Determining Cause and Effect With Anxiety and Hemophilia
My heart raced and pounded as a bead of sweat rolled down my cheek. My chest was so tight that it hugged my heart, which seemed to be doing flips. What was happening to…
The Forgotten Factor
— G Shellye Horowitz
G Shellye Horowitz, MA, PPS, has strong ties to the bleeding disorders community with six traceable generations of hemophilia A in her family. She also has hemophilia A. Her advocacy work includes an emphasis on early diagnosis and care for females with hemophilia and strengthening diagnosis and care for all people with mild bleeding disorders.
Shellye is a licensed school counselor and principal with over 30 years experience. She currently works for the University of Washington as a researcher in the Johnsen Lab. She lives in Northern California, where she and her dog, “Hope,” love to wander through the majestic Redwood forests. All opinions are her own.
Featured Post
Missing persons: Women and girls with hemophilia
When I tell people I’m a woman with hemophilia, I’m often met with the same response: “Well, that is really unusual. It’s rare for women to have hemophilia!” This ubiquitous misconception is the…
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Motivating Myself to Stick to My ‘Prophy’ Routine
Needle. Vein. My eyes shift back and forth. Needle. Vein. Which vein is large enough to hit without blowing, but small enough to anchor well? Tourniquet, needle, vein, syringe. I hate infusing. I HATE…
Prophylactic Treatment Helps Me Conquer Home Improvement Projects
When it comes to home maintenance and improvement, there are several types of people. Some look the other way when their home needs upgrades due to a lack of time, money, energy, or interest.
What It Means to Own My Hemophilia
My nephew does not like needles. Actually, “hate” is probably a better word. He hates needles. This is not ideal, given that he has hemophilia. Recently, I was helping him practice IV infusions on…
Traveling With Hemophilia Doesn’t Need to Be a Headache
I gaze at the glorious sunrise as I take off in my red RAV4. On this particular trip I plan to make my way down from my home in Northern California to…
What I Would Tell a Woman Struggling With Hemophilia
As a woman with hemophilia who has a proper diagnosis and a fantastic treatment plan, I do not take my health for granted. I feel fortunate and blessed to have reached a…
When Hemophilia and Neurodiversity Converge
I am not neurotypical. My thoughts, perception, and speech can be different than others. It is subtle, but there. For example, if someone tells me something, I take…
Hemophilia No Longer Prevents Me From Participating in Physical Activity
“Beep, beep.” I leap out of bed at 10 a.m. on a Saturday. My plans for the day include geocaching, a wonderfully nerdy hobby in which I hike…
I Wish My Dad Could See Today’s Progress in Hemophilia Treatment
My dad’s life was incredibly difficult. He was in pain all the time and misunderstood by others. He grunted and grumbled, and walked with an exaggerated limp. People thought he was a…
What It’s Like Having Hemophilia and Living in a Rural Town
I live in the middle of nowhere. It is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The forest and the ocean intersect, creating some of the most gorgeous hiking trails I have…
Dumping the Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Hemophilia as a Woman
Sometimes I feel like I don’t belong. I’m a misfit, an imposter. I feel fine and haven’t had a bleed in almost a month. Do I really…
Hemophilia Care Entails More Than Treating Bleeds
Grab the factor, syringes, butterfly needles, drapes, Band-Aids, self-adherent wrap, sharps container, and tourniquet! These things are usually what comes to mind when we think about hemophilia care. Medical supplies are the first…
