
Some other ones not known, but heard of/read about.
Everything started getting to me in a way.
Also, I have really been in and out of crisis and complications. I have spent more time in the past five months battling with my health, than time spent on my studies and doing other things I would love to partake in.
I was diagnosed of Avascular necrosis around July, placed on crutches. I was on crutches for about 10weeks which hindered my movement and all. I couldn't attend classes and laboratory works, for about 6weeks till the first semester ends. I felt so down, I didn't know what my academic performance this session would look like.
After I stopped using crutches, I was suspected of having Osteomyelitis. I used 'suspected' because the Haematologists questioned it and refer me to the orthopedic unit, who couldn't see much on the x-ray as it wasn't clear enough. They wanted the X-ray reported by the radiologist, but it usually takes four weeks to report an x-ray in the teaching hospital I use. Even after four weeks, the report wasn't ready so I don't really know my fate about that.
In between the complications, there are also Vaso-occlusive crisis which has kept me in and out of the hospital. My Blood pressure has been high whenever I am in crisis, which necessitated been referred to and managed by the cardiologist.
Juggling clinics when I'm fine, and then hospital visitation which could lead to admission, has made it seems like hospital visit is the main thing I am living for.
During last semester exam, I had crisis which made me miss out on my exam. I was only able to write 1 out of 4, having 3 to retake. The semester hasn't been smooth as well. My academic performance has been of major concern as I am presently on yellow card in the school of Pharmacy. I don't know if I will survive and make it out of Pharmacy school. I have really been doubting myself of recent.
Thinking of the possibility of pursuing a career for 8years and not getting it makes me feel like a failure, but I know I am not one. If I am withdraw from Pharmacy school, I don't know where I will start from. I don't know what will be left of me.
Thinking about everything, makes the depression really high. I don't know how many times I have thought of taking the morphine bottle and drinking it all to end it all. I can't recollect the number of times I have been on a topmost floor and I felt like jumping down. I don't know how many times I have thought of standing in the middle of the road and been invisible to passerby so that a car can hit me. I was holding a broken mirror and felt like cutting my wrist. But the face of my mom kept me going. I can't do that to her. It will hurt her more.
Also, I have made up my mind that with or without Pharmacy degree, I will make it. I will live my life whatever remains of it. Maybe the 8years spent on this journey wasn't for me to obtain a degree/certificate, maybe I am just meant to learn some things which I already did.
Whatever happens at the end of this session, I have decided not to see the years spent as a waste, though I hope and pray the best comes out of it.
I pray I come back here to share my testimony.
This is not to encourage suicide in any way. I just decided to pour my heart out and let you know you are not alone in whatever you are going through.
Events will happen, whether good or bad, but it's our view of it that matters.
I know it's not easy to open up and talk about what we are going through, but I implore us to find someone to talk to, someone we can trust at every stage of our lives. It really helps.
You can feel free to contact me and share with me as well via DM. I just changed my mail address because I couldn't use my Yahoo mail to reply messages. I hope the Gmail works better with that.
Also, I have a business account now for first aid counseling session and it's absolutely free for now. You can contact us via that and remain anonymous if you want to. It's known as Sapphire Concept and can be reached via
https:///2347089792830?text=I%20want%20to%20book%20an%20appointment.%20My%20name%20is


You can also drop your contact as comment here, if you want me to reach out to you.

But please don't pity me, I need not that. I am trying to be fine, and I think I am fine presently.

Thank you

Good morning.
I decided to put this here and not in my diary.
Yesterday was a really stressful day but didn't weigh me down. I kind of trek for a while looking for where to withdraw money.
Let me start from how it started.
Two days ago (Tuesday), I received a call from one of the doctors at the Haematology unit in the teaching hospital that they are conducting a test for their patients that my attention is needed. I already knew about the test, as my friends in the clinic already informed me, it's on their research work on sickle cell patients. I informed him I won't be available until Friday because of my school work which is true as my classes on Wednesday and Thursday are from 8-5pm with little few hours in between. He sha said I should come on Friday morning that my transport fare would be given to me, as if that would ginger me to come if I don't want to

I actually like to help with research work as I know what's involved, but most doctors' approach can be annoying, like it's their rights for you to give your samples to them and all. Also, they don't even try to explain what the research is about to the volunteers, all they are after is to get the samples needed and discard the patient, which is against ethical procedures of obtaining information/samples during research. Some of us know our rights, we just decide to be of help, in bettering the world. I know if the research work is successful, it can aid medical work and treatment, reason why I volunteer and don't care about the doctors' attitude most times.

Don't let me digress too much.

On Wednesday (yesterday), I was supposed to have a practical in school by 8am which I went for, but there was no light to carry out the experiment in the lab, so attendance was taken and we were released around 8:30am. That left me with ample time to do other things since my next class is by 12pm.
N.B: The lab was supposed to end by 11am normally.

I decided to go to THC (teaching hospital complex) to attend to the doctor who called. On getting there, he's not around yet so I decided to go to the gynaecology unit to find out if I can collect HPV vaccine which I had plans to get since. I was told to go and eat then come back and I also got to know the payment for it is directly to them not to the hospital account which I was planning to do with my ATM card since I wasn't with enough cash and I didn't really plan for it that day.

I then called the doctor from Haematology unit to know if he's around, and he said he will join me in the day clinic soon. I guessed he was already in his office. On getting to the day clinic, I sha waited few minutes, then he entered and called me, then I met him. Interestingly this particular doctor has never attended to me personally before in my 6 years of attending clinics there. I only see his face around once in a while. I guessed they allocated different patients to different doctors doing research works to use as volunteers, as he wasn't the one who contacted one of my friends in the clinic, I don't know the doctors who contacted the rest.

