So Haemoglobin SC is a type of sickle cell that majorly affects the red blood cells, giving them an irregular sickle shape unlike the normal healthy red blood cells, the sickle shape makes it short-lived in the body which results in anemia, fatigue, severe exhaustion and the inability to attend strenuous activities, this part is because of the difficulties of Oxygen converting into the blood. This shit is complex, at a younger age I tried studying the biology of my body, and I saw that I was different from other kids, a short trip in the rain and I was already feeling cold, trying to run the primary school marathon and I was almost fainting.
Anything fatigue brought me illnesses, my parents were naive about this condition, they weren't enlightened enough to understand that I inherited this from their genetics, being that my younger brother was totally fine. They didn't understand that he inherited a different gene from them other than the one I inherited. I spent my younger years feeling sick from fatigue, being limited to staying indoors. I know of other people who had this condition with me back then, but surprisingly theirs was worse, they frequented the hospital time and time again, I only went to the hospital once when I was eight to get a blood transfusion and that was when the doctor divulged my condition to my parents.
However, because they both had a catastrophic marriage it was difficult for them to settle down and made my condition a priority, they were the toxic type of couple and due to this, I was taken into foster care by my aunt who was a nurse. This affected my education a lot because I was being moved from one school to another, my younger brother had a more stable life because he was healthier. The secondary schools I went to weren't enlightened about my condition and I was always missing school, back in action then missing classes again. I was a kid who loved adventure, back then, my aunty educated me about my condition, but I wouldn't listen.
I went to play football on a particular day, it was on a hard floor, I slipped while trying to do a stepover and smashed my head on the floor, blood came gushing out and the cut was deep. For three months I received treatments and when I got out of it, I began football again. However, being a teenager was different for me. The stigma of having to be out sick at all times got to me. Due to this, I was more secluded. I found comfort in reading, I was more self-taught than learning from school. From 17 to 20 years was tough for me, because I had to leave school to work. Due to how exceptionally intelligent I was, I landed a lot of teaching jobs and I had to work hard, 7 to 7 to earn a living, it was tough, but I had to continue, my episodes weren't that bad, but they were challenging, I lost weight and kept losing weight, I was continuously putting my body on the line because I had to earn a living.
Sometimes, I thought I'd die from the exhaustion, the anemia, and the stress, but I made great friends along the way, they understood my condition and they supported me immensely. This didn't mean I didn't experience the stigma of being different, the stigma was even tougher than the pain, but this was only when I had to tell people. I shied away from a lot of stuff, women, drinks, party, and even sports. Sometimes people thought I was pompous for doing this. The condition made me prefer seclusion to the limelight. When I grew older, I became more cognizant of my illnesses, the causes, and why they happened. Secretly, I blamed my parents for doing this to me, I felt disgusted towards them when I was younger, they made me limited in all ramifications of life and left me to fend for myself in the whole wide world.
My aunt was probably why I didn't slip into depression. Nevertheless, while I grew older, I tried to make people see me before they saw my condition, I made a reasonable life for myself without family, without parents without anyone, and I was left in the deep to fend for myself. The psychological pain was bigger than the physical pain, I remember dropping out of college on multiple occasions because I couldn't take it anymore, sometimes it made me wonder if I didn't have this extra baggage, wouldn't I have been an even better person..... accomplished?
The last thing I've done was wallowed in self-pity because that wasn't who I was. I wouldn't think I'm a champion, because I conquered so many hurdles, sometimes I attribute this to God because understand normal circumstances I wouldn't be here today. I've left so many parts of my story because this is getting too long. I'll be 29 in September and my life has turned out better, despite the constant pull into the abyss. I'd say it's been a life of testimony, it's been a victory, it's been commendable.
Interested in some more of my works?
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Spending & Accumulating: The Low & High Point Of The Crypto Seasons.
@Josediccus, your brother-in-pen & heart
I'm hoping to reach more people who are broken at heart and spirit, so share on any platform or reblog
Reading through all these reminds me of my cousin Sis who went through the pains of the same issue.Well thank you for a great job @josediccus
Thanks for the comment, these things take huge awareness especially in a country with less awareness as Nigeria. Thanks for the encouraging words.
I just finished reading that of Adekunle Gold, how he overcame it during his childhood days and how he is managing it now. Damn, it's not really easy. I pray God gives you the strength to keep soaring.
Jah bless...
Oh wow, I need to check up on his story too. Although mine is SC, it's a variant. Same with less anemia. Thanks bro, I appreciate you.
Yeah, his own might be different. It wasn't specified.
Stay strong and happy Sunday.
