Hemophilia and Me
— Jennifer Lynne

Growing up in suburban Milwaukee, I saw the world through a self-employed lens. My grandfather sold and repaired typewriters, a business he started in downtown Chicago in 1951, a time that must have been most colorful. My family settled…

In addition to having hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease, I also am a caregiver to my 79-year-old mother, whom I live with in Florida. Avoiding COVID-19 has been difficult for us, as she was diagnosed with…

I recently had the honor of interviewing bodybuilder L.A. Aguayo over Zoom. He is 34 years old, has severe hemophilia B, and recently took second place in an international bodybuilding competition, the Arnold Amateur. I highly recommend his…

I’m diligent about oral healthcare. I use an electric toothbrush, floss every day, and visit my dentist every three months. My reasons for this diligence are many, but mostly I am afraid of bleeding from dental procedures. Mouth and…

I am lucky to live in the United States, where medication to treat hemophilia and von Willebrand disease is easy to obtain. Had I been born in a developing country, I might not be alive today. My…

Stress has been a constant issue for me. I struggle to manage it, but I’m improving. If I could jump into a time machine and travel back in time, I would tell my younger self to chill out and…

I recently participated in a webinar called “Mild Matters,” organized by the Hemophilia Federation of America. The purpose was to discuss challenges faced by people with mild bleeding disorders. When the discussion turned to self-advocacy, I began to think…

I recently visited the small town of Arcadia, Florida, which is not far from my home. Arcadia holds an important place in history for the topic of hemophilia and AIDS. The story of what happened there…

For most of my 56 years, I’ve felt isolated from the hemophilia community. Before the internet — yes, youngsters, there was such a time — I had very little education about my bleeding disorders and no idea what to…

As a woman affected by the bleeding disorders hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease, I realize that increasing awareness about bleeding disorders in undiagnosed women and girls is essential. All women should be aware of the symptoms of a…

I recently attended a webinar called “Impact of Factor 8 on Bone Mineralization,” sponsored by Factor My Way, a patient support program. It featured Claudio Sandoval, MD, who has over 30 years of experience treating people with bleeding disorders…

I’ve been dating for nearly 40 years, and consider myself somewhat of an expert. Valentine’s Day feels like the perfect opportunity to impart my experience and wisdom. One thing is certain: Dating with hemophilia and von Willebrand…