He sha told me he was the one who called me and asked me to sit, then brought us a form and started filling it for me. No explanation about the test to be carried out or research in general, nothing. He only told me mama, referring to one of their consultant haematologist, asked them to do the test for all their patients.
Meanwhile, I was already going through the form as it's his research work, and glacing what it's all about.
He then wanted me to sign that I was duly informed about the test, the risk and all, and I am fully aware and gave consent to the research. I would have gone ahead to do that even though he didn't explain as expected of him, as I really have no issue with been volunteer for such research work, but from what I could read I realized the test was for sickle cell Anaemia i.e. SS patients not SC patients which I am.
I sha told him he hasn't explain what the test is about to me. That's when he then explained and asked if my genotype was HBSS, I replied No and told him I'm HBSC. He then said he thought he asked me on the phone, wanting to kind of put the blame on me, I replied and told him he made no explanation on phone and didn't ask such question, he only asked me to come for a test been carried out for their patients.
He sha apologized that the test wasn't meant for me, and I can go.
No more talk about my Tfare which I don't really care about anyway. It's not as if he can give more than #500.
I sha left the place. Then, I started looking for where to withdraw money so that I can take the HPV vaccine and my journey to THC won't be a complete waste of time and resources. I visited the two ATM at phase 2, none of them were dispensing. Then went to their banking area. First got to Zenith bank, I was so happy it was dispensing even though there was queue, only for it to get to 2 people before me, and it stopped dispensing.
I moved to GTBANK ATM, also not dispensing. Then to Polaris bank, their ATM was out of service.
I then went back to Zenith bank to check again if they have load the ATM as people were going there. It was still not dispensing. At this point, I was already getting frustrated. Some people who are using Zenith Bank were entering the bank to make their withdraw. I sha also entered and approached about 3 different people, (1 elderly man, 1 elderly woman and a young lady) differently to please allow me to transfer into their account and they should help me withdraw from the counter with theirs, as I was using GTBank.
N.B: GTBANK only had an ATM in the hospital, they don't operate there.
They sha rejected claiming they don't do such. The young lady claimed she was in a hurry, someone on the queue. I wondered if it would have really taken extra time to offer such help.

I was discouraged and left the banking premises thinking of my next move close to the ATM. Then a woman approached the ATM also wanting to withdraw. As she was about to go into the banking premises since the ATM was still not working, I sha approached her and explained to her and asked if she can help me with the withdrawal. That's how she accepted o and told me to follow her to the bank. She wrote down her account number inside the bank, and I did the transfer to her account. Transfer successful. I haven't even received the debit alert before she filled the withdrawal slip and joined the queue.
She sha withdrew and gave me my share of the money. I was so happy and grateful. God bless her for me. May God answer her at her point of need.
That was how I was able to withdraw o.

I left the bank, went to eat, then went to purchase some of my routine drugs before going back to the gynaecology unit to get the vaccine.


I want to ask, is there any risk for you in transferring to your account and helping to withdraw from the counter? I feel you can easily confirmed the money has been deposited before withdrawing and handling over the money.
I even felt it's at my own risk as you could claim you didn't receive the money and I may not be able to voice out and defend my case, since you could give another account details for me to transfer into.

But then, I guess a lot of people have trust issues especially when it comes to money and might felt they can be scammed.

2018 started on a good note, and I think it's ending on a fair note. In between was hell. It was a year of a lot of first timer. I experienced love. I was heartbroken. I experienced different set backs. At a point, it felt like I was moving a step ahead and three steps backwards. I lost myself. I lost loved ones. I felt all alone even though I was surrounded by people. My mum has always been my number 1 cheerleader, my love, my fan, my encourager, but she wasn't physically present. It made it tougher. I felt love deprived, looking for a substitute where there's none. I experienced depression at its peak. Suicidal thoughts kept crawling in. The only thing that held me back was the thought of my mum. Days I just want to sleep and never wake up. Days I don't just want to go out and felt like locking my inner self up. Days of complications as if the end is near. There was a time I felt I won't live to see the end of the year. I just felt I would be gone by them. That the pain, physical, emotional and mental would be over and everything would come to an end. I was really looking forward to that end. I just wanted it to come and the life would be over.
But here I am, still bouncing. I'm not yet an overcomer but a survivor. Still living, still surviving.
2018,ka ma pade mon. All the tribulations of the year, may I not see them again. It was a tough year.
Alhamdulilah.

fam24:
2018 started on a good note, and I think it's ending on a fair note. In between was hell. It was a year of a lot of first timer. I experienced love. I was heartbroken. I experienced different set backs. At a point, it felt like I was moving a step ahead and three steps backwards. I lost myself. I lost loved ones. I felt all alone even though I was surrounded by people. My mum has always been my number 1 cheerleader, my love, my fan, my encourager, but she wasn't physically present. It made it tougher. I felt love deprived, looking for a substitute where there's none. I experienced depression at its peak. Suicidal thoughts kept crawling in. The only thing that held me back was the thought of my mum. Days I just want to sleep and never wake up. Days I don't just want to go out and felt like locking my inner self up. Days of complications as if the end is near. There was a time I felt I won't live to see the end of the year. I just felt I would be gone by them. That the pain, physical, emotional and mental would be over and everything would come to an end. I was really looking forward to that end. I just wanted it to come and the life would be over.
But here I am, still bouncing. I'm not yet an overcomer but a survivor. Still living, still surviving.
2018,ka ma pade mon. All the tribulations of the year, may I not see them again. It was a tough year.
Alhamdulilah.

Thank God for your life, indeed you are a living testimony...

It's a new year, and it's exciting that there wasn't fuel scarcity through out the festive period. No reason for a long queue at the filling station. With this, one would expect that there shouldn't be hike in the cost of transportation, but no, reversal was the case. There was an increase in the cost of transport for no just reason except that it's festive period and they are collecting 'owo odun'.

After spending the festive period at home, I decided to return to school yesterday. On getting to the car park, there was only one passenger left for the car to leave, I felt I was so lucky until I realized the cost of transportation has been increased from #500 to #700. I had to ask why, I need to know the reason for the sudden increment even if I would be paying for it. All I got as response was that they were collecting 'owo odun' i.e. festive money. What does that even mean? I was like it's the 3rd day already, which 'odun' were they still doing, and the driver was like they would still be collecting it till weekend. The feeling of entitlement irritated me more, I was like I really do not have an emergency to attend to in school (even though I later realized I had), why should be paying such amount? I sha said I would be going back home to wait till when they were done with their owo odun, and he was like I should go and wait till after the festive period.
I sha got down, took a #50 bus to another car park. On getting there, they were still charging their regular #300 but they have also increased the number of passengers from 3 per seat to 4.

