Sickle Cell Warrior Mum, Devaan Hanmation Shares She’s Married & In Her 40’s Despite Doctors’ Opinions + Tips For Carriers
A Nigerian woman suffering from the sickle cell disorder, whom doctors feared would not live up to age 20, is now in her 40s, married, and also a mother. The woman, Devaan Hanmation shared her story in a Twitter thread, hoping to educate, encourage and inspire other people.
Devaan shared that she was very sickly as a child and required blood transfusions ever so often that she assumed that it was natural for all young children to require those things.
The proud mum who runs a blog is also a active politician, wife and media consultant, all of these roles, Devaan says she has excelled at, despite the odds of her sickle cell condition.
The Benue State indigene and politician wrote:
“I am genotype SS. Growing up I was so used to being desperately sick and having blood transfusions that I thought it was something all children experienced.
I grew up listening to doctors tell my mum not to have high hopes I might not live to be 20. My parents accepted their fate.”
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She added:
“Today I’m in my 40s. If my parents were alive they’d be grand parents. I have had a career spanning broadcasting, the development sector and politics.
All of which I excelled at. I’m married. I’m still alive. It has NOT BEEN AN EASY ROAD not for me or loved ones.”
I DO NOT HATE OR RESENT my parents for having me. Despite the pains and tears I’m glad to be here and go through this journey. I am genotype SS.
Doesn’t mean those without it ALWAYS enjoy perfect health and no other challenges. In fact give me Sickle Cell over a number of other health challenges. I’d rather not be genotype SS but I am so…No shaking.”
She went on to advise people to find out their genotype and to do multiple tests at different labs to be sure, before going into marriage.
“Now. My advice to all young adults is this: Know your genotype early and be sure (do it more than once in reliable labs). Get an education about the health implications associated with whichever one you happen to be.
When you meet people you think you might want a relationship with, start the conversation EARLY.
If however you are already deeply committed to someone BEFORE the genotype issue comes up, seek PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING from medical personnel, clergy etc
Take an informed decision. While things are not always bleak in a home with an SS child or children, caring for a sick family at the best of times is stressful both for the patient and the caregiver.
Bear this in mind. You don’t want to watch your child writhing around in pain without relief sometimes for weeks or becoming physically challenged.
However my emphasis remains AVAIL yourself of every information you need to have then make an informed decision. God help us all. Love always.”
See the screenshots below:
