Living with sickle cell anaemia

Overview

Sickle cell disease is the name for a group of blood disorders. The most severe is sickle cell anaemia.

Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited condition that affects the red blood cells.

In the UK, sickle cell disease is most common in people of African and Caribbean backgrounds.

Chiamaka’s story

In this video, Chiamaka describes her experience of living with sickle cell anaemia. She explains:

• what sickle cell anaemia is
• the first signs of the condition
• what life with sickle cell anaemia is like
• things that can help

What is sickle cell anaemia?

Normal red blood cells are round. However, red blood cells affected by sickle cell anaemia harden and become sickle-shaped – like a crescent moon. This causes them to die too quickly and block blood vessels. This leads to symptoms that are often painful.

Sickle cell episodes are called crises. These cause severe pain that can affect any part of the body.

Crises happen suddenly without warning.

Support with sickle cell anaemia

In her video, Chiamaka explains some things that help her deal with sickle cell anaemia. This includes:

• support from family and friends
• community support
• talking to others with the condition

Chiamaka also gets support from the Hope Project Scotland. They help patients and families to deal with sickle cell disease.

Find out more about sickle cell disease

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