A friend who took the car from the former car park the previous day, 2nd later told me they also increased the number of passengers from 1 to 2 in the front seat a day before, aside increasing the T fare from #500 to #700.

Owo odun is something to be given freely and willing to the recipient as a way of sharing the goodies of the festive period around and showing love between the giver and the receiver.
I ask myself, should something of this nature be forced out of one's pocket and collected through means of inflating price of commodities?
But then, Nigerians remain the problem of Nigeria, and the greatest discomforters of Nigerians.

If there had been fuel scarcity, everyone would have been shouting the government, abusing 'Buhari' and have a 'justifiable' reason to increase price of goods and services, but now there's none, we still find a way to make life difficult for ourselves.
We will definitely be alright at the end.

I don't usually have issues with people not getting the spelling of my name correctly. I'm not usually particular about it, except it's on an official level. There are times I don't even bother correcting the spelling when shown if it's not that necessary.
I have had a lot of countering spellings of my name, which I later need to correct and have to make a lot of explanation why I didn't talk initially. But then, when it's not necessary, I just let it go. Instances where I needed medical report and the spelling on my case note wasn't the same as my official spelling. But then, name spelling wasn't what matters most at the point of entry in the Nigerian hospital. Even when you are paying too much emphasis on it, there are times someone might feel you are not sick enough, na why you get energy to dey correct them on the spelling of your name.

There are a lot of friends who don't know the correct spelling of my name and have the wrong spelling saved on their phone. I don't really have issues with it.

But when you are chatting me up on Facebook where my names and every of my details are spelt out in details, and you are still spelling it the wrong way, then that's too much to swallow. Are you trying to tell me I don't know the correct spelling of my name, or you are just not paying attention to it? Just because you have a friend who bears the same name, with a different spelling doesn't mean everyone else should go with the spelling you were familiar with.

MY NAME IS *FADEELAT*.
Please take note.

fam24:
It's a new year, and it's exciting that there wasn't fuel scarcity through out the festive period. No reason for a long queue at the filling station. With this, one would expect that there shouldn't be hike in the cost of transportation, but no, reversal was the case. There was an increase in the cost of transport for no just reason except that it's festive period and they are collecting 'owo odun'.

After spending the festive period at home, I decided to return to school yesterday. On getting to the car park, there was only one passenger left for the car to leave, I felt I was so lucky until I realized the cost of transportation has been increased from #500 to #700. I had to ask why, I need to know the reason for the sudden increment even if I would be paying for it. All I got as response was that they were collecting 'owo odun' i.e. festive money. What does that even mean? I was like it's the 3rd day already, which 'odun' were they still doing, and the driver was like they would still be collecting it till weekend. The feeling of entitlement irritated me more, I was like I really do not have an emergency to attend to in school (even though I later realized I had), why should be paying such amount? I sha said I would be going back home to wait till when they were done with their owo odun, and he was like I should go and wait till after the festive period.
I sha got down, took a #50 bus to another car park. On getting there, they were still charging their regular #300 but they have also increased the number of passengers from 3 per seat to 4.

A friend who took the car from the former car park the previous day, 2nd later told me they also increased the number of passengers from 1 to 2 in the front seat a day before, aside increasing the T fare from #500 to #700.

Owo odun is something to be given freely and willing to the recipient as a way of sharing the goodies of the festive period around and showing love between the giver and the receiver.
I ask myself, should something of this nature be forced out of one's pocket and collected through means of inflating price of commodities?
But then, Nigerians remain the problem of Nigeria, and the greatest discomforters of Nigerians.

If there had been fuel scarcity, everyone would have been shouting the government, abusing 'Buhari' and have a 'justifiable' reason to increase price of goods and services, but now there's none, we still find a way to make life difficult for ourselves.
We will definitely be alright at the end.

op, I'm happy you are doing good, your last post on your diary session is not too encouraging, especially the last paragraph...

please keep up the fight, because all will be well.

OkoAnike:



op, I'm happy you are doing good, your last post on your diary session is not too encouraging, especially the last paragraph...

please keep up the fight, because all will be well.

Thank you.

Nigerian guys will go to Twitter and start a trend about how ladies don't know how to chat, forgetting to tell us how they lack communication skills and can't even introduce themselves and start a meaningful conversation. Someone will enter DM for the first time, with no previous familiarity in the simplest of form and start asking '100 jamb questions' with no idea of where the conversation is headed, and they expect you to just answer and be nice. How am I supposed to know the aim and where the conversation is headed.
How are you?
How was your day?
What's up with you?....

Please learn to introduce yourself and give the reason for the conversation, and allow the lady to decide if she's interested in the conversation or not.
No entitlement spirit please.
She has the right to know where the conversation is headed and decide if she wants to be involve or not.
Don't make it seems like you are doing her a favor by sliding into her DM or that she's an angry lady and not welcoming if she's not interested in the conversation.

I have had enough of people sliding into DM and asking questions with no aim, then when you ask why the conversation is taking place, the next thing they can say is 'Are you angry?' 'You don't want me?'. Please I at least need to know why I am having a conversation. I can't just be holding a conversation I don't know where it's headed.

Learn the little act of communication.

MY PICA EXPERIENCE*
I used to have a very strong craving for sand mixed with cement, the one specifically found in new site.

Before then, when I was much younger, in primary school, I used to cut chalk into smaller pieces into round circles, taking the shape of paracetamol, to keep and later chew. I used to think and wonder why it didn't work the wonders paracetamol and other drugs did, but even at that it didn't stop me from chewing it. I didn't know that habit of mine has a name. I later thought it was just my curious mind trying to experiment.�

I later grew out of that habit of mine and chalk no longer appeal to me.
Then I picked up a new craving. I really can't say when exactly this new habit started, if it was present when I was chewing chalks, or if it started much later. As far as I can remember, way back in primary school, I knew I do crave for cemented sand and I can easily perceive the smell of it from miles away. I just know how and where to find it (or maybe it actually use to find me) and get a bite of it. Its aroma and taste are more appealing than food itself and give a satisfactory feeling after a bite of it.
I knew it's not good but my craving wouldn't stop.
I later become conscious enough of my actions that I no longer swallowed it, I just chewed, split it out then rinse my mouth with water. I then licked the dusty leftover in my hand.

