Beyond the symptoms: For those with SCD

 

For SCD individuals 

First thing you should know is living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) presents unique challenges, but it doesn't define you. By embracing resilience and empowerment, you can thrive while managing your health effectively. Here are valuable Dos and Don'ts to help you on your journey.

Dos:

1. Embrace Self-Care and Education:

- Prioritize self-care by understanding your condition and staying informed, treat immediately and prevent major breakdowns at all cost, don't be like some of us that hide the pain because of schoolwork 

- Educate yourself about triggers, symptoms, and potential complications.

- Take an active role in your well-being please 

Avoid triggers like stress, spike in temperature, infections, etc 

2. Let people know, or don't 

I guess this is your decision 

But for me, I really don't care if people know or not 

Personally I don't feel bad about myself, so why hide it? If you ask I would boldly tell you, why? 

You could end up in a fatal situation where you're undergoing acute crises and people around you would be confused on actions to take 

You could be delegated activities that are beyond your reach 

Most people only hide what they are ashamed of, so why hide it? 

Still it's a personal decision 

3. Establish Healthy Lifestyle Habits:

- Adopt a balanced diet and stay hydrated, 6litres a day is not bad 

- Engage in regular exercise that suits your abilities. This helps clear up clogs in the blood vessel and stimulates RBC production 

- Listen to your body and make choices that support your health, you're living with SCD and you're doing weed and black bullets😂

4. Foster Emotional Well-being:

- Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being.

- Share your experiences and connect with others who understand, I'm always available to help 

5. Advocate for Yourself and Others:

- Speak up about your needs and raise awareness

- Engage in advocacy efforts and support research initiatives.

- Join community events to empower others and effect positive change.

Don'ts:

1. Neglect Self-Care and Education:

- Don't ignore your physical and emotional needs.

- Don't disregard the importance of staying informed about your condition.

- Don't neglect self-care practices that support your well-being.

2. Engage in Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits:

- Avoid unhealthy eating habits and inadequate hydration.

- Don't push yourself too hard during physical activities that may trigger pain crises, I know you'd say but I do this, well don't, because I do it doesn't mean it's right 

- Don't expose yourself to extreme temperatures or high-altitude environments.

Cold water after a hot day is just another easy way to trigger crises, personally I bath with warm on a hot day, and then gradually I continue with coldwater to avoid  immediate change 

3 Suppress Emotions and Isolate Yourself:

- Don't suppress your emotions or feel ashamed of your struggles

- Don't underestimate the power of sharing your experiences with trusted individuals.

4 Remain Silent and Inactive:

- Don't be silent about your needs

- Don't miss opportunities to raise awareness and educate others.

- Don't hesitate to engage in advocacy efforts and support research initiatives.

Thank you for reading, and God be with you 🌚