April 23, 2021

Women Can Bleed Too

Before I became a patient of HOC, I thought I knew a lot about hemophilia.  I have a brother and extended family that suffer with the bleeding disorder.  It broke my heart to see my brother suffer with the effects.  I was always told that females could not have hemophilia.  This was presented as a fact which I never questioned.

As a result of this belief, I went my entire life into adulthood undiagnosed and untreated myself.  I lived with the bruising, bleeding, anemia and joint pain that often come with the disorder. At one time, a routine dental procedure put me in an emergency room.  Having an undiagnosed bleeding disorder can have severe consequences for anyone, but has additional complexities for females when you factor in potential pregnancy and childbirth.

Since being treated by the team at HOC, I now understand that females also suffer from bleeding disorders, can be carriers, or have hemophilia themselves.  The doctors and genetic experts at HOC explained how it is that I have hemophilia even though I am a female, and the science behind it.   I now have a treatment plan in place in case of an emergency, or non-emergency medical procedure.  This has helped me avoid a lot of unnecessary suffering over the years.

Facing any kind of health challenge is always easier if you have people around you that have a positive outlook.    Doing research and gathering information can also help us make good decisions about our health. It’s also important to have a team of skilled medical professionals on your side that respect your healthcare decisions, and treat you accordingly. This is what I found at HOC and I am so grateful to all of them!

Recent Posts

Navigating Sleep Challenges from Childhood to Adulthood

Today on Beyond the Bleeds, we're joined by Dr. Bridget Freeman to explore the importance of sleep health—why it’s foundational to our overall well-being, how our sleep patterns evolve throughout a lifetime, and what we can do to optimize sleep for physical, mental,...

Inside the World of Child Life Specialists with Chris Bivins

Today on Beyond the Bleeds, I’m joined by Chris Bivins, Child Life Specialist, to talk about the essential role Child Life professionals play in pediatric healthcare settings. We explore how Child Life Specialists help children and families navigate the challenges of...

Embracing Summer Safely with a Bleeding Disorder

Summer is a time to enjoy sunshine, vacations, and quality moments with friends and family. It’s a season filled with outdoor adventures, travel, and well-deserved relaxation. But for individuals living with bleeding disorders, summer also brings unique challenges...

Caring for Mental Health in the Bleeding Disorders Community

Living with a bleeding disorder affects more than just the body. It impacts emotional and psychological well-being, as well. Managing a chronic condition like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease often comes with daily stress, uncertainty, and limitations that can...

Empowering Choice: Dave’s Story

At Hemophilia Outreach Center, we're committed to more than just medicine — we're committed to people. Gene therapy is a groundbreaking treatment, but what makes it truly meaningful are the people behind it — the patients who face each day with courage, the care teams...

Life After Infusions: Mason’s Story

At Hemophilia Outreach Center, we're committed to more than just medicine — we're committed to people. Gene therapy is a groundbreaking treatment, but what makes it truly meaningful are the people behind it — the patients who face each day with courage, the care teams...

Social Media