I think I was caught by people a number of times but that still didn't stop me from engaging in it another day. I can't remember if I was really punished for it.
I knew my mum was aware even if she didn't catch me red handed and I always had a lie to cover up even though they didn't make sense a lot of times. I always got my hand stained by falling. But on a number of occasions I was asked to open my mouth while in the act, I can't remember the excuses and lies I told.
I knew my siblings suspected, though I denied a lot of times and I knew they didn't believe me, I was reported a number of times, though I didn't know if they make much meanings to it.
I remember a family friend, who also had a daughter with sickle cell (the daughter is late now) discussing with my mum about her daughter's persistent habit of chewing clay. She wanted my mom's advice on it. She mentioned that she discussed it with their doctor and the doctor dismissed it off as just a normal child craving and also that clay is rich in calcium and the girl should be left alone that she would outgrow it. I didn't wait to listen to my mom's take on it, before I went to get a bite of it that day. That was all the encouragement and justification I needed. For my small mind, I was eating calcium. �

I later got to know this habit of mine has a name and it's not peculiar to me. It's called *PICA*.

Pica can be define as the persistent craving and chewing of substances that have no nutritional value, such as ice, clay, soil, paper, powder, form, chalk, styrofoam, starch, crayons, dirt, sponges, hair, or other non-nutritional items.
It is a common problem in persons with sickle cell disease. Over 50% of people living with SCD had experience pica at a point in time. It's said to be a symptom of anaemia, though there's no known cause for it.

Persons with sickle cell disease are known to have a higher rate of pica than the general population. The reasons for pica are not known, but some cases have been linked with iron deficiency, lower weight, lower hemoglobin, pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies, lead poisoning, behavioral problems, and a family history of pica.

Pica can be mild or severe depending on what is being ingested and the sources of the objects. Pica itself isn't a problem, but the object ingested can lead to one. Possible problems include infection, digestive tract blockage, poisoning, malnutrition, and damage to the teeth. Some health problems may require surgery.

There's no known treatment for pica except that the child can be trained on how to control the feelings as they become mature. Other treatments include treating anaemia and also treating any side effects of it.

I'm sharing my story on Pica to inform the public especially warriors and their relatives that their habit isn't strange. Beat the child, punish the child, PICA REMAINS PICA. The child will only learn how to be smart about it and not get caught. It wouldn't stop it until they are able to control their cravings.

Do I still crave for cemented sand? Yes

Do I still chew it? Story for another day.

*©FAM*

fam24:
MY PICA EXPERIENCE*
I used to have a very strong craving for sand mixed with cement, the one specifically found in new site.

Before then, when I was much younger, in primary school, I used to cut chalk into smaller pieces into round circles, taking the shape of paracetamol, to keep and later chew. I used to think and wonder why it didn't work the wonders paracetamol and other drugs did, but even at that it didn't stop me from chewing it. I didn't know that habit of mine has a name. I later thought it was just my curious mind trying to experiment.�

I later grew out of that habit of mine and chalk no longer appeal to me.
Then I picked up a new craving. I really can't say when exactly this new habit started, if it was present when I was chewing chalks, or if it started much later. As far as I can remember, way back in primary school, I knew I do crave for cemented sand and I can easily perceive the smell of it from miles away. I just know how and where to find it (or maybe it actually use to find me) and get a bite of it. Its aroma and taste are more appealing than food itself and give a satisfactory feeling after a bite of it.
I knew it's not good but my craving wouldn't stop.
I later become conscious enough of my actions that I no longer swallowed it, I just chewed, split it out then rinse my mouth with water. I then licked the dusty leftover in my hand.

I think I was caught by people a number of times but that still didn't stop me from engaging in it another day. I can't remember if I was really punished for it.
I knew my mum was aware even if she didn't catch me red handed and I always had a lie to cover up even though they didn't make sense a lot of times. I always got my hand stained by falling. But on a number of occasions I was asked to open my mouth while in the act, I can't remember the excuses and lies I told.
I knew my siblings suspected, though I denied a lot of times and I knew they didn't believe me, I was reported a number of times, though I didn't know if they make much meanings to it.
I remember a family friend, who also had a daughter with sickle cell (the daughter is late now) discussing with my mum about her daughter's persistent habit of chewing clay. She wanted my mom's advice on it. She mentioned that she discussed it with their doctor and the doctor dismissed it off as just a normal child craving and also that clay is rich in calcium and the girl should be left alone that she would outgrow it. I didn't wait to listen to my mom's take on it, before I went to get a bite of it that day. That was all the encouragement and justification I needed. For my small mind, I was eating calcium. �

I later got to know this habit of mine has a name and it's not peculiar to me. It's called *PICA*.

Pica can be define as the persistent craving and chewing of substances that have no nutritional value, such as ice, clay, soil, paper, powder, form, chalk, styrofoam, starch, crayons, dirt, sponges, hair, or other non-nutritional items.
It is a common problem in persons with sickle cell disease. Over 50% of people living with SCD had experience pica at a point in time. It's said to be a symptom of anaemia, though there's no known cause for it.

Persons with sickle cell disease are known to have a higher rate of pica than the general population. The reasons for pica are not known, but some cases have been linked with iron deficiency, lower weight, lower hemoglobin, pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies, lead poisoning, behavioral problems, and a family history of pica.

Pica can be mild or severe depending on what is being ingested and the sources of the objects. Pica itself isn't a problem, but the object ingested can lead to one. Possible problems include infection, digestive tract blockage, poisoning, malnutrition, and damage to the teeth. Some health problems may require surgery.

There's no known treatment for pica except that the child can be trained on how to control the feelings as they become mature. Other treatments include treating anaemia and also treating any side effects of it.

