“While my secondary school mates were already sharing tips on how to use a tampon or a pad, I had nothing to show. No blood, no breast and that meant stress. Stress from other kids who not knowing how their words hurt, told me not to change in the same washrooms as them because they were not sure I was a girl. Stress from the jokes of older girls who may have meant well by saying they will be the first to buy me a tampon but whose remarks always led to more talks about my flat chested, skinny body which I hated. This torture went on from secondary to high school and to university”. Ayuk Besong Anne-Chantal, Global Sickle Cell Disease advocate testified.
She told The Ultimate that she got relieved when the period finally showed up halfway through university, though the joy was short lived.
Besong lamented that her period came at a time when she had no female support. “Zero mum, sisters all grown and gone and there was no internet like the case now that permits girls to easily get information”. The Ambassador added.
“I still remember the lady who helped me during this period. She was in final year in the same university. She did not only safe me from lots of embarrassments and mishaps but also became a sister. Buying my first pad, teaching me about periods and how to act in class if it starts, about always having a pad in my school bag well hidden in a side pocket, amongst others”. She disclosed.
Besong narrated that even with that she lacked the knowledge on how to manage her periods and health.
She said period was a nightmare then as she feared her body was losing all the 7 grams of blood she had been surviving on.
“This was a hard part and I learnt to manage this all alone as I grew up, got periods and got sickle cell crisis episodes. Even now I am still learning”. The Warrior revealed.
As an advice for late bloomers like her, the Global Sickle Cell Disease Advocate told them not worry. “It (your period) will come and when it does, your experience will be unique, like the warrior you are”. She encouraged.
Besong further cautioned late bloomers not to fear about losing a bit of blood because God in His greatness put what it takes for their bodies to adjust so they do not get ill when it does and if it does, they should get medical assistance.
She also told them to get counseling and tips from other lady warriors as no topic is a taboo in the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) community.
The SCD Advocate advised them to get medical tips on how best to manage their period and health and especially managing periods in times of a sickle cell crisis.
“Finally, smile, you are beautiful even if that menstrual period is late in coming. Let no one tell you the contrary”. Besong pampered.
To menstrual health experts and advocates, Besong advised them to prioritize raising awareness on Sickle cell disease and explaining some of its complications for young girls, which include but are not limited to late physical bodily development, late puberty and menstruation.
According to her, this will contribute to eliminate stigma for late bloomers affected by Sickle Cell or some other conditions.
She added that failure to explain to warrior girls (persons living with sickle cell) and their entourage will negatively affect their future love life.
Ayuk Besong Anne-Chantal is a communications specialist and a Global Sickle Cell Disease Advocate. She is a mother. She lives with Sickle Cell Disease.
By Olive Ejang
