₦airaland Forum

Good evening beautiful people.
I'm sorry for being absent. Exams won't let me be for the next few months ( you're darling girl will be a registered nurse in a little while,, y'all should pray for me) and I'm getting drained already because School exams starts on Monday and my first professional exam in November.

September is known to be the "sickle cell awareness month" and it has been a great one so far as many organisations and individuals are making it top priority to increase the awareness.( I hope you do so too)

It's the 19th day of September and this is what I've got for you. A fellow warrior wrote it.


Day #19 Sickle Cell Awareness:

* We will probably live half our lives in the hospital ��
* Be on drugs routine daily � to avoid been in and out of the hospital
* Drink water like fish �
* Try so hard to avoid drug dependency (addiction/abuse)
* Get swollen butt from frequent injection �
* Pain from canulars and getting pierced a thousand and one times just to get a vein for fluids and iv � (is like the thing is a set up, once there is a crisis boom vein yaf go on vacation) ☺
* The tears/shouts/screams from pain which gets to a 100% at nights.
* Been called customer dada (better customer) in your hospital.
* The emotional (Addiction, dependency, Mentally health e.g depression, anxiety disorder etc) Physical (AVN, DVT, blood transfusion, ACS, leg ulcer, organ failure etc) Social (Stigmatization, perceived as weak, pity) Financial (Managing SCD breaks the bank especially when there is no insurance) torture.
* Restrictions (swimming, not going to the theater because of AC, not getting married to just anyone unless they are AA, allowed to injest anything with iron in them "this differs"...
* How can I forget how family, friends and significant others who has deprived themselves of so many things just to be able to take care of us

* Chai, some of us have suffered in this love matter while some of us had it easy (Our AA brothers and sisters na we dey rush them �), so much dos and don't and the list is endless living with Sickle Cell Anemia.

The reason for this write is not to focus on this negativity we have to go through on a daily basis to stay alive but to remind us that a lot of us keep our focus on our loses (pain, death) and forget the things we should be grateful for in between all the hurdles. A lot of us were told we won't get to the age we are today but we still got through and are standing even stronger (Only Grace, no be by how much you take care of yourself o). Some of us has gained their wings which saddened a lot of us (as to be expected) but if we look deeper "Their deaths should be a trigger to create awareness everyday of our lives to as much people we can get across to.

It's Sickle cell awareness month, how many of you have talked sickle cell, genotype testing etc to someone... I know it can be difficult for some of us (talking about having sickle cell might make the world perceive us as weak) but sickle cell should not make you weak, we have doctors, nurses, actors, engineers, flight attendants, writers, pharmacist, lab attendants, business gurus etc to mention but few.

P.s: You can achieve anything you set your mind to and stop comparing yourself to another warrior (same diseases but we are affected differently). I challenge you tell someone today about genotype testing, no one deserves to be in this much pain

We are *WARRIORS* , We are *SURVIVORS*

*I* am *ME* and *YOU* are *YOU* before our cells.


Signed: Doris Peter ☺

Good morning everyone.
I'm really sorry for being MIA. I sincerely apologise.

*20 Inspiring Quotes to Reignite the Sickle Cell WARRIOR Inside of You.*

Whether you personally live with sickle-cell disease or you're a caregiver to someone who does, there's no doubt that it takes a lot of perseverance for you to push through the tough times.

To celebrate your warrior status, we're sharing some of our favorite quotes on overcoming, building courage, and having overall tenacity.

1. "Being a survivor doesn't mean being strong - it's telling people when you need a meal or a ride, company, whatever. It's paying attention to heart wisdom, feelings, not living a role, but having a unique, authentic life, having something to contribute, finding time to love and laugh. All these things are qualities of survivors." --Bernie Siegel

2. "You recognize a survivor when you see one. You recognize a fighter when you see one." --Elizabeth Edwards

3. "Life isn't perfect. When you get a knock, you have to get up, dust yourself down and get on with it." --Patsy Kensit

4. "What makes people resilient is the ability to find humour and irony in situations that would otherwise overpower you."--Amy Tan

5. "One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity." --Albert Schweitzer

6. "Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition - such as lifting weights - we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity." --Stephen Covey

7. "Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune." --William James

8. "When faced with a challenge, happy families, like happy people, just add a new chapter to their life story that shows them overcoming the hardship."--Bruce Feiler

9. "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." --Helen Keller

10. “If you are faced with a mountain, you have several options. You can climb it and cross to the other side. You can go around it. You can dig under it. You can fly over it. You can blow it up. You can ignore it and pretend it’s not there. You can turn around and go back the way you came. Or you can stay on the mountain and make it your home.” --Vera Nazarian

11. “The future will present insurmountable problems- only when we consider them insurmountable." --Thomas S. Monson

12. “Nobody looks good in their darkest hour. But it's those hours that make us what we are. We stand strong, or we cower. We emerge victorious, tempered by our trials, or fractured by a permanent damning fault line.” --Karen Marie Moning

13. “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” --Molière

14. “Those who don't know how to suffer are the worst off. There are times when the only correct thing we can do is to bear out troubles until a better day.” --Deng Ming-Dao

15. “I am more than my scars.” --Andrew Davidson

16. “If you expect life to be easy, challenges will seem difficult. If you accept that challenges may occur, life will be easier.” --Rob Liano

17. “There is no chance, no fate, no destiny that can circumvent, or hinder, or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” --Hyrum Smith

18. “Thriving. That's fighting... Surviving is barely getting by.” --Jillian Michaels

19. “Confidence, courage and determined spirit are vital for surviving hard times.” --Lailah Gifty Akita

20. “Armed with my positive attitude and inherent stubborn nature, I keep my mind focused and my life moving forward. I stop to rest, pout and even cry sometimes, but always, I get back up. Life is giving me this challenge and I will plow through it, out of breath with my heart racing if I have to.

