Sola Odesina Inspiring Travel Journey with Sickle Cell Disease

Many people look up to Sola Odesina because she keeps traveling the world even though she has sickle cell disease. Though she has had this illness for more than 30 years, she shows that you can still enjoy life to the best if you take the right steps and are careful. Read below about “Sola Odesina Inspiring Travel Journey with Sickle Cell Disease”.

A video called “Sickle Cell Shadow” is where I first learned about Sola’s amazing story. She wants to visit 100 countries before she turns 50, even though she has a long-term sickness. She has been to more than 60 places on 5 continents so far.

I was amazed at how she handles her situation while flying all over the world, since I love to travel too. I really admire how she keeps going even when things get hard and keeps a positive mood.

How to Understand Sickle Cell Disease

If you don’t know what sickle cell disease is, it is a genetic problem of the red blood cells that makes them hard, sticky, and shaped like a C. It’s called “sickle cell crisis” when these abnormal cells get stuck in blood vessels and stop the flow of blood and oxygen. This causes a lot of pain.

Anemia, tiredness, slow growth, and jaundice are some of the most common signs. Over time, the disease can also hurt organs, which can lead to stroke, sudden chest syndrome, and pulmonary hypertension. At this point, there isn’t a single cure, but treatments focus on controlling symptoms and avoiding problems.

The problem was found in Sola when she was only 8 months old. She was in the hospital more often as a child than most kids. She had to miss school all the time because of her health, and she was in terrible pain. It was very hard, but she kept going because her family was always there for her.

Preparing for Travels with Sickle Cell

Solea’s hematologist wasn’t sure about her plans to travel, so he told her about the risks. Of course, she was set on living her life to the fullest.

Here are some of the things she did to get ready for a safe trip:

• Finding doctors in the places she was going to visit. It’s nice to know that you can get emergency help close by.
• Bringing painkillers like hydroxyurea, folic acid, and antibiotics in case of an accident. Just in case, she also brings extra medicines for feeling sick, being thirsty, and air.
• Drinking a lot of water and drinks to stay hydrated. Sickle cell pain is often caused by not drinking enough water.
• Getting enough rest in between tasks. It’s important to take time to recover after traveling.
• Compression stockings can help your blood flow on long trips.
• Bringing a note from her doctor that sums up her situation in case of an emergency.
• Getting escape insurance that will pay for medical transportation back home if needed.
• She has been able to handle her sickle cell symptoms well while on the road by getting ready.

Handling Pain Crises Abroad

Sola has had several pain crises while traveling abroad, even though she has taken safety measures. I can’t even picture how scary that must be in a different place from home.

She had a problem while she was in Thailand and had to stay in the hospital for a few days. Luckily, the doctor she called before her trip was able to give her great care.

She always gets ready for the chance that she might get sick. She takes her emergency medicine right away when she thinks a problem is about to happen. She also finds a quiet place to rest until the pain gets better.

Sola says the key is to not freak out and have a plan for what to do. She never lets a health scare stop her from traveling. She continues her trip after taking a break and makes up the things she missed when she feels better.

It inspires me how strong and tough she is.

Must-See Destinations

Even though having sickle cell has made things hard for Sola, she has been able to travel and see amazing places all over the world.

These places stand out on her list of things to do:

• Santorini, Greece: This beautiful Greek island took Sola’s breath away with its white and blue houses built into rocks that look out over a volcanic caldera.
• She saw the wildebeest migration and got up close with lions, elephants, and other animals in Serengeti, Tanzania. It was a great trip.
• Visit Machu Picchu in Peru. Walking the Inca Trail to this beautiful citadel from the 15th century was both difficult and gratifying.
• The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the world’s biggest coral reef system. It was a dream come true to snorkel there. She was amazed by the beautiful fish and seafood.
• Northern Lights, Iceland: It was magical to see the Aurora Borealis light up the sky with bursts of green, pink, and purple light.
• China: The early morning wake-up call to see the marble statue in person was well worth it. The details and symmetry of it were even more beautiful in real life than in photos.

Even though Sola has been in pain, she has kept going to these and other places on her dream list. She thinks that the fun of traveling is enough to make it all worth it.

Advice for People Who Have a Chronic Illness

Sola has some words of advice for people who have long-term health problems:

• Don’t let your illness define you. Instead, think about what you can do and how you can follow your interests.
• Always be ready. Bring your medicines, vitamins, comfortable clothes, and anything else that will make you feel better.
• Pay attention to your body. If it tells you to stop, do it. Too much stress can make conditions worse.
• Plan for the worst. Know what to do and who to call if you get sick while you’re traveling.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your bags, getting around, or any other trip needs.
• Do not think about what you cannot do; instead, focus on the good things. Be thankful for all the amazing things you can do.
• Don’t give up. You can still visit the world and make great memories if you make some changes.

Living proof that you can enjoy life to the best even if you have a long-term illness is Sola. She hopes that telling her story will encourage other people to follow their dreams.

A Life Well-Traveled

The trip that Sola Odesina has taken while living with sickle cell disease is truly amazing. Even though she’s been in unbearable pain, been hospitalized, and had health scares away from home, she keeps traveling the world like there’s no tomorrow.

She has given me the drive to enjoy life to the fullest, no matter what comes my way. I hope that Sola’s story inspires you too. She shows that you can still live bravely and reach your goals if you prepare and think positively.

Enjoy all the exciting adventures she has left to go on. May the next 30 or more places on her list change her life and make her happy. Sola is a brave traveler who is a gift to the world. I hope you like reading “Sola Odesina Inspiring Travel Journey with Sickle Cell Disease”.