I'm sharing my story on Pica to inform the public especially warriors and their relatives that their habit isn't strange. Beat the child, punish the child, PICA REMAINS PICA. The child will only learn how to be smart about it and not get caught. It wouldn't stop it until they are able to control their cravings.

Do I still crave for cemented sand? Yes

Do I still chew it? Story for another day.

*©FAM*

Op, it's obvious that you are love by so many and I'm one of them, stay strong to your promises and God almighty will bring it to fulfilment... Reading through your last dairy post makes me happy.

Waiting patiently to hear from you again... Like a mother waiting for an envelope from a far away son.

*Who is next?*

Don't miss me when I'm gone, miss me now and let me know.
Don't cry for me when I'm no more, let's cry and laugh together now.
Don't wait till when I won't see and acknowledge it before you tell me how much you love and cherish me.
No one knows who's next, but I can tell you mine isn't now.
I promise my mum to be a daughter to her, a source of joy, here to stay, and make her an awesome grandmum.
I promise to be an amazing mother to my wonderful kids, and it's a promise meant to be kept.
But if peradventure, fate has another plan and I grow my wings, tell it to the world, it only means I have lived my part.
And it's not SCD because every soul shall taste death.
There's no too young to leave nor a too old to stay.

OkoAnike:



Op, it's obvious that you are love by so many and I'm one of them, stay strong to your promises and God almighty will bring it to fulfilment... Reading through your last dairy post makes me happy.

Waiting patiently to hear from you again... Like a mother waiting for an envelope from a far away son.

*Who is next?*

Don't miss me when I'm gone, miss me now and let me know.
Don't cry for me when I'm no more, let's cry and laugh together now.
Don't wait till when I won't see and acknowledge it before you tell me how much you love and cherish me.
No one knows who's next, but I can tell you mine isn't now.
I promise my mum to be a daughter to her, a source of joy, here to stay, and make her an awesome grandmum.
I promise to be an amazing mother to my wonderful kids, and it's a promise meant to be kept.
But if peradventure, fate has another plan and I grow my wings, tell it to the world, it only means I have lived my part.
And it's not SCD because every soul shall taste death.
There's no too young to leave nor a too old to stay.

Thanks so much sir. People like you encourage me. I love you too.

*HOW TO UNLOVE, UNCRUSH AND UNDO THE FEELINGS*
_True love is not always about staying together, sometimes it's about letting go each other._

It's the month regarded as the month of love, and the greatest form of love is about sacrifice.
In many instances where I have posted on pre-marital testing on genotype compatibility, I have been challenged on how it's not easy to let go off loved ones and even questioned on my love life if I have ever experienced or fallen in love so deeply. I have always try to be patience in engaging people as my goal is to enlighten others not to judge them.
To those who are wondering if I have been in such situations, I will like to say I have experienced my own share of forbidden feelings, but I know better not to indulge in it and even cut it off as much as possible.
I don't know what love means to you, but my own definition of love involves a lot of sacrifices, sacrifices of time, resources and even the emotions if needed.
I have had feelings with a co-warrior, but how did I handle it? This person is someone I like on my first encounter with him, we bound and flow easily. He is someone who believed miracle has changed his genotype as he no longer has crisis and believe the same could happen to me, and there is no danger with us, but I know better.
I have been in situations where I had to cut people off and run because I know better than to allow those feelings to grow.

Back to the topic, there are two ways I will like to talk on, on how to unlove.
The first method is to *Love them so much that you see them as families* and not someone you could be in a romantic relationship with. This is like a form of zoning, but shouldn't be friend zoning as friends could grow to be lovers. Call it sibling zoning�. Be each other's brother/sister. This is what I had to do with the co-warrior. We still relate well and watch each other's back.

The other method is to break the relationship and stay away from each other. A lot of people may say this is difficult to do and would lead to heart break. I have an easier way to go about it. You don't have to cut down off in a day.
As there's no perfect human, all you have to do is to consciously look towards the bad side of them, that side of them you don't like but you were willing to overlook, concentrate and capitalize on them and keep seeing those faults. With time, the heart grows weary and you lose interest in the relationship. The heart break becomes easier to bear.
In all of these, it's easier to nurse a broken heart than nurse a child with Sickle cell.

I have had people say love should be enough to withstand anything, and that their love is strong enough. But in reality, I have seen families torn apart, acclaimed loved ones who are parents hating and blaming each other, some having to separate, some becoming less responsible, is your love really strong enough?

N.B.: This is just the opinion of the writer and all clarification should be directed to such, as it's a satiric way of dissecting an important topic.

*©FAM*

fam24:


Thanks so much sir. People like you encourage me. I love you too.

Uwc,

I will always be there for a strong woman like you... Keep up the fight, victory is yours.

*MY SEQUESTRATION EXPERIENCE*
I have always been someone whose body communicate with regularly. I used to think and feel I understand my body language, and that language is Pain. I can't remember for how long I have known that language but I know it's what I grew up to understand.
Pain is a way my body communicate with me that she needs attention, and she seeks for it. So I assumed when I'm not in pain, then nothing is really wrong and I'm fine. There are cases of no pain but weakness, but it doesn't really last for long, as it either go on its own after resting or elongate into a full blown crisis and the necessary attention has to be given. So I don't really make a big deal of body weakness as I just see it as a way my body tells me she needs rest.

In 2014/15 (not so sure), this body took a new turn when I experienced a life threatening weakness and tiredness which I couldn't attribute to anything. This started like just any weakness and I was just tired. I had to take a break from classes and rest in the hostel hoping I would be fine in few hours. I have been someone who love and respect this body a lot because I know I don't have any other one to serve me and we have to be together to attain my dreams and goals. So whenever she's communicating, I tried to listen and obey. I really don't care about what others say, call me lazy or whatever, it has turned to a compliment for me, because they don't understand what my body is saying and I won't endanger this body to prove a point. I really have no need for such nor do I have a point to prove.

