Monday, December 2, 2024 - A young Nigerian woman, Imabong has called on Nigerians to check their genotype before getting married to avoid giving birth to children with sickle cell disease.
The lady who is battling the disease tearfully narrated her suffering
since being born with sickle cell.
In a post on her account @theimabong, she cautioned against the
ignorance of marrying without considering genetic compatibility.
According to her, such decision subjects children to a lifetime of
suffering, including herself.
Sickle Cell: Challenges and irreversible struggle of ignoring
genotype compatibility.
Limping: She revealed that she developed a permanent limp 12 years ago
as a pain-coping mechanism, making it impossible for her to wear flat slippers.
Corrective medical intervention, estimated at over $15,000, remains out of
reach due to financial constraints.
Medication Addiction: The sickle cell warrior disclosed the risks of
becoming dependent on strong pain medications required to manage her condition.
Prolonged use, she explained, can lead to kidney failure, adding to her health
battles.
Multiple Surgeries: Having undergone three surgeries and using epidural
anaesthesia, she shared that its side effects, such as chronic back pain, have
significantly impacted her quality of life and may have reduced her lifespan.
Emotional and Mental Effects: She recounted facing stigma, depression,
and suicidal thoughts, exacerbated by societal insensitivity, including
questions about her yellow eyes and physical differences.
Financial Strain: Managing sickle cell disease has taken a toll on her
finances, with hefty expenses for medications, stress management, and
maintaining her health.
Imabong concluded with an emotional plea, urging couples to prioritize
genotype compatibility before marriage. She emphasized that the struggles faced
by those living with sickle cell disease are often preventable, and awareness
can save future generations from unnecessary pain.
Watch the video below
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