Live Your Best Life

I have been living with sickle cell disease for 59 years. I have been able to accomplish many things. I am married for almost 35 years and gave birth to two healthy, sct daughters who are adults now. I am the grandmother of three grandchildren. I have earned a PhD and volunteer in my community and church. I stay active and exercise with the Duke University SICKLEFIT program. I have also been able to travel extensively including most of the Caribbean, throughout North, Central and South America. Throughout Europe including England, France and Italy. Most recently to Morocco, Africa and Tenerife, Spain. Though I suffered terribly with SC crisis throughout my childhood, I was eighteen years old when my doctor finally was legally able to recommend that I get tested for sickle cell disease.

Learning how to manage my sickle cell disease

I have been learning to live with it ever since. I think it is important to have a positive outlook and a healthy self esteem when living with any illness but especially sickle cell disease. Learning about my illness has helped me to know what is best for my body. I take several of the recommended medications to help my body work better but am always aware of the effects of narcotics, alcohol, etc on my liver, kidneys and heart. Staying in touch with my doctors, proper nutrition, hydration, rest and reducing stress is essential to staying healthy. I also cultivate my spiritual life and faith. I let go of a lot of fear, anxiety and helplessness through prayer.

Positive mindset

I hope my life can inspire someone to have hope and a more positive outlook on their health. You are born with a great purpose and your life is a blessing even when you can't see it. I have a hip problem and felt sad and discouraged about my limp and pain. Until I saw a man who was born with no cartilage in his either of his hips. He was an old man (70's or 80's) and had constant pain all his life but he was a great pillar of the community. He was a shoe maker. His story inspired me to be grateful that I had a hip to hurt and let me know that I could still make a difference in this world even with an illness. I have learned to live my life with gratitude and thankfulness. Look around, life could be so much worse yet those who have it rougher are often living in joy despite their situations. You can be an over-comer. Everyone can learn and be encouraged from your journey for everyone goes through something. We all have battle scars. Some you can see and others are hidden. Some are physical and others are emotional. But learning to live your best you and find reasons to be grateful every day. Every day! EVERY day! Be blessed and be encouraged. May your light shine on this earth. Nothing is impossible for you.