Thread by @DrJohnAfam

As a Sickle Cell Warrior there are Five things you must do to have a long and happy life!

Easily remembered by the Acronym.

WISE - K

Spread the Word!

Be WISE K!?

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#BeWISE

W - Water!

You need water! Lots of Water.
Dehydration is one of the most easily recognisable Crisis triggers.

As a Warrior you should aim for at least 3-4 litres daily and even more when you have diarrhea.

Drink some water,and drink some more!
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I - Infection Prevention/Immunization
Warriors are prone to Infections,so its important they get immunised against the Vaccine preventable ones and Take extra steps to prevent infection.

Hand washing,Good food hygiene, Good Sexual Hygiene,
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Should be practiced.
Contact with the Sick, especially those with airborne diseases should be avoided.

Some Doctors, depending on the circumstances may even prescribe antibiotics.

However! Get Immunised and be Infection Concious

This is literally a lifesaver
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S - Support System

Living with Sickle Cell can be hard/frustrating/depressing/expensive so its important to have a good support system.

Family, Friends,Clubs and Sickle cell groups abound.

Take advantage of these.

You'll feel better.
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E - Early Presentation/ Follow up

Sometimes despite our best efforts,we still have problems.
So Warriors,its important to present to the Hospital early.
The Earlier the better.

Its also important, despite how healthy you feel to have regular checkups and
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if possible a personal physician.

Some Situations need blood supplements , others antibiotic or malaria prophylaxis.

These situations are unique to every warrior and decisions to be taken by a Doctor.

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So Communicate with your Doctor regularly,

Take your drugs if prescribed

And present promptly at a Hospital if indicated.

Easy right?

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Last and Arguably the most important
K-Knowledge

As a Warrior,its important to Know.

Know your Triggers
Know your Stable PCV
Know the Drugs you are using
Know your last admission
Know if you have been transfused before
Know the options available to you

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If you dont know
Ask your Doctor
Search the internet
Read a Book.

But Know!

Know anything and everything about the war.

Dear Warriors! We are rooting for you!

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I hope this helped.
If there's anything you want to know
Tweet at me ,or send a DM

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