.........................................................
So September is known as sickle cell awareness month and I want us to share our stories here. Let's create awareness in our own little way by telling people what SCD really entails, you'll be surprised about the rubbish people think they know about it.
The floor is officially opened, let's hear some of your experiences.

.............
To fellow warriors out there, make una no enter rain o. The rain here in Òsogbo Is something else these days. I didn't go to class yesterday coz of the rain , it started 8am and ended 1pm. The class was important but I couldn't risk my health for it.
And please o ,don't let us be doing big boy and girl and not wear cardigan when necessary...we will be doing ourselves by doing that.

I wish us all a crisis free month.

Peace ✌️✌️✌️✌️

Hello everyone. How are we?
To my brothers and sisters in Islam , ẹkú ọdún iléyá yìí. Èmí aa ṣe pupo ninu alaafia.

So I came across this interview of Greg.
Greg Emuze is the co-founder of Crimsonbow sickle cell initiative and he's a warrior in which I look up to.

Greg has a few words to say to fellow warriors and caregivers.

Please click on the link below

https://theworldnews.net/ng-news/i-couldn-t-go-to-school-of-my-choice-due-to-sickle-cell-disorder-grey-emuze


Enjoy your holiday..

ACUTE CHEST SYNDROME

Acute chest syndrome is a complication of sickle cell disease.Acute chest syndrome is a term used to cover conditions characterized by chest pain, cough, fever, hypoxia (low oxygen level) and lung infiltrates. Acute chest syndrome may be the result of sickling in the small blood vessels in the lungs causing a pulmonary infarction/emboli or viral or bacterial pneumonia.
It may develop as a single event, or during a painful vaso-occlusive crisis.

SYMPTOMS

Chest pain when breathing is the most common presenting complaint in adults.
Fever, cough, tachypnea (abnormally rapid breathing), hypoxemia (an unusually low concentration of oxygen in the blood), or abdominal pain are common presentations for infants and children.

It is always best to rule out infection in these cases and obtain appropriate blood cultures and serologic studies. There may or may not be radiographic evidence (X-ray) of pulmonary infiltrates at the initial time of symptoms.

TREATMENT
-Broad spectrum antibiotics to cover common infections such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and mycoplasma,
-Analgesic for pain control, and
-blood transfusion. Acute chest syndrome is an indication for exchange transfusion.
-Bronchodilators may be useful .

.................................................................................
I haven't really experienced acute chest syndrome in my adults years so far but I can remember having it in my childhood years. Though I wasn't diagnosed because my folks couldn't afford hospital bills but the nature of the pain in my chest and the difficulty in breathing accompanied with it makes me think that it must have been ACS.

I'm using this medium to encourage us to know our genotype before putting a ring on someone's finger. No one in his or her right senses should subject their child to a lifetime of sickness all in the name of love.

#ACS
#SCD
#WARRIOR
#KNOWYOURGENOTYPE

Enjoy the rest of your day �

Peace✌️✌️✌️

I know I can put down my ramblings and thoughts here without being judged.

The Hustle is real.

I really do not know why I'm writing this right now at this odd hour but whAT happened to me tonight made me realize that the hustle is more realistic or realest (if that English is correct) for SCD warriors. I haven't really been exposed to catering for my needs since I was young but now I'm in the university with #200 to manage before another alert comes in. Mind you I'm not an extravagant spender, I'm someone who's prudent in spending but the past few days has been hell..
I know what you're thinking, ... Why haven't my parents sent in an alert ?right ? Well, they're trying,, and besides I'm not the only daughter in school.
Truth is I Can't undergo any strenuous activities(I for don dey do labour for the building undergoing construction near my hostel) , my hip is clearly an obstacle And I'm not lazy either with regards to my craft (Beadmaking),,just that clients aren't even up to a handful.

Now I'm scared.
Scared for other scd patients with more complex complications that disallow mobilitY (fibromyalgia,myofibrosis,avascular necrosis ,stroke, paralysparalysis, etc)
How do you guys cope with making ends meet? Coz I understand not everyone of us has a caregiver.
Plus caregivers also get tired too.
I take this moment to pray for divine healing for each and everyone of all SCD patients.

By tomorrow morning I'll probably take thiS post down after I've sobered up but for the few people that will see this, I hope that you learn to be nice to people around you, you can never know what they're going through, wearing good clothes mean nothing when one is suffering.


BE NICE..

AN ACT OF KINDNESS WOULDN'T MAKE YOU LESS HUMAN.

I'm not making this post to get pity from you guys Or anything, just letting you guys know that
WE'RE NOT LAZY...
I KNOW scd patients who juggle 2 to 3 jobs just to survive, we do what we can.
.

.
.
. Never call us weak or lazy.
. Help whenever you can.
. If you can't help financially, do so emotionally or psychologically.

Have a great night. �

God bless you.

Good morning my people..
OMG, I really missed you guys a lot, a whole lot. It's been weeks of studying hard and I'm thankful for not breaking down in between. All that's left is for you to trust God with me for a great Result.
How have you all been?
Fellow warriors, shey alaafia ni?
Caregivers, shey we no too disturb u ?.

Today I just want to remind us on the importance of Hydration for warriors . I dunno if it's only me but I kind of find it difficult to maintain adequate water intake, even when I know It's good for me. Maybe it's coupled with the fact that everyone keeps talking about it (mumc most especially which I know that it's out of love).
God knows I try o. I really do.
At a point I had to download an app that reminds me to take water.. Yeah, it's that bad.

