Hey, bleeding, we’ve missed you. Not!
Disruptions ensue when a knee bleed is problematic for longer than normal
Life had been running smoothly for a while. No major bleeds, no medical scares — just the comforting rhythm of our daily routine.
But as life with hemophilia goes, that peace was bound to be interrupted at some point. It came this time in the form of a knee bleed for my husband, Jared. And instead of the three-day recovery period we’re used to for his minor bleeds, he’s been immobilized for slightly longer.
So here we are again, adjusting.
Disruptions in routine: What else is new?
When your family lives with hemophilia or a similar chronic condition, disruptions are inevitable. Plans shift, responsibilities get reshuffled, and all you can do is work around the situation as best as possible. One of the biggest changes for us? Mornings.
Normally, Jared is the early riser. He takes charge of getting our daughter ready for school while I catch up on sleep after a long night of work. But with him bedridden for the time being, that task now falls on me. And let’s just say that early mornings are not my strong suit. Our daughter isn’t much of a morning person either, so waking her up and getting everything in order have been a challenge.
Jared still manages to dress her, though, so I just have to remember to bring her school uniforms upstairs the night before. It’s a small adjustment, but one that makes a difference. Once she’s off to school, I try to sneak in a nap if I can. I can’t wait for her afternoon classes when she moves up to first grade in a few months. That’s going to be a game changer!
Holding down the fort
With Jared unable to move much, keeping things in order around the house has been my responsibility. It’s not exactly my forte, but when I find my groove, I enjoy it. The problem is getting started, because of my attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Thankfully, one of our latest investments, a dishwasher we’ve nicknamed WashGPT, has made household chores significantly easier. It’s been a lifesaver during this period, taking one thing off my plate when I already have enough to juggle. I’ve also been enjoying cooking, thanks to a nifty little Japanese-style rice cooker that can be set to start and finish at a certain time. It also has smart features, allowing it to integrate well with our other devices.
A small wish
As much as I’d love to say we’ve gotten used to these disruptions, the truth is they always throw us off, at least a little. But we adapt, as we always do. We make adjustments, shift responsibilities, and push forward.
If I had one wish to throw out into the universe once Jared’s back up and running? (And yes, I mean running — because when Jared’s on his feet, walking just doesn’t cut it. He gives his all, then doubles it, in everything he does.)
Oh, universe, give us a slightly longer break before the next one. Because honestly, bleeding? We really haven’t missed you much.
Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.
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