Columns

For me, one of the worst parts of having sickle cell disease, aside from the horrific, debilitating pain of a crisis, is navigating the emergency department here in the U.K, where I live. I appreciate that it’s a high-pressure work environment that brings heavy responsibility, and it…

It took me a while to realize that intense emotions can lead me to a sickle cell crisis. Most of my health professionals never mentioned it when educating me about crisis triggers. From what I’ve learned as a physician, emotional triggers aren’t researched or documented enough. Hence, the…

Smile, be polite, be eloquent, and watch your tone to ensure others feel comfortable. These are my thoughts during daily interactions. Unfortunately, because of the negative preconceptions about Black men, my day-to-day is centered around putting others at ease. I often have to code-switch or behave in a more…

I recently got a new manager at work, which has improved my quality of life as a disabled worker. This change also instigated the creation of an emergency evacuation plan for me, and that change I question. To be clear, I’m not a wheelchair user, but I occasionally use…

Reserved, calm, and quiet are adjectives that have been used to describe me at some point, and I’d say they’re pretty accurate. I usually step out of my shell only when I’m around people I’m comfortable with or in a one-on-one situation. In group settings, I tend to be more…

Pain episodes brought on by sickle cell disease may come on suddenly and vary greatly from patient to patient. The ability of children and adolescents to chronicle and communicate their painful experiences may be facilitated by the use of diaries. I cannot stress enough how important it is for…

Chronic diseases and pain can sometimes take away one’s happiness. They are proven predisposing factors for depression. In my case, sickle cell disease has been challenging. Living with frequent acute pain episodes, chronic pain, and numerous sickle cell complications can easily snuff out your happiness, especially…

An eight-hour flight, a three-hour boat ride, a six-hour bus ride, and then a two-hour hike up a mountain: This is the journey I would take if I decide to visit extended family in one of the more remote parts of Cameroon. It would be a challenging, long, and arduous…

Today is Good Friday, which in my faith marks the crucifixion of Jesus. The Bible narrates that Jesus was crucified, remained dead for three days, and rose to life on the third day. The resurrection is celebrated on Easter Sunday. Much of the Christian faith is based upon this weekend.

Note: This column includes thoughts about suicide. Resources for help are listed at the end of the column. Recently, I was privileged to speak at the Smile of a King Foundation, which was formed in London to support the mental health of Black men. It honors Tashan King, a…