And there are Days I enjoy taking Water than eating , just that days like that are few.

So today I'm encouraging you and me to inculcate the habit of drinking water. Below are some of the reasons we should maintain adequate water intake.

HYDRATION & SCD WARRIORS

An insufficient amount of water in the body (dehydration) is one of the most common causes of a sickle cell crisis. In this situation the blood becomes thicker and sickled shaped red blood cells are more likely to stick together and cause a blockage in the blood circulation. Therefore it is important for an adult to drink at least 3 – 4 Litres of water daily; this is apart from the water contained in the food they eat.

The water can be in the form of plain water, diluted fruit squash, tea and other fluids. Alcoholic drinks should be avoided and if taken it should be consumed in very small quantities because alcohol increases dehydration and can lead to other complications.
By adulthood most people with sickle cell disease are aware of which drinks or food affect their health as an individual. For example, some people experience stomach upsets if they drink fizzy drinks whilst it has no effect on others who have a similar disease.
If for any reason a person with sickle cell disease is not able to drink normally, for example if they are vomiting, losing fluid because they are sweating excessively due to a fever or they have diarrhoea it is important that they seek medical attention urgently in order to find out the cause of the vomiting, fever or diarrhoea and treat any infection promptly.
Adequate � hydration helps To lessen occurrence of constipation .
Personally I noticed hydration help reduce the yellow discoloration of the sclera (jaundice) and the coke colored urine.
It helps the kidney to carry out its functions adequately.
It also helps To reduce Pain during vaso-occlusive crisis by reducing the thickness And stickiness of blood that has occluded the arteries ,thereby allowing the flow of blood.
. . .. . . . .. . ... . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .
Adequate hydration plus use of prescribed medications plus knowing what triggers your crisis Plus adequate nutrition(Balanced diet) will help us maintain a crisis-free period .
I'm encouraging us to always go everywhere with a bottle of Water in hand. Don't ever assume that water will be available there.

Stay Hydrated and enjoy the rest of the week.

Peace ✌ ✌ ✌

Good evening everyone . How are things going?

The WhatsApp support group has been created And I'll be dropping the link � here tonight. This WhatsApp group is for both Warriors and their caregivers alike, and we'll be sharing tips on how to improve the quality of our lifes and tips on how to improve our finances without doing strenuous tasks.

The activities on the WhatsApp group will not hinder the activity on this thread. This thread will continue to remain active.

Here's the link..

https:///Fr9Bk76wKhi1LyKNe8o949

Have a nice night everyone..

Peace � � �

toyeoye:
Hello all, I just stumbled upon this thread today and I can relate. Mixed feelings but ultimately, one of great interest.

I've seen a lot of similar threads and I've moved on without commenting but this time, I feel the need to say something.

Thanks to the author of this thread for her resolve. May God continue to empower you.

I'm SS. 35yrs, married and I can say I got a good job! I have been blessed. Not immune to crisis but I've learnt that malaria is my worst enemy.

I've had attacks that kept me hospitalised for weeks when I was younger and still fall sick from time to time but much better now.

At a time in my life, I had friends who passed on due to the disorder and I started living a reckless life cos I thought I will drop anyday. Smoking and drinking and living like a "normal" guy and this nonchalant attitude followed me till I was fully grown. I caused my mum especially a lot of pain but inside me I resented my parents for giving birth to me. I mean how can a nurse open her eyes and make such a mistake??

That seems like ages ago and I've made amends for my foolish ways but I think for me, the lesson is that my mind played a trick on my physical being by helping me forget how bad my situation really is. Maybe I'm just one of the "lucky ones" but ultimately it is God all the way.

I've had fracture on my femur and almost had my leg chopped off if not for God's intervention. I've had issues urinating and had a catheter inserted in me until that passed too. Ive had a nurse inject my nerve and cos of that, I walk like a frog like my wife once teased while we we're dating (I lied until things got serious between us and I had to tell her) I still have part of my spine protuding out like a dinosaur and there was a time I had braces from my neck to lower back to correct this. I've also got the hip thing going on and I'm limited to how I can move, it feels like my hips can just shift out of place if I don't watch my step but I'm here, alive and grateful.

I've lied all my life just to be accepted or to avoid pity. It's crazy what we go through. We are strong, mentally.

Please, keep up the good work and if we by chance come together one day to join forces, kindly send me an invite. I will be glad.

Till then, may we all live a fulfilled life, amen.

Stay strong.

J

toyeoye:
Hello all, I just stumbled upon this thread today and I can relate. Mixed feelings but ultimately, one of great interest.

I've seen a lot of similar threads and I've moved on without commenting but this time, I feel the need to say something.

Thanks to the author of this thread for her resolve. May God continue to empower you.

I'm SS. 35yrs, married and I can say I got a good job! I have been blessed. Not immune to crisis but I've learnt that malaria is my worst enemy.

I've had attacks that kept me hospitalised for weeks when I was younger and still fall sick from time to time but much better now.

At a time in my life, I had friends who passed on due to the disorder and I started living a reckless life cos I thought I will drop anyday. Smoking and drinking and living like a "normal" guy and this nonchalant attitude followed me till I was fully grown. I caused my mum especially a lot of pain but inside me I resented my parents for giving birth to me. I mean how can a nurse open her eyes and make such a mistake??

That seems like ages ago and I've made amends for my foolish ways but I think for me, the lesson is that my mind played a trick on my physical being by helping me forget how bad my situation really is. Maybe I'm just one of the "lucky ones" but ultimately it is God all the way.

