How writing with fountain pens prepared me for hemophilia care

I’ve been a fan of collecting fountain pens since I was a teenager. As a writer, I’ve always believed that having the right tools — pens that glide effortlessly, inks that flow just right — makes the writing process more enjoyable. And for me, fountain pens have been just that: instruments that make writing feel good. (Not to mention they’re also stunningly vintage — a wonderful way to tickle my obsession for all things past-century.)

But over the years, my obsession with fountain pens has also unexpectedly shaped how I approach something entirely different: hemophilia care.

One of the things I love about fountain pens is how they force you to slow down. Unlike ballpoint pens, where you simply click and write, fountain pens require a bit more care. You have to pick the right nib, select an ink color, experiment on ink consistencies, and fill the pen properly to get the best experience.

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And of course, there’s the mess. Ink gets on your fingers, sometimes on the paper, sometimes even on the desk. But that’s part of the process. It’s unavoidable, and with practice, you get used to it.

Fountain pens are also statement pieces. They come in stunning designs, and they look just as good sitting on a desk as they do in action. More than that, they’re conversation starters. If you pull out a fountain pen in public, chances are, someone will ask about it.

But beyond aesthetics and the writing experience, fountain pens played a surprising role in preparing me for my husband Jared’s factor infusions.

From fountain pens to factor preparation

One of the most striking similarities between fountain pens and hemophilia care is the filling mechanism. Filling a fountain pen with ink is nearly identical to the process of preparing factor before injection. Both require drawing liquid into a syringe, whether it’s ink into a converter or factor into a syringe. You have to do it carefully to avoid bubbles, ensuring smooth flow and proper function.

But with syringes, the stakes are much higher. While a small air bubble in a fountain pen might just cause ink flow issues, a large enough air bubble in a syringe can be dangerous. That’s why precision matters even more in hemophilia care: You have to take extra care to get it right.

Jared has always preferred to have control over his infusions, so he self-infuses. But when I first saw the process, I felt an odd sense of familiarity. The careful drawing of liquid, the attention to detail, even the way he held the syringe — it all reminded me of filling my fountain pens. Of course, the consequences weren’t the same, but the muscle memory I’d developed from years of handling pens surprisingly made it comfortable for me to watch the process from the beginning.

This month, the Manila Pen Show is happening again here in the Philippines, where we live. I attended it in 2023, but missed last year’s event, so I’m eager to go this time. It’s always excited to see new pens, discover beautiful inks, and meet fellow enthusiasts who appreciate the art of writing.

Much like hemophilia care, using a fountain pen is about patience, precision, and learning through experience. And in both cases, I’ve found that embracing the process — ink stains, challenges, and all — leads to something particularly rewarding.

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.