Let’s talk about potential bleeding risk after hysterectomy
I suddenly felt wet when I shouldn’t have. I ran to the bathroom and began pouring blood into the toilet, turning the water there a bright red. I gave myself an IV infusion of…
The Forgotten Factor
— G Shellye Horowitz
G Shellye Horowitz, MA, PPS, has strong ties to the bleeding disorders community with six traceable generations of hemophilia A in her family. She also has hemophilia A. Her advocacy work includes an emphasis on early diagnosis and care for females with hemophilia and strengthening diagnosis and care for all people with mild bleeding disorders.
Shellye is a licensed school counselor and principal with over 30 years experience. She currently works for the University of Washington as a researcher in the Johnsen Lab. She lives in Northern California, where she and her dog, “Hope,” love to wander through the majestic Redwood forests. All opinions are her own.
Featured Post
Why I ditched fashion for sensible shoes
I’ll open this column with a riddle for you. Question: How can you tell you’re at a bleeding disorders conference? Answer: Beautiful business casual clothing and sensible shoes! I’ve had a love-hate relationship with…
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Weighing risk vs. benefit of different medical procedures
“Let me see if I’m hearing you correctly: If I get the lip biopsy and it’s positive, it’ll confirm that I have Sjögren’s syndrome. If I get the lip biopsy and it’s negative, I…
Hemophilia and hypermobility won’t keep me from dancing
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard the term “Bubble Wrap.” A child with hemophilia is born: “How am I going to keep this kid Bubble Wrapped and safe?” A…
Why my factor replacement therapy wasn’t working
As a woman with hemophilia, one of the greatest challenges I face is being believed. This challenge is multifaceted. First, I struggle to convince people that women can and do have hemophilia.
Why I’m thankful for my delayed hemophilia diagnosis
Today, when girls and women struggle to obtain a hemophilia diagnosis and proper treatment, I am angry. We need to do better. A timely diagnosis is crucial, as delayed testing or…
With Immense Gratitude, I Say ‘L’hitraot’ to My Readers
“L’hitraot” is a word I learned while living in Israel. It is a gentle way to say goodbye, essentially meaning “see you later.” I am transitioning to a new job at a nonprofit organization,…
Comprehensive Hemophilia Treatment Centers Are a Relief for Patients
What was my reaction the first time I encountered a comprehensive hemophilia treatment center (HTC)? Relief! I couldn’t believe the resources that were available to those fortunate enough to be treated at one. With…
How to Recognize and Respond to Medical Trauma
There are multiple types of medical trauma. A medical emergency can be traumatic. Chronic medical issues can be traumatic. Struggling to obtain a diagnosis and treatment is traumatic. I believe that one of the…
Determining Cause and Effect With Anxiety and Hemophilia
My heart raced and pounded as a bead of sweat rolled down my cheek. My chest was so tight that it hugged my heart, which seemed to be doing flips. What was happening to…
Motivating Myself to Stick to My ‘Prophy’ Routine
Needle. Vein. My eyes shift back and forth. Needle. Vein. Which vein is large enough to hit without blowing, but small enough to anchor well? Tourniquet, needle, vein, syringe. I hate infusing. I HATE…
Prophylactic Treatment Helps Me Conquer Home Improvement Projects
When it comes to home maintenance and improvement, there are several types of people. Some look the other way when their home needs upgrades due to a lack of time, money, energy, or interest.