I've had fracture on my femur and almost had my leg chopped off if not for God's intervention. I've had issues urinating and had a catheter inserted in me until that passed too. Ive had a nurse inject my nerve and cos of that, I walk like a frog like my wife once teased while we we're dating (I lied until things got serious between us and I had to tell her) I still have part of my spine protuding out like a dinosaur and there was a time I had braces from my neck to lower back to correct this. I've also got the hip thing going on and I'm limited to how I can move, it feels like my hips can just shift out of place if I don't watch my step but I'm here, alive and grateful.

I've lied all my life just to be accepted or to avoid pity. It's crazy what we go through. We are strong, mentally.

Please, keep up the good work and if we by chance come together one day to join forces, kindly send me an invite. I will be glad.

Till then, may we all live a fulfilled life, amen.

Stay strong.

thank you so much for not just passing by.thanks for sharing your truth with the rest of us here ND the fact that you took your time to type it all gives me joy. Don't worry @toyeoye, you're not dying anytime soon like the rest of us here. God got us covered.

As @MissionRestore said earlier, we hope to see you on the WhatsApp movement Where we can all share our stories and get more information.

As you've said earlier , I also pray that May we all live a fulfilled life..



Peace � � �

Hi guys! If you won't mind the data and the time, kindly watch this Vlog by Ope here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U66iSjf3uYc .


I was so teary by the time I finished watching the video because I could totally relate with her and I know you would too .

If the link doesn't go through ,just search for "faari by sisi Ope" on YouTube and click on the most recent video there.


Happy Sunday everybody �

Peace � � �

MissionRestore:
Start by making adjustments to your Diet and Lifestyle.

Take 4 sachets of water in the morning another 4 in the afternoon and then 2 sachets before dinner time.

It is advisable that you have dinner latest 6pm. Take Aloe vera juice with honey. This will help you sleep naturally.

If the above is not adequate for you then include:
Chelated Cal- Mag, and Tre-en-en.

You should soon be complaining of too much sleep.

Shalom.

I recently included tre-en-en to my drugs, not up to a week now and I can see changes already.
As for dinner,, 6pm can't work for me. As a student, I get back from my classes around 6 and before I get to have dinner might be around 9 but lately I've been trying hard to have dinner around 7pm.
And the aleovera honey thingy can totally not work. Mehn that shit is bitter. I shu not lie ehn,, I can't even think of trying it

Thanks for the hints Sir /MA, they're highly valued..

Thanks for the contribution Sir /Ma.

It is knowledge based as well as a support system kind of. Inputs are welcome from anyone as long as it related to Sickle cell disease..

GOOD evening everyone. Happy ☀ Sunday and happy new week.
I wish us all a crisis-free weekend.
� � � � � � � �



*FREEDOM FOR FIGHTERS*

We see the tears in your eye.

We know the pain hidden in your pride.

We see your falls, and we know your hurts are
too heavy to bear that
you curse the day of your
birth

But this is our hand
reaching out to you
helping you to fight the fears of many years.

Today, we wish that you hope on,
dream on,
Fight on
'cause there's love
at the other side
there's peace at the end
when you realise that we all are champions
and will be free at last!


#copied

*World Sickle cell day 2019*

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell disease or sickle cell anaemia is an inherited form of anaemia in which red blood cells are not able to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body. Let us tell you that in normal condition red blood cells are flexible and round. They move easily in the blood vessels. But in sickle cell disease or anaemia, the red blood cells become rigid, sticky and become like sickle shape or crescent moon.

As a result these irregular shaped cells get stuck in small blood vessels, which slow the flow of blood or block blood flow and reduce oxygen to reach the parts of the body.

World Sickle Cell Day: History

World Sickle Cell Day was organised by United Nation as General Assembly in 2008 to raise the awareness about the sickle cell disease and the pain that people go throughout the life.

On 19 June, 2009, it was first time celebrated. Nowadays, Sickle cell have become the most prevalent genetic disease that spread all around the world.

*World Facts*


*Every day more than 1000 babies are taking birth with sickle cell disease in the Africa and getting die up to five years of age*

*In the United States more than 90,000 to 100,000 people are affected with this disease*

*In countries like India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Arabic peninsula, Brazil, Surinam, Guiana, Southern Italy, Greece etc. people are suffering from sickle cell anaemia*

*No doubt it is big health issue which is to be resolved or to take control over it for healthy future of the nation. Due to Sickle Cell disease, the premature child death has been raised in the world*

Why World Sickle Cell Day is observed?

*To raise awareness about sickle cell disease and support people by educating them*

*For the screening of patients, worldwide several health programs are organised*

*It is necessary for the new parents to get aware about the immunisations and its comprehensive care packages*

- To inform people about the sickle cell anaemia as a major health issue.

- People living in any part of the world should be aware about sickle cell disease.


*Key Facts*

*The disease is described as sickle because the red blood cells are sickle or crescent-shaped and anaemia means lack of blood*

*Sickle cell anaemia disease affects millions of people around the world*

*Sickle cell anaemia disease is hereditary and not contagious*

*There is no definitive cure for sickle cell anaemia*


*Prevention?*

Pre-marital Screening:Intending couples are strongly adviced to get a medical Screening to know their Genotypes.

OK.
Truth be told I'm really sad about not getting any feedback from y'all. It's just my way of making the group as interactive as possible but it appears I'm the only one who wants that..



Good morning

Good morning everyone.
Very sorry for the silence. Been busy trying to get back in shape and preparing for a 6 week clinical posting.
So I have been pondering on something and I'll like to throw it out to you guys .

I noticed I've had insomnia(inability to sleep) for most of my life and I still do,, so my QUESTION is for fellow warriors or relatives of warriors who may be passing by



" Do YOU SUFFER FROM INSOMNIA "
" SINCE WHEN HAS IT BEEN HAPPENING "
" HOW MANY HOURS OF SLEEP DO YOU HAVE AT NIGHT "
" Do YOU HAVE TO INDUCE SLEEP ON WORSE DAYS "


For me I hardly have 5 hours of sleep at night mostly
between 2 am and 7am.

please I need your feedbacks.

