Hemophilia and Me
— Jennifer Lynne

I’d enjoyed several months without any bleeding problems until I experienced an unexpected ankle bleed last week. The elevator at my condo was out of service, so I had to climb four flights of stairs multiple times a day, which put additional strain on my joints. Just when I…

Nearly a year has passed since Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on southwest Florida, leaving my hometown of Punta Gorda and its neighboring communities in disrepair. As recovery efforts continue, the renovation of my condo has been stalled due to a failure by our association to reach an agreement with…

Last week, I stumbled upon the Tour de France while aimlessly flipping through TV channels. This annual professional bicycle race is highly esteemed and considered one of the most difficult events in the sport. Watching it was thrilling. The competition was captivating, and the incredible athleticism of the…

When dealing with health issues, does when you were born matter? For those living with hemophilia, the answer is a resounding yes. Having personally experienced the challenges of living with bleeding disorders and survived multiple life-threatening situations, I can’t help but reflect on how different my medical journey might…

The pain that accompanied my periods was excruciating, exacerbated by my two bleeding disorders, hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease. I vividly recall my gynecologist explaining that during a bleeding episode, the severity of my clots and bleeding was comparable to giving birth during menstruation, and thus it…

I rarely disclose my diagnosis of hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease to others. I don’t like to speak about it, which is odd for someone who writes a column on the topic. Writing is different, though. I hope it will make a difference. By sharing…

Clinical trials for hemophilia are essential to advance medical knowledge and develop treatments. But for decades, trials related to hemophilia enrolled only men, given the assumption that women were only carriers of the disease. Consequently, women with the disorder were denied the opportunity to participate in…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. Confession time. Since November, I’ve been injecting the medication Mounjaro (tirzepatide) once a week to help me lose weight.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a character with hemophilia depicted in a recent episode of “Call the Midwife,” a television series I adore. Usually, I’m disappointed with how hemophilia or von Willebrand disease is presented on TV, as it’s often inaccurate. This time, however, I felt the…

Years ago, a home health nurse came to my house to infuse my medication for von Willebrand disease and hemophilia B. Treatment for my bleeding disorders is often administered intravenously, meaning it’s injected directly into a vein. I’d had surgery a few days before and needed the…

My bleeding disorders, hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease, have significantly affected my family. As I’ve aged, my appreciation for my family has grown tremendously. I’ve come to realize that hemophilia‘s impact isn’t just limited to me; it’s also affected my family in profound ways. True, patients…

People with hemophilia experience prolonged bleeding, even from minor injuries, and may also experience spontaneous bleeding into joints, muscles, and other organs. These bleeds can cause pain, joint damage, and other complications, making pain management an essential aspect of hemophilia care. To alleviate intermittent pain, I employ…