Let's not digress, I was expecting to recover but the weakness and tiredness persisted and was lasting for about 48hours with no crisis in view. Then my spirit started communicating to me to seek for help. I was skeptical about reporting at the health center as I didn't even know what my complaints would be. How would I face the doctor and tell him/her it's just tiredness that brought me to the hospital? I have never done that, most of my complaints has always been related to pains, something I can rate and relate to.
I had to force myself to go hoping the doctor would just alleviate my fear and would tell me it's nothing.

On getting to the health center and seeing the doctor, after physical examination, blood test was carried out and it was discovered that my PCV (blood level) had dropped. The doctor said it was low and she would have to refer me to the Teaching hospital, I was sad and angry and tried to explain to her that I was just tired and there was really nothing wrong with it as I had survived on lower PCV while in secondary school and I didn't die. She insisted they couldn't admit or treat me there. I was so angry at her and was almost regretting why I even reported myself. A nurse came around and consoled me telling me it was for the best that if there was really nothing wrong, I would be discharged in no time at THC but they couldn't take the risk. It was like they saw me dying and I wasn't aware.

I had no choice than to comply. I then called a friend who would follow me to THC and also informed my mum, who also appealed to me to go and she would join me there. The necessary arrangements were made and I was taken to THC.

On getting to THC, another investigations were conducted and it was discovered that the PCV has dropped again by 2%. Then I knew there was fire on the mountain, even though I wasn't scared. I was told there would be need for blood transfusion and some other procedures.

My mum later came around and she was told what was really wrong. My spleen which was supposed to be my fighting organ decided to misbehave and was fighting me. It was ingesting both my new and old red blood cells, hence there was less blood in my body and would keep dropping if nothing was done about it. What was happening was one of the complications with SCD and it has a name, it's called *Splenic Sequestration Crisis.*

....to be continued.

*©FAM*

fam24:
MY PICA EXPERIENCE*
I used to have a very strong craving for sand mixed with cement, the one specifically found in new site.

Before then, when I was much younger, in primary school, I used to cut chalk into smaller pieces into round circles, taking the shape of paracetamol, to keep and later chew. I used to think and wonder why it didn't work the wonders paracetamol and other drugs did, but even at that it didn't stop me from chewing it. I didn't know that habit of mine has a name. I later thought it was just my curious mind trying to experiment.�

I later grew out of that habit of mine and chalk no longer appeal to me.
Then I picked up a new craving. I really can't say when exactly this new habit started, if it was present when I was chewing chalks, or if it started much later. As far as I can remember, way back in primary school, I knew I do crave for cemented sand and I can easily perceive the smell of it from miles away. I just know how and where to find it (or maybe it actually use to find me) and get a bite of it. Its aroma and taste are more appealing than food itself and give a satisfactory feeling after a bite of it.
I knew it's not good but my craving wouldn't stop.
I later become conscious enough of my actions that I no longer swallowed it, I just chewed, split it out then rinse my mouth with water. I then licked the dusty leftover in my hand.

I think I was caught by people a number of times but that still didn't stop me from engaging in it another day. I can't remember if I was really punished for it.
I knew my mum was aware even if she didn't catch me red handed and I always had a lie to cover up even though they didn't make sense a lot of times. I always got my hand stained by falling. But on a number of occasions I was asked to open my mouth while in the act, I can't remember the excuses and lies I told.
I knew my siblings suspected, though I denied a lot of times and I knew they didn't believe me, I was reported a number of times, though I didn't know if they make much meanings to it.
I remember a family friend, who also had a daughter with sickle cell (the daughter is late now) discussing with my mum about her daughter's persistent habit of chewing clay. She wanted my mom's advice on it. She mentioned that she discussed it with their doctor and the doctor dismissed it off as just a normal child craving and also that clay is rich in calcium and the girl should be left alone that she would outgrow it. I didn't wait to listen to my mom's take on it, before I went to get a bite of it that day. That was all the encouragement and justification I needed. For my small mind, I was eating calcium. �

I later got to know this habit of mine has a name and it's not peculiar to me. It's called *PICA*.

Pica can be define as the persistent craving and chewing of substances that have no nutritional value, such as ice, clay, soil, paper, powder, form, chalk, styrofoam, starch, crayons, dirt, sponges, hair, or other non-nutritional items.
It is a common problem in persons with sickle cell disease. Over 50% of people living with SCD had experience pica at a point in time. It's said to be a symptom of anaemia, though there's no known cause for it.

Persons with sickle cell disease are known to have a higher rate of pica than the general population. The reasons for pica are not known, but some cases have been linked with iron deficiency, lower weight, lower hemoglobin, pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies, lead poisoning, behavioral problems, and a family history of pica.

Pica can be mild or severe depending on what is being ingested and the sources of the objects. Pica itself isn't a problem, but the object ingested can lead to one. Possible problems include infection, digestive tract blockage, poisoning, malnutrition, and damage to the teeth. Some health problems may require surgery.

There's no known treatment for pica except that the child can be trained on how to control the feelings as they become mature. Other treatments include treating anaemia and also treating any side effects of it.

I'm sharing my story on Pica to inform the public especially warriors and their relatives that their habit isn't strange. Beat the child, punish the child, PICA REMAINS PICA. The child will only learn how to be smart about it and not get caught. It wouldn't stop it until they are able to control their cravings.

Do I still crave for cemented sand? Yes

Do I still chew it? Story for another day.

*©FAM*

Ohh so that's why my cousin and I crave for clay well I do my best not to take it because they said it also aids crisis

*MY SEQUESTRATION EXPERIENCE* (CONTINUATION)
Splenic sequestration is a potentially life-threatening condition that’s most commonly seen as a complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). It affects about 30% of children who have SCD, but you can get it at any age, with any form of SCD. Symptoms include any or all of the following: tiredness, pain in the left side of the stomach (where the spleen is located), pale skin, drowsiness, weakness, excessive thirst, irritation, enlarged spleen etc.
Splenic sequestration occurs when the spleen (the organ responsible for recycling old red blood cells and fighting infections) is enlarged and ingest both old and new red blood cells, due to blockage of blood flow through the spleen, resulting in anaemia as there's less red blood cells to circulate to the body. It happens when a lot of sickled red blood cells become trapped in the spleen. The spleen can enlarge, get damaged, and not work as it should.