PEACE ✌ ✌ ✌

IGNORANCE IN HIGH PLACES
How can one be so knowledgeable and still be so naive?
How can one be so educated and still be so ignorant?
How can one be so full of wisdom and still be dumb?

The table is one too big for me to shake, because some of those on it are professionals in their field, but I just have to shake it and even break it so that they might get down and let's destroy the table together.

The table is about the myths with sickle cell. As a person, I have listened and heard so many myths from different people of different calibre from different directions that I don't even know how to tackle it or where to start from. It's pardonable when some of these myths are coming from the lower class of the society, those called illiterate, but when it's coming from the society high class, from the University community, then it becomes highly offensive. From the university undergraduate student, to the administrative/non-academic staff, to even the big lecturers with the PhD in their portfolios, the level of ignorance is sickening. But then it's still pardonable when you don't know but willing to know, we can't all know it all, but it becomes a capital offense when you pride yourself in your ignorance and rub it on others.
I have had different encounters with these people that made it seems we can't break the sickle cycle any time soon. That's because with no right information in circulation, we will only be moving in a circle with no way out.
From the undergraduate whose only knowledge about SCD was that it's the rich that gives birth to them, to a roommate that felt all she needed to know on genotyping was that she's prone to malaria, hence she's AA and good to go, (isn't that still funny in this age), to that lecturer with a PhD in science oriented course (white house) who used derogatory words for a friend, saying it's a pity she's brilliant but people like her don't go to school because they won't cope and it's a waste of parents' funds, making reference to death et al, or should I mention the one who thought once a warrior crosses a certain age (early twenties), then it's all smooth and fine, implying we could wait till then before taking up strenous activities like coming to the university.

In between all the different scenarios I have experienced or heard of, let me just share one or two in details.

One happened on one of my occasional admission at the university health center, a random conversation about having sickle cell offsprings came up, and we have our oversabi woman (an 'educated' administrative staff) who thought and communicated it out that sickle cell offspring can only occur in the fourth pregnancy. The problem isn't in her thoughts, but the level of confidence she used to communicate it. She went to the extent of telling us that if it happened before the fourth child, the woman must have had some abortions/miscarriages in the past. (I fainted and woke up) That was like one of the most unhilarious myth I have had to listen to. Her argument was top notch that nothing anyone else said was able to convince her. Even giving her real life scenarios couldn't as she believed you don't know what those women (mothers of warriors) had done in the past. Quite unbelievable right? Imagine such woman having a sister in law or daughter in law who have a warrior as a first or second child. Obviously she had gotten the simple Genetic cross matching taught in biology twisted. She failed to realize that the cross matching is the occurrence in every pregnancy and doesn't follow such pattern.
I couldn't even partake in the conversation that day because I couldn't afford to waste my 1ml of opioid which was to relieve me from my pain in a fruitless argument with her. Her voice was at its peak and highly confidence in ignorance.

Funny how these are the same set of people the less educated in the community will reach out to when they need information on issues like this, hoping to get the right information from them. How unfortunate! Some of these people are one of the most educated in their lineage/family and issues as these would be refer to them and they would most likely have the final say. How then can we stop stigmatization, discrimination and even break the sickle cycle when they themselves don't know, and they do not know that they don't know.

It's not a crime not to know, but it's advisable to just keep quiet and learn instead of priding in ignorance and confusing the populace.

©FAM

Good Day everyone, please bear with my inconsistency for now . We'll be back and better soon.

************

Too many people are feeding off of what didn’t work out: reliving the disappointments, the failures, the bad breaks. When they wake up, the first thing they think about are the hurts, the loss, the people that did them wrong. You can’t put poison in your spirit and live a faith-filled life. Let it go; that’s over and done.
Have A Blessed Day.

��������
When I retire to bed every evening ruminating over life, I discovered that:
��������
Sometimes, to succeed in life you need ENEMIES.... Yes!!!
��������
You need people who will mock you, so that you can run to God.
��������������
You need people who will try to intimidate you, so that you can be courageous.
�������
You need people who will say "NO" so that you can learn how to be independent...I mean how to do it yourself.
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You need people who will disappoint you so that you can put all your trust in God alone.
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You need people who will work towards you loosing that job, so that you can start your own big business.
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You need people who will sell your 'Joseph' so that 'you' can get to Egypt and be a Prime Minister in a strange land of captivity.
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You need a cruel landlord, so that you won't be too comfortable in someone else's house, then you can build your own house on time.
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But sometimes, when we are disappointed, we feel very bad and we tend to remain on that spot. Not knowing that the end-point of disappointment is the beginning of your accomplishments.
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Understand this, "that every disappointment you once had came with a blessing!" However, it is not everyone that partakes in this blessing that I'm talking about.
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You cannot see a new OPEN door while you are still putting all your attention, time and energy in trying to force the closed one to open.
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And again I say, "No disappointment can ever come without an attached blessing!"
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So, when the disappointment come, thank God for it and tell "HIM" to open your eyes to see the new blessing that HE has for you!
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Disappointment is PHASE 1 while accomplishment is PHASE 2. I doubt if one can jump the protocols.
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That is why it is called BREAKTHROUGH Something must BREAK so that you can go THROUGH!
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Encourage someone today....you are lifted.

