EPISODE 2

…As a result of these patients’ deformed blood cells, sickle cell patients all around the world experience varying symptoms. Some of which may be more severe than the other but all suffer from symptoms ranging from but are not limited to; pain in the bones, joints and chest, pale skin, jaundice, dizziness, fatigue, low oxygen in the body, malaise, shortness of breath and being highly prone to getting infections. Every sickle cell individual experiences episodes called sickle cell crisis, this is a situation where sickle cell individuals go through painful experiences. With a sickle cell crisis, pain might feel dull, intense, throbbing or stabbing. It can last a few hours or, in some cases, several days or weeks. Pain can occur anywhere in your body and in one or more areas.

 During a sickle cell crisis, one might experience pain in various parts of the body. Sickle cell crisis is a painful episode that occurs if a person have sickle cell disease however, Sickle cell crisis can substantially be reduced when a patient avoids smoking,  dress warmly in cold environments, limit alcohol intake, stays hydrated,  takes folic acid to boost red blood cell production and also practice regular washing of hands to reduce the risk of infections as sickle cell individuals are highly vulnerable to infections. 

The magnitude of struggle faced by so many of these patients cannot be properly and extensively put into words as the degree varies in individuals. Sickle cell in most parts of the world is majorly managed through medications, blood transfusion and most times not cured. Although there has been technological advancement and cutting-edge discoveries made in the health space, latest discoveries show that the only cure for SCD is a Stem Cell or a Bone Marrow transplant and whereas this is a light in the tunnel for many patients who suffer Sickle Cell Disease it is still not enough as these procedures have been linked to having procedural complexities and significant risk attached therefore making it less achievable for many who may wish to go through this process…

TO BE CONTINUED ❣️