In my own case, I only experienced tiredness and weakness and didn't really take note of the enlarged spleen as I have always had a big stomach due to my enlarged spleen and liver.

Splenic sequestration can be treated by blood transfusion/exchange transfusion as well as splenectomy (removal of the spleen).

For me, after taking few pints of blood with some other treatments, I was deemed fit but was advised to undergo splenectomy to prevent further occurrence as the spleen had become so enlarged. This was a turning point for me, as I used to hate my big stomach which was due to the enlarged spleen and liver, and before then, would want to do something about it to have a flat tommy like every other girl.

I have experienced body shaming because of my stomach, being tagged pregnant and mocked. I remember a particular episode in my part 1, after missing tests and submitting medical report, I had to follow up on it after writing exams for every of the courses I missed their tests. On the fateful day, I met lecturers discussing after collating the scripts in the course coordinator's office, and after telling them why I was there, I was made jest of and asked if I was pregnant in the mocking way by one of them, the other two laughed. While I wouldn't forget this particular episode was because I couldn't give them the response they deserved which I would have loved to, because of the position they held. I just smiled, gave them another copy of the medical report and left.
I had hated my stomach as it also affected what I had to wear and how I looked.

But when I had the opportunity to change that and do away with the spleen, I chose otherwise. I realized how much that spleen had served me and is still doing. I realized how important it is to me. I realized how often I treated infections even with the spleen, so I couldn't afford to take it away as I would become more prone to infections since it wouldn't be there to fight them.

This was the point I started to appreciate my body especially my stomach, big or not. I know why it is how it is, and I love it that way. Nothing anyone says can change that. Let someone tell me I have a big stomach or refer to me as been pregnant, it's now a compliment to me. It's a special feature not everyone has, and pregnancy isn't a disease and it's nothing to be ashamed of. Same way a person with a flat tommy would blush when told such, it's the same way I would when I'm told about my body features. I know them already. It's really not about what they say, but how we view it.

I was later discharged since I didn't option for the splenectomy and was asked to come back if there was any complain.

To the glory of God, no other episode of sequestration has occurred after that, and I'm grateful for that single episode because it shaped my view and helped me to appreciate my body more. Whenever I look at my stomach now, all I see is a fighting organ in a fighting body. It's one crisis I wouldn't forget in a hurry as I could have been gone without even knowing it.


*©FAM*

*Raising Funds for treatment*
When you see those broadcast soliciting for funds for someone battling with disease(s), what comes to your mind? What do you hope for when helping with funds? What kind of treatment do you hope they get?
In cases where after the fund is raised, the soul is still lost, how do you react? Do you think it's a waste of resources?
Some just require a little comfort while alive, not to live forever.
The aim of therapy/treatment doesn't only involve prolonging lifespan, the main aim is to improve quality of life. This may include cure of a disease, elimination or reduction of a patient’s symptoms, arresting or slowing of a disease process, or preventing other disease complications or symptom.
Hence, even if the live is later lost, it's enough that they got treatment while alive. It's enough that the disease didn't aggravate. It's enough that the symptom was made a bit bearable.
Death is a constant, for every soul shall have a taste of it, and hence shouldn't be a measure of the state of health and life.

*©FAM*

They said she's a bitch
Some call her bastard
Some felt it's a he and a beast
People who have met him know how wicked he could be.
He shows no mercy
He comes knocking when least expected
She doesn't wait to be invited
She comes with pain
She destabilizes plans
He ruins your schedule
People who know her wish they never did.
People who don't think she's overemphasized
Some still love and want her
They call upon her and welcome her with open arms
When they meet her, they regret and realize their mistakes
But it's too late
She doesn't come alone
She comes with crisis and complications
She makes hospital their home
She makes drugs food
And makes foods drug
She makes the weak strong
And makes the strong weak
Another child has been put in agony
She makes veins run and disappear
And gives marks via cannula line
She's a product of two carriers
One claiming love
The other shouting faith
How can you be this careless
How can you claim to be ignorant
What's your excuse?
Some call her disease
Some said he is a disorder
Whatever you call her
The features are there
She's a respecter of no one
It's SCD


*© FAM*

fam24:
They said she's a bitch
Some call her bastard
Some felt it's a he and a beast
People who have met him know how wicked he could be.
He shows no mercy
He comes knocking when least expected
She doesn't wait to be invited
She comes with pain
She destabilizes plans
He ruins your schedule
People who know her wish they never did.
People who don't think she's overemphasized
Some still love and want her
They call upon her and welcome her with open arms
When they meet her, they regret and realize their mistakes
But it's too late
She doesn't come alone
She comes with crisis and complications
She makes hospital their home
She makes drugs food
And makes foods drug
She makes the weak strong
And makes the strong weak
Another child has been put in agony
She makes veins run and disappear
And gives marks via cannula line
She's a product of two carriers
One claiming love
The other shouting faith
How can you be this careless
How can you claim to be ignorant
What's your excuse?
Some call her disease
Some said he is a disorder
Whatever you call her
The features are there
She's a respecter of no one
It's SCD


*© FAM*

Lack of knowledge for those that are not privileged...
Religion and the claim of faith for those that are knowledged...

What a complexity of life.

Keep fighting because you are a victor already, wishing and hoping to read from you soon... From a mind that cares.

fam24:
They said she's a bitch
Some call her bastard
Some felt it's a he and a beast
People who have met him know how wicked he could be.
He shows no mercy
He comes knocking when least expected
She doesn't wait to be invited
She comes with pain
She destabilizes plans
He ruins your schedule
People who know her wish they never did.
People who don't think she's overemphasized
Some still love and want her
They call upon her and welcome her with open arms
When they meet her, they regret and realize their mistakes
But it's too late
She doesn't come alone
She comes with crisis and complications
She makes hospital their home
She makes drugs food
And makes foods drug
She makes the weak strong
And makes the strong weak
Another child has been put in agony
She makes veins run and disappear
And gives marks via cannula line
She's a product of two carriers
One claiming love
The other shouting faith
How can you be this careless
How can you claim to be ignorant
What's your excuse?
Some call her disease
Some said he is a disorder
Whatever you call her
The features are there
She's a respecter of no one
It's SCD


*© FAM*

Everytime I read through your post, I get excited that I have the opportunity to meet your personality on this platform... So many things I 've learnt and so many discovered, thanks for being a great person. Just to let you know I now have survival noticification on my facebook account, courtesy of you, once again thank you and God bless.