�� I was born with sickle cell, I am human
��I don't possess enough physical strength like others, doesn't make me worthless.
�� Sometimes I fall sick more often than others, I am still human
�� During sickness I writhe in pain, it doesn't make me a weakling
�� I wanna be loved and accepted the way I am, it's cause I'm human.
�� Sometimes I can't do those things my mates do, it doesn't mean I'm useless.
�� I might spend more time in the hospital during the time you've known me, it doesn't make hospital my home
�� That you know I am sickle cell shouldn't make you segregate me. I still wanna be in the circle.
�� Pardon me if I can't dance in rain with you or walk you to the market like you always want. My body just cannot take the stress
�� Sometimes we cannot always meet the 8am lectures or come to class everyday. We ain't lazy out body just needs some rest.
�� Because we can't play football with others doesn't mean you should rub it in out faces. We are humans too.
�� If by chance you get to see us on our darkest days, when we're in pains/crisis. Let it not change your feelings or love for us. It ain't our choice.

Ultimately we just wanna be loved not pitied. We're stronger than most people can imagine, we are warriors we fight everyday for our health in ways you cannot imagine.

Safe the future generation from the trauma of been SS. From the stigmatization of friends and society. From reoccurring heartbreaks just because they are SS. From the cast of laziness, attention seeker, pretender, people cast on SS people.


Just know your genotype before engaging on marriage contract, before walking down the aisle with that beautiful lady or handsome man.
That's all you have to do.

#LoveAWarrior
#ShowSomeEmpathy



Good morning Fellas.
This is to let y'all know that I'm back. I finished exams on Friday so I'll be regularly here again till further notice. I hope I meet you well.
How have you been?
Any challenges?
Or is anyone in a depressive state? Then hit me up on 08143505458,,I'm always here for you.

Have a great week ahead �


Thank you

Peace ✌ ✌ ✌

Good morning my people.
How was your night?
I'm really sorry to have left you hanging over last couple of days without any posts.please accept my humble and sincere apologies.
I've been so entwined with school work(exams are approaching) that I rarely have time for myself, my hobby(beadmaking) is also getting a huge part of my time but I will make it up to you very soon guys.

I'm really sorry.

Probably you're wondering why I'm up so early, I hate to read ni o..

OK.
TTYL.

Thanks for reading .

Peace ✌ ✌ ✌

Good morning fellow warriors.

I hope we find this worth reading.

� �


Biology says that after sexual intercourse, about 200 to 300 million sperms are deposited by d man, they all begin to swim upwards within the tract to meet with the ovum. Of the over 200 million that are deposited, only 300 to 500 actually reach the site( others get tired on the way because it is not a small race). And of the 300 that manage to reach the ovum(egg), only one fertilizes the egg, and in this case the Winning One was YOU. Have u ever thought about this? You ran a race without your eyes and you won, you ran without education and you won, you ran without a certificate and you won, you ran without help.....and you won. What makes you think you will lose now? Now that you have both eyes and legs, now that you have the knowledge of God's word, now that you have a plan, a dream and a vision. Beloved, you didnt give up on day one, you can't give up now, giving up now is an insult to your creator. It doesn't matter what you see now, take it as a challenge, always remember that you WON from the womb. Always be Grateful to God no matter what. Better days ahead.... You'll all smile soon, let's keep hope alive, no man can conquer you, be bold like lion after your secret prayer time. Testimony is our portion.

Great *Warriors* almighty God is our Protector, Father and Healer

Nelsonmoney:
There was a time I was sick and my exams was fast approaching, I remembered how challenging it was for me but at that moment of pressure,my real self reveals to me. I was struggling but at same time I was determined to pass those exams. I did all I could but I failed one course so I had resit for it.

During those moment, my illness was an inspiration to me. I said to myself there people going through worst challenges of this life but they pull through so I'm not gonna allow this deter my dream of a beautiful end.

The only regret I have is the setback it has brought to me. I was supposed to be graduating this year and now it will take two more years.

As I said earlier It would take more than this disease to stop me.

I love your fighting spirit Nelsonmoney. Don't feel too back at the setbacks,, they'll soon be gone. We'll all get through this by God's grace .

Happy Sunday.

PS: I keeps getting mails that you're trying to send me a message. I dunno what it means but if you needed to talk or anything at all, here's my number
+2348143505458

*MY LIMIT*
'You don't know your limit.' 'You've crossed your boundaries again.'
These and others like it are some of the statements that repel my hearing. Don't you think you are also crossing your limit by saying those words? I know you care, and just concern about me, but who sets those limits? Who defines those limitation? Are they for me to stay safe and be protected? To what extent?

I can say most of the decisions I have made in my life that has helped me are those ones that were said to be out of limits. From my choice to attend a boarding secondary School, even though I didn't spend more than a year there, it sharpened my horizon of life. When I made my choice known, a lot of mouth were quick to advise against it on how I was too young and fragile, like I was an egg that mustn't crack. For every crisis that occurred that year, someone was quick to judge my mom on how she made me overstepped my boundaries. Nobody considered what that child wanted and how happy those little things that were said to be off limits made the child.

My choice of discipline was another fight I had to win against limit. I was told how science class would be too stressful for me. How I was good in Maths and should go for accounting and how I can talk and argue, and law would be best for me.

My choice of institution was another challenge, then the course of study was like I was on a suicide mission to some. To others, it was like I just hate myself and the stress would be too much to bear. No one care much about what the girl want and what keeps her alive but just want her to live.

Then, I was told to concentrate on my studies and leave out distractions, not to cross my limits. No one bother to know if those distractions that were off limits are what keeps me sane in an insane world. If those are what brings fulfillment in a world threatening with sorrow and unhappiness.

The next time crisis comes knocking, there is someone waiting to throw it at my face on how I have crossed the limit again, but forget to tell of how crisis could crept in even in the sleep, or should we say sleeping is also off limits.

