A young Nigerian woman has spoken out about the severe difficulties of living with sickle cell illness, using her tale to raise awareness about genotype compatibility in partnerships. In a passionate message on her social media account @theimabong, she warned against the folly of marriage without considering genetic compatibility.
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Imabong described how such a decision condemns children, including herself, to a lifetime of agony. Imabong discussed the different problems she has faced, emphasising the importance of genetic education and therapy.
Sickle Cell: Challenges and irreversible struggle of ignoring genotype compatibility
Limping: She admitted to having developed a persistent limp as a pain-coping strategy 12 years ago, making it hard for her to wear flat slippers. Corrective medical intervention, projected to cost more than $15,000, remains out of reach due to financial constraints. Medication Addiction: The sickle cell warrior discussed the dangers of becoming hooked on the powerful painkillers required to control her condition. Prolonged use, she added, can lead to kidney failure, exacerbating her health issues. Multiple operations: Having had three operations and used epidural anaesthesia, she stated that the side effects, such as chronic back pain, had a substantial influence on her quality of life and may have limited her longevity. Emotional and mental effects: She
She described feeling stigmatised, depressed, and suicidal, all aggravated by cultural insensitivity, including questions about her yellow eyes and physical peculiarities. Financial Strain: Managing sickle cell disease has put a strain on her money, with high costs for drugs, stress management, and maintaining her health. Imabong ended with an emotive request for couples to prioritise genetic compatibility before marriage. She emphasised that the difficulties experienced by persons living with sickle cell disease are frequently preventable, and that raising awareness can save future generations from unnecessary suffering.
Watch the video below …
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