Columns

Why does everything have to be a fight? I ask this because the past few weeks have been frustratingly difficult for me. I recently had to drive to a different county to sort something out. On the way back, I got stuck in traffic. A drive that was supposed to…

I have been on a journey since 2018 to share my experiences with sickle cell disease and help others avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made along the way. This journey has exposed me to many different concepts that I reevaluate regularly. For instance, I’ve written previously about…

Dear Future Caregiver, As I look back on the transformative journey I’ve embraced as a caregiver to a person with sickle cell disease — its ups and downs, joys and frustrations, and profound sense of purpose — I want to impart some invaluable insights I dearly wish I…

Jaundice is one of the most prevalent manifestations of sickle cell disease. Caused by an excess production of the compound bilirubin, jaundice results in a yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucus membranes, and the white part of the eyes, which is called the sclera. In this column,…

In popular culture, self-care often seems to be equated with indulgence or luxury, such as spa visits, retail therapy, or fine dining. But I believe this perception is flawed, and that buying into it does people a disservice. Essentially, self-care involves looking after and prioritizing our physical, spiritual, mental, and…

Sickle cell is an inherited disease that profoundly affects red blood cells, posing significant health challenges for those living with the condition. My cousin Ada has bravely confronted this hereditary disease, and together we’ve traversed its ups and downs. Among the many concerns we’ve learned to manage, one…

Second in a series. Read part one. Living with sickle cell disease presents a unique set of challenges. Unfortunately, some health professionals exacerbate these difficulties with insensitive and uninformed remarks. In my last column, I discussed some hurtful and unnecessary comments…

As most of us know, sickle cell can be a debilitating disease. I’ve been diagnosed with it since I was 18 months old, yet it still causes me much pain, agony, and difficulty. I have trouble making plans, enjoying an active social life, and exercising, and it’s even…

First in a series. Living with sickle cell disease can be incredibly challenging, especially when healthcare professionals make inappropriate and hurtful remarks. These comments contribute to poor pain management and health outcomes, and perpetuate stigma and discrimination against sickle cell patients. As a physician and…

It was a warm morning in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, early this year, and I’d just woken up. I rolled over, picked up my phone, and undertook my usual checks before proceeding with my day. While I was scrolling, my phone rang, and I recognized the number. It was my hospital…