Michelle Robinson, 29, suffered her first crises from Sickle Cell at the tender age of four. Symptoms include stress and exhaustion.

Michelle was at University when her illness interrupted her studies. She spent some time in hospital but still gained a good degree. She has since returned to continue her studies.

She said “I am in and out of hospital six to eight times a year. I am in hospital a lot more during this period of studying due to the stress of the course.”

More recently Michelle has experienced pains in her back and legs and she is prone occasionally to get pains in her shoulder, arms and chest. “I start to panic when I get pains in my chest and this makes the pain worse,” said Michelle.

No treatment has been prescribed for Michelle but whenever she becomes ill she goes to hospital and is treated with pethadine injections. She has had no alternative treatments although Yoga helps, Michelle finds.

Socially, Michelle finds she cannot go out to night clubs and sometimes has to cancel engagements because she feels too tired. “Emotionally I get depressed, especially when I’m in and out of hospital or ill at home because it feels as though my life is stilted.”

In fact Michelle wonders whether she will ever be able to get used to the idea of living with Sickle Cell disease. “Perhaps that’s why I get depressed as I always put these things at the back of my mind.”