Whenever life throws its challenges and I have to move two steps backwards just so as to move a step forward, there's someone waiting to attribute it to my inability to stay within limits, but they forget to tell of how life is made of trough and crest and is meant to be a wave not a straight line.

Everyone has one or more advise to dish out on how I should live my life, on how I should live within the limit, like a bird caged in a cell, forgetting that even a bird deserves its freedom. If that line isn't crossed, you would never know if it's truly off limit.

Every experience comes with its lesson, for every of the limit I have crossed, I have learnt from it. Cage not that warrior child for those experiences make us stronger. It makes us who we are, survivors.

Limitation is of the mind. Sickle cell can't cage us in its cell, don't help it do that.

N.B.: I rarely regret what I do, what I regret are those things I fail to do, the opportunity cost, the forgone experience I could have had.

*© FAM* Adeyemi Fadeelat Mojisola.

Sickle Cell Reflection.
As sickle cell warriors,it's our duty to spread awareness and let the world have a better view and understanding of it.We can only achieve this if we talk about our struggles and how it's like living with chronic pain.

Now it has come to my understanding that most sickle cell warriors often keep quiet about sickle cell because they are too ashamed of it or have constant fear of being stigmatized.Whenever they have an episode of pain they often distance themselves from their friends or families members until they are better.They usually come up with lies like "it's just malaria, a minor headache, or flu" etc.

I can understand from my experiences to why some warriors may want to keep quiet about their struggles from anyone,not everyone can understand and when we usually open up to others the reactions we receive is usually unpleasant.Fellow warriors if we want to eliminate all the myths and misconceptions that people have concerning Sickle cell,we need to talk about it.Keeping quiet and hiding our struggles won't spread the awareness,our family and friends will still be in the dark.Sickle cell can be prevented and this can only be done when people are well informed about it,so that they can be screened and know their genotype.

People also need to understand this,for us warriors that choose to share our stories about how it's like living with sickle cell,we don't discuss our health issues for pity, sympathy,or attention.I wish people knew that we talk about it because it's a huge part of our lives, whether we want it to be or not.We discuss it to help others who are dealing with the same hurldes and who are afraid to talk about their struggles.We do it TO INFORM.TO EDUCATE.To be the matter-of-fact.TO EXPLAIN.Not to get pitied, babied,or fawned down up or judged.
For us that choose to talk about sickle cell,we are the VOICE OF THE VOICELESS.
#Sickle cell is nothing to be ashamed of.
#Keep on spreading the awareness.
#Before you judge,think of the consequences and know the facts.


©Doris Peter

We can keep hiding our truth , people out there need to know what it is(you will be surprised to know how much people don't know about it,, some haven't even heard of it before) and that it can be prevented.

#sickle_cell_can_be_prevented
#sickle_cell_awareness

Good morning everyone.

Peace ✌ ✌ ✌

[

Nelsonmoney:
I started experiencing crisis 4 yrs ago and after the text result it happens to a ss. we are six and I'm the second child. I and my elder sister are the carriers of this disease.

I could remember growing up as a child I fell sick like every 2 months, constant headache,I got exhausted quickly and my father would ridicule how less of a man I am. I hated myself for a long time because I couldn't do what my mate were doing but those yrs there was no crisis until I turned 21. I first crisis happened on my birth month I mean how could I ever forget that day.

After that day it only happens once a year and that's every September but the tiredness and constant headache still occurs. so I didn't take it seriously I thought I would endure the pain since it happens once.

currently as I'm typing this I'm walking with the aid of clutches. it all happened very fast. I'm sorry I can't really typed. Well according to an orthopedist my left hip pelvic is broken due to infection coz by the disease. it was emotional for me that day because I'vent started and my world is crumbling before my eyes. I'm yet to live my dreams as if the complications is not enough I have to deal with hip challenges.

Is not easy but I'm starting my accept my reality.

being a warrior is truly hell and our experiences with it are quite different . I also walk with the aid if a walking stick at a time so I can say kind of know how you feel .
Nevertheless I like the fact that despite these challenges you still want to make something out of your life and I'm really proud of you :I'm sure your mum will be too.
You can do it bro.

We're all in this together.

Peace ✌

Sickle Cell 101: The Pain Factor

It has been almost two weeks of on off pains. It is that kind of pain which seems undecided, whether to go full circle or not and so, I have basically gone about my day to day activities, suspending some altogether but not without downing some pain killers before I step out or sleep at night.

After a day or two of some respite with me thinking the continuous pains have finally made a decision to leave me alone for the time being, the pains unleashed their fangs full force three days ago to the point that I had to close work early and head home and have been home ever since.

Maybe that sigh of relief came too fast those two days I didn't feel pain because it has been a trying few days since then. Fortunately, the pain is still at the level it can be managed at home but it was still such that I couldn't go to work for the past few days.

And here is the thing, whether we can manage the pain at home or we go screaming and land in our favourite resting place, we never get used to the pain. The worse thing you can do is ask a warrior undergoing pain crisis at that crucial moment if they still have not gotten used to the pain.

No, we DO NOT get used to the pain! What am I even saying? Does any human get used to pain? If we are made to get used to pain, Why do we talk of gaping wounds which open again and again?

Let me try an example. Imagine you like working with a knife. Chances are, no matter how careful you are, you are most likely to wound yourself again and again. And I bet, when you do, you usually always scream out in pain.. no matter how many times you wound yourself in the process of working with the knife, you never get used to the pain, the fresh wound reflex sends a signal to your brain and you scream. This is a simplification of the matter at hand but I guess, you get the gist.

Sickle Cell pain is something those living with sickle cell never get used to. No matter if we live as long as Methuselah, we do not get used to the pain. The simple reason is that no two pain episodes are the same and while this particular pain killer may work in less hours during a pain episode, the same pain killer may have zilch reaction during another pain episode. While we may go about our activities as if nothing is happening during a pain episode... the perks of living with an invisible illness.... we can sometimes, be unable to do anything during another pain episode and at worse, land in the hospital.

So yes, we try to be strong, we try to fight, we try to act sometimes as if nothing is happening while we are slowly dying inside but, we NEVER get used to the pain and instead of making statements like "I thought you would be used to the pain by now", ask yourself if you ever get used to those occasional accidental pains that come with wounding yourself with a knife or hitting your leg, toe etc somewhere and EMPATHIZE.

Pain is part and parcel of us, but it is not something we get used to.

#BreakTheSilence
#SickleCellAwareness
#WarriorPrincess

© Doris Peter.

Happy Easter � �

Peace ✌ ✌ ✌

Good morning my people.. It's been a while here. I'm really sorry for the absence. I've been dealing with serious insomnia for weeks now and it's gets me weak during the day. Emabinu simi.

I'll try my best to drop something this afternoon. .

Happy Easter � �

Peace ✌ ✌ ✌

Good morning lovers.
How was your night? Mine was cool. Just that I can't seem to sleep early these days,, most times I'm awake till 2am doing nothing. I hate not having enough sleep during the night, it literally marks the day a gloomy one for me.

I'm sorry I've not uploaded anything for a while now, I've been out of data, .

Tell me how you'll be celebrating Easter.
As far as I'm concerned, I'll be in school. Not that I don't want to go home but it's a really short break and No extra cash to throw around anyway.

Thank you for reading . Have a nice Day

Peace ✌ ✌ ✌

Good morning everyone. Hope you had a splendid night? So I'm back from abeokuta and back to my beautiful room in Osogbo ☺ .. Class starts today but I woke with an acute pain on the femoral head and that has made me to stay back today.

I want to tell us about another complication of SCD. Most of us would have experienced this at One point or the other. I experienced this all through my childhood and it wasn't a good experience, I literally feel my spleen moving about and causing me pain. Still happens once in a while but it's better now.

SPLENIC SEQUESTRATION


Splenic sequestration is a potentially life-threatening condition that’s most commonly seen as a complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). It happens mostly in children. The condition causes the spleen to get bigger and lowers the amount of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in the body.
The spleen is an organ in the upper left part of the abdomen . The spleen has 2 functions: it helps the body fight infection, and it helps to create and filter blood cells.But sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow through the spleen. It fills with blood and can become swollen and painful.

SYMPTOMS

- Acute Pain on the left side of the abdomen
-An enlarged spleen, which can be felt through her skin
-Weakness
-Pale skin
-Rapid breathing or heartbeat
-Irritability
-Unusual drowsiness

TREATMENTS

-Blood transfusion :This provides the body with much needed oxygen to the cells and releases the sickled red blood cells trapped in the spleen. The spleen reduces in size and the anemia is corrected.

-Splenectomy :A splenectomy is the surgical procedure that removes the spleen.

Can one live without the spleen?

Yes. Other organs in the body perform the same function as the spleen, so a person can have a healthy life without the spleen. However, before a splenectomy, the doctor will make sure all immunizations are up to date. Afterwards, the doctor will prescribe daily penicillin for life to help decrease the risk of infection.


On a lighter mood, I want to use this medium to appreciate my awesome SPLEEN for fighting the good fight on my behalf for the past years without collapsing . It's really been a rough ride..

Ok everyone, ensure you have a wonderful day.
Thanks for reading.

Peace ✌ ✌ ✌

oxypress:
When faced with a dangerous situation of scd crisis know that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (hbot) can come to your rescue. Don't buy time with only pain killers because it will only mask the gravity of the crisis. Frequent and prolonged crisis leads to irreversible organ damage. SCD crisis is an oxygen deficit situation. The deficit is caused by blockage. The blockage is caused by sickling. The sickling is caused by hypoxia (oxygen deficit), etc, etc, etc. HBOT can block and reverse every single step of this vicious cycle. If you don't believe what I write do your research. If you ignore this information you are on your own.
The first demand in a crisis is oxygen. After oxygen other drugs will follow.
Know that the action of oxygen under pressure (hyperbaric oxygen) far exeeds 100% oxygen in the ward or emergency room. Using hbot during crisis will save you time. Pain duration can be drastically reduced. Swelling can be drastically reduced, Organ damage can be reduced or avoided.
If you think this is an advert you can embrace ignorance.

@ Fhunkhy1 the student nurse, sorry for the hip pains but hope you are aware that pains in the hips in a setting of SCD is pointing towards avascular necrosis (AVN) of the fermural joint. Already you know the implication of avn. AVN can also appear on the humeral joint or any other organ in the body. When a SCD patient is also having hip joint pains avascular necroses is knocking at the door. It is difficult to treat avn therefore it must not be allowed to set in. HBOT will be most effective way to go. For now, let me stop here.

Thank you @oxypress for the contribution.
I understand the need for oxygen therapy but it's my first time if hearing about HBOT. I'll look into it too.

Concerning my hip pain, I've been diagnosed already. There's little or nothing I can do about it for now as I've been asked to undergo surgery but couldn't do it for financial reasons. Hopefully someday I'll get it done.

I'm also aware of AVN too.

Thanks for the information Sir.
We hope to see your inputs here from time to time.

ismailaja:
does that mean she's running mad

She's not running mad. She's just suffering from withdrawal symptoms. I learnt she takes 19 tablets of Tramadol in a day (which amounts to 1900mg ) . It's just a case of multiple psychoactive substance abuse.