OkoAnike:



Everytime I read through your post, I get excited that I have the opportunity to meet your personality on this platform... So many things I 've learnt and so many discovered, thanks for being a great person. Just to let you know I now have survival noticification on my facebook account, courtesy of you, once again thank you and God bless.

Amen. You are welcome sir. Thanks for following. It's great to know someone like you is patiently reading through. God bless you sir

*THE ERRORS IN OUR LAB*
In as much as my genotype was known as far back as when I was 18months, a reaffirmation still had to be requested at different times by medical practitioners. This is not because it's expected that the genotype would have changed, but because sickle cell wasn't mild on me in reality as it's stated theoretically in books. My genotype is SC, but at some point some doctors felt some complications I experienced would have been easier to explain if I was SS. They needed a result to state that I was SS.
On one of these confirmatory testing, I was presented with a result that stated AS, I should have been happy right? A miracle must have happened�. If I was desperate for such miracle, I should have just accepted such and the next thing would be to go for a Thanksgiving service. Then when the next time crisis comes knocking, I would be told it's because I had lost my faith, that's why the genotype switched back.�
I'm a product of a laboratory error, as my mum was told she was AA not until she had a child with sickle cell (which was me) did they realized she's AS, so it would really be dumb of me to accept just any result in whatever name.

A lot of mistakes occurs in our laboratories frequently. Some due to the process while others are due to human error. A quite number of people have been given incorrect result at one point or another, especially when it comes to genotype. Quite a number of warrior's parents have this story to tell of how they were given a fake result. Who is to blame for this? How do we eradicate sickle cell when we can't even get a genuine result from our laboratories? What are the causes of the errors?How can the errors be minimized? These are some of the questions begging for answers.

A genotyping error occurs when the observed genotype of an individual does not correspond to the true genotype. Genotyping errors result from diverse, complex and sometimes cryptic origins. Errors have various causes, but their occurrence and effect can be limited by considering these causes in the production and analysis of the data.
The errors in laboratory results can be as a result of the human factor and/or the process/procedure involved in the analysis of the sample. Human error varies from sample manipulation - swapping of samples, experimental error - inappropriate protocols, contamination or cross-contamination of samples, error in data handling and analysis - misreading or miscopying of data profile, improper labelling, swapping of result etc.
The process or procedural error could be from the reagents used, the equipment, the method of analysis, sample quality etc.
There are different methods of carrying out genotype testing and each of these tests has their degree of error. Some can be as simple as identification of the Haemoglobin in the blood, or identification and determination of frequency of sickle Haemoglobin if present, or determination of the rate of migration of the haemoglobin to determine the individual Haemoglobin. The result obtained also depends on the control.

There is no consensus strategy or strict standard for limiting or quantifying the occurrence of the main types of error. All of these errors can be negligible but their consequences aren't.

Some of the consequences include:
Individuals identity can be affected.
Genotyping errors have an effect on parentage analysis, as they can generate incorrect paternity or maternity exclusion, which is important because inaccurate estimates that are caused by genotyping errors can result in incorrect decisions being made in population management. This is a major issue in genotype compatibility, a major way of preventing SCD.
The diversity of case studies, causes of error and laboratory contexts makes it impossible to propose a universal and simple procedure; the possible solutions for limiting the occurrence and effect of genotyping errors are therefore case -specific.

With all of these, it is important to know as individuals that a single genotype testing isn't enough to ascertain our genotype. The burden lies on us to go for a genotype testing as many times as possible (personally I recommend at least 3 times) as even the most competent personnels and standard facilities aren't spared from some of these errors.

You will bear the burnt of the consequences, why not go extra miles to prevent that.

*© FAM*

*SCD COMPLICATIONS NOT SPIRITUAL ATTACKS*
The awareness about sickle cell diseases is so low that the damages caused as a result of misinformation, ignorance, myths on SCD are far more than those caused by sickle cell itself. A lot of people have little, no or wrong idea about it. Even warriors rarely have ideas about what they are battling with. Relatives/guardians have little knowledge about what they are into. What some can associate with it is the pain. A lot of people don't know that sickle cell goes beyond the frequent pain (Vaso-occlusive crisis) that comes with it, which is just one of the many complications of sickle cell. When some of the other complications show up, they aren't linked, accepted or associated with SCD. They are attributed to other things and solutions are seek where there are none.
Most sickle cell complications come like a thief in the night, they give little or no prior notice. They don't write to or inform the warriors or their relatives before they visit and sometimes the effects of their visitation could be a long lasting one. I know we are Africans, and a lot of us believe in the spirit realm and that spiritual controls the physical, but then sickle cell complications are just what they are, they are complications arising from the malfunction of the blood, they aren't spiritual attacks.
Sickle cell complications might be difficult to comprehend and explain, especially to those who aren't medically inclined especially the sudden occurrence and long lasting effects of some of them, but that doesn't make them spiritual.
It's important as warriors and their relatives to accept who we are and accept what sickle cell is all about, so as not to be defraud in the name of looking for a solution where it doesn't exist.
It is also important to have a competent doctor, an Haematologist who can be a guide in our life journey to help in the management, diagnosis and treatment of the complications as well as counseling.
It's also important to seek knowledge not just surface knowledge about SCD but about the complications especially if/when diagnosed with any (Google always have something to say) so as to know how to manage them and follow strictly doctor's advice.

There may be herbal cure to the complications but we should at least know what we are treating or managing so that we know when that trusted specialist or herbalist is saying thrash.

I'm a warrior not an ogbaje.
I battle Sickle cell Complications not spiritual attacks.
I belong to no occultic group to be appeal to for me to live.

*© FAM*

Chy59. See another beautiful soul.