Wow brother you have gone through a lot, I am grateful for who you are. I wondered how it had been for you when you were younger. Brother, you be MAN! I really thank God for your life!
Well.... A lot has gone through me, I guess in this life, we never can choose how we exist by default. Thanks for your encouraging words bro, na man you be.
Wow... That's a lot for anyone. Scaling it is nothing short of amazing.
I learned this sometime ago (and I'm still learning), that God allows some things because He trusts us to deal with it. Many of us take health for granted but facing all that is probably the more reason why you'll never relent until you've accomplished your goals.
You're rising despite everything and impacting others too, thank God for your life 🙌🏿
Thank you, those were encouraging words, like you said, there's probably a purpose to everything and even when it might seem so negative, I guess in life we should learn to take tnw positives. Thanks million, I totally appreciate it.
I believe your really blessed in overcoming challenges wow am surprise hearing this but glad your strong and hearty.
Well sometimes when people don't speak up, others don't know what's happening deep down. Thanks for the kind words
Oh my God🤭.
Bro, you are brave and strong. I understand your life story and the kind of stigma you felt those days but then, thank God that despite all ups and downs, your life is a testimony today. Don't be too hard on your parents okay? My warm regards to your Aunt for coming through for you🤗.
Happy 29th birthday in addy.
Live and excel in sound health🙏
Hahaha well, they're both dead now. My mom died about 11 days ago so I guess no need being mad on the dead. They've written their chapter and had their impact. It's finished now.
Thanks for the birthday wishes, I'm totally grateful.
You scaled recognizing who you wanted to be and who you made yourself be, not allowing your situation define you...
Grateful you are here to let it out, Godspeed.
Yeah, I'm still on task and on the journey, I'm grateful for how far I've come
This is really a touching article
You really are a testimony!
I like the throwback pictures 😁
Yeah, a huge testimony, I'm happy to be here. Loool the throwbacks were from humble beginnings, how times have changed.
You don fresh pass today bread now 🙌
Today bread ke? We bless God for good cameras, it hides all the imperfection.
To have come out on top (and still moving up) with your condition and in a difficult country is nothing short of an inspiration. I wish you all the best Jose... You truly are an inspiration.
I hope you become a really big Hive/crypto success story so others can see what's possible with genuine effort, patience and determination irrespective of circumstances
The condition of the country makes it even difficult, because no one deserves to live in Nigeria with all the difficulties. Thanks a million, well I hope to hit a crypto fortune hahaha Maybe.... Anything is possible.
Man, you are a warrior. You made it this far enduring that and all kind of other stuff as well and still came out introspective and decent. That’s really something to be proud of.
I’ve had my back issues for almost 7 years already and it’s easy to relate to the isolation it’s caused. It’s totally slowed down everything, but I’m stubborn and I refuse to believe that I can’t at least improve the situation exponentially, by myself if I have to. I don’t even care what doctors or experts say, I know there is a way and I want to find it.
Anyway I’m glad you are keeping at it. I think you can be a great inspiration for other people in a similar boat.
Thanks a million. I remembered you telling me about your back issues and how limiting it can be, I imagine being in the same situation and looking at mine, I think I've survived beyond all odds and this is something I cannot say I could have done by myself. I appreciate everytime I've been able to overcome and appreciate the testing times ahead as well. It's life, adaptability is key in all life's circumstances. Thank you for the encouragement.
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That's a really difficult path you've walked you brave soul. *salutes
People should need legal, financial and psychological clearance before they have kids 😡
I'm sorry you had to go through that. But... (I'm a mom so I get to do this)
it's made you who you are today AND you get to share that and the learning you've gained with those who're still in it to guide them.
Not many people could have pulled something like this off. You must be a very strong and very powerful human being. *salutes
And now I have to go and have a small cry. Keep on keeping on. <3
Growing up, we used the “sickler” word for people who were regulars to the hospital. We didn’t know the science behind it then and I’m sire that’s the case for most of the local people, especially our parents’ generation.
It’s best to have parents and friends who understand your conditions and are there to support you.
Myself, I’m G6PD partially deficient. Maybe I’ll tell you about it some time. My family seem to forget about this always because they don’t understand the science either.
Well it's like you said... Having people who absolutely understands you.
I don't know what condition is this, but I think it's important to understand one's biology and their true nature as this can be very important.
Putting it short, it’s a condition that has to do with having a compromised red blood cell integrity. Your red blood cells break down easily because of the absence of an enzyme, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase(G6PD). Maybe I’ll write a detailed post about it sometime and I’ll tag you so you can learn more about it.