13. Let's Talk About Sickle Cell with Elsa

In this episode of 'Let's Talk About Sickle Cell' we're joined by the one and only Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins from the worlds biggest selling girl group of all time TLC. Tionne sheres her first hand experience of sickle cell from being diagnosed to how she has managed the condition throughout her career.. Remember to share this episode to help raise awareness during September; Sickle Cell Awareness Month!

In this episode of 'Let's Talk About Sickle Cell,' we're joined by actor and director Hugh Quarshie who shares his connection and understanding of sickle cell. Remember to share this episode to help raise awareness during September; Sickle Cell Awareness Month!

In this episode of 'Let's Talk About Sickle Cell,' we're joined by British Journalist and author Yasmin Alibhai-Brown who shares her knowledge and connection with sickle cell as well as her strong views about the lack of awareness. Remember to share this episode to help raise awareness during September; Sickle Cell Awareness Month!

In this episode of 'Let's Talk About Sickle Cell,' we're joined by the talented Reggie Yates—filmmaker, presenter, and actor. Reggie opens up about his experience living with the sickle cell trait, his first encounter of sickle cell and if our community do enough to support the sickle cell community. Remember to share this episode to help raise awareness during September; Sickle Cell Awareness Month!

In this episode Jenica speaks to 4 of her close friends; Sephuine, Halicia, Tereena and Chantel about what it's like to be besties with someone who has sickle cell. They share what they know about sickle cell and how they support Jen, as well as giving advice on how others can support their friends who have sickle cell based off there own experiences. They also share their honest feelings about Jen's decision to go completely holistic and relocate to the other side of the world.

Although pain is a common complication of sickle cell, there are so many more complications and issues that can occur. So, in this episode we run through the whole body from head to toe and share all the complications that can be associated with sickle cell.

In this special episode ahead of Mothers Day, we speak with care giver Elsa who shares her journey of finding out she carried the sickle cell trait gene during her pregnancy and having her son who was born with full blown sickle cell. We discuss the early challenges of diagnoses and how this impacted her life as a mother to a warrior. You can connect with elsa on her IG platform @hopeinaffliction and remember to follow us @sicklecellpodcast

In this episode Maya and Jenica dive into the management of sickle cell pain. They discuss opioids and prescribed medication and how to take them effectively to sustain their impact. As well as discussing non invasive pain management methods such as reiki. Jenica also shares what she does to manage her crisis pain without prescribed meds.

In this weeks hot topic discussion, Maya and Jenica talk about one of the common complications that often occur in people living wiith sickle cell called Avascular Necrosis (AVN). They break down the direct cause of AVN, how to describe and identify the pain, and the types of surgeries that alleviate the symptoms. Jenica also shares her experience of having AVN in both hips and the two different surgeries she had to treat them.

Conventional medicine focuses on treating the direct symptoms of sickle cell. However, the holistic approach looks at the person living with sickle cell as a whole; mind body and soul. Maya and Jenica explore this in detail from diet to mindset and Jenica shares some of her personal experiences since being on this journey for several years.