Why my husband would miss living with hemophilia
In a recent conversation with my husband, Jared, he dropped a bombshell. If he were given the chance to be rid of hemophilia entirely for the rest of his life, he said he’d…
HemoWife — Alliah Czarielle
Alliah Czarielle, or Cza, is a writer, entrepreneur, and digital marketer based in Marikina, Philippines. She is married to Jared, who has severe hemophilia B and a seizure disorder. They have a young daughter and two other “babies” — a dog and a cat. Cza herself is diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar II disorder. This allows her to offer a unique perspective on navigating various aspects of young adult life (e.g. relationships, career, and parenting) with chronic health conditions. In her free time, she enjoys collecting fountain pens, supporting small businesses, traveling across the country, and exploring local cafes. She continues to blog like most 90s kids did in the Internet’s early years, sharing her thoughts and interesting discoveries on her personal website, czaofalltrades.com.
Featured Post
Say it with me: Disability is not a bad word
When people talk about hemophilia, some deliberately avoid calling it a disability. Instead, they’ll say “a medical condition” or “a health challenge,” as if disability were a negative label. Some who embrace the…
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Managing and adapting to shortages of clotting factor IX
My husband, Jared, and I have written about the limited supply of clotting factor IX in the Philippines, where we live. Lately there’s been a greater shortage of that factor, which treats…
My husband and I are redefining marriage in life with chronic illness
I recently came across a thought-provoking video featuring Betty Reid Soskin, a remarkable 102-year-old woman with a unique perspective on marriage. Throughout her long life, Soskin has embraced various roles, including daughter,…
Learning to embrace imperfection after 10 years with my husband
My favorite band, Fall Out Boy, has a song titled “The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years).” Now that I think of it, my husband, Jared, and I celebrate 10 years together this April.
Advocating for mental healthcare is important to me as a ‘HemoWife’
As a “HemoWife,” I’ve become intimately acquainted with the intricate dance between physical and mental health. In recent columns, I’ve delved into the journey of navigating my husband Jared’s hemophilia alongside my…
My 30th birthday came with heightened anxiety
As my 30th birthday approached, I found myself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. Unlike my husband, Jared, who greeted his own 30th with gratitude for another year of life, I was consumed by…
A mindful ‘body scan’ can be a powerful pain-relief tool
My husband, Jared, and I have been binge-watching “House” lately. Watching this mid-2000s medical drama as a couple living with chronic and mental illness is a fascinating experience, since we’re no strangers…
My ‘firefighter mode’ helps when responding to emergencies
I’ve always had a naturally good “firefighter mode.” As a child, I was inventive and resourceful. If I accidentally left my homework at home, I could do it over in minutes. In high school,…
My husband is becoming skilled at self-administering factor infusions
It’s infusion day again! Pens, inks, and assorted notebooks leave our bedroom work desk to make room for a makeshift medical setup. Medicine vials, alcohol swabs, and needles take their place. For my husband,…
As a caregiver, I can’t be at my best if I’m not getting enough sleep
As I sit at my computer, fatigue seeps into my bones. The intense heat here in the Philippines, combined with the side effects of my new acid reflux medication, amplifies my exhaustion. Mild tension…
My husband’s efforts to understand the health issues of others
As someone living with hemophilia B and epilepsy, my husband, Jared, has faced numerous health challenges throughout his life. From medical tests to hospitalizations, he’s endured his fair share of pain and…
It pays to be mindful of the zero-risk bias in daily life with hemophilia
In our quest for security and certainty, it’s only natural to gravitate toward options that offer zero risk. Think about it: When you purchase insurance or opt for a product with a money-back…
