3 Possible Issues Teens With Hemophilia May Face

The teenage years are tough for most children but for those living with a chronic bleeding disorder, these years can be extra stressful. When they’re young, most of a hemophilia patient’s needs are met by their parents and they can be suitably supervised to ensure they come to no harm. However, according to bleedingdisorders.com, their natural need for independence may cause some issues once they reach adolescence.

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Denying Their Condition
Children don’t want to stand out from their peers, particularly once they hit their teens. So many boys living with hemophilia may deny their condition. For the most part, this won’t be an issue but there may be occasions where they put themselves in danger rather than admitting to their friends that they either can’t participate in an event or need urgent treatment.

Setting Their Own Boundaries
As part of keeping with the crowd, boys with hemophilia may find it difficult to accept that activities that are safe for their friends are potentially dangerous for them. Steering them towards after-school activities that have a reduced risk of injury is a good way for them to discover safe sports and pastimes that they can excel in, making them less likely to want to engage in more dangerous activities.

Taking Responsibility
As children get older they should have autonomy over their medication and treatments. However, this doesn’t mean they will stay compliant with their routine and some may miss treatments or doctor’s appointments to rebel against their parents or because they would rather hang out with their friends. It’s essential that they get into a good routine, keeping up with all appointments and adopting good lifestyle choices that will carry them through college and adulthood.

MORE: How kids can explain hemophilia to their friends

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