Looking back at my younger self, I don’t think I fully appreciated the help I received from others around me during my school experience. Being one of the few people in school with a rare medical disorder was an interesting experience. It definitely had its perks. For example, school staff…
The ‘I’ in Hemophilia
— Jared Formalejo
Jared Formalejo lives with severe hemophilia B and epilepsy. He is a writer, father, and advocate for patients and caregivers, and is married to Allyx Formalejo, who has a regular column on Hemophilia News Today, “HemoWife.” Jared explores disability, identity, and the cultural narratives that shape how chronic illness is understood and lived.
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It’s a struggle to balance life with two disorders. I need to take daily medications for epilepsy while also self-infusing to treat internal bleeds. I recently suffered a horrible epileptic episode. My wife