I’m Bleeding, Believe Me
I recently attended a national conference for women with hemophilia. Common themes emerged as I listened to women’s stories of life with bleeding disorders. The number of women dismissed by top medical…
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
Why Bleeder is my favorite app for tracking bleeds and factor levels
Tracking factor VIII (FVIII) infusions can be a drag! When I started infusing it regularly to prevent bleeds caused by my hemophilia, I searched for an app to help. For hemophilia patients, it’s…
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Beautiful, Bachelorette, Bleeder: When to Disclose a Diagnosis
You’ve been talking to prospective Mr. Wonderful for a few weeks now. You have a lot in common, and if he looks anything like his profile picture, you know he’s going to…
An Open Letter to Providers Treating Women with Hemophilia
I am writing to you on behalf of all the women with a hemophilia mutation. My blood sisters have varying medical diagnoses: asymptomatic carrier, symptomatic carrier, mild hemophilia, moderate hemophilia, and even severe hemophilia.
I Feared My Diagnosis and Loss of the Known
Getting diagnosed with hemophilia is a whirlwind. It doesn’t matter if someone is diagnosed at birth or in their 40s: Their world is turned upside down. It is terrifying. Life…
Today, I Dance: My Journey to Physical Activity
I grew up believing that it was impossible for a hemophilia carrier who was also a woman to manifest the condition. I had stitches five times before…
How to Find Female-sensitive Hemophilia Treatment
Four years ago, I relocated to a rural community. My hemophilia treatment center (HTC) was six hours away, so I met with a local hematologist to come up with a plan for…
Bleeding Disorders in the Bedroom: Sex and Hemophilia
Intimacy. Warmth. Comfort. Security. Closeness. These are things that many of us yearn for in relationships. However, when someone has a bleeding disorder, relationships can also be associated with…
Navigating Insurance Requirements for Factor Can Be Stressful
I got home from work and checked my mail. I had received another notice from an “impartial third party” stating: Dear Ms. Horowitz, We have received an inquiry…
Life Between Peak and Trough
One of the challenges for individuals with hemophilia — whether severe, moderate, or mild — is bleeds. Often people with hemophilia will struggle with bleeds into their joints. The bleeds are painful…
My Hemophilia Is an Invisible Disability
When you look at me, you’ll see a quirky, colorful, loud, and active person, yet at the same time, I am reserved. I am of average height and weight, and am known…
Factor Replacement Trials Must Include Women
Dear pharmaceutical companies, I am speaking to every one of you who makes a factor replacement product for hemophilia. Thank you for developing more options and safer products…
Advocating for Women with Hemophilia Through National Conferences
Patrice Thomas has utilized her skills as a women’s healthcare advocate to learn about marginalized communities and support structural change. Through her current position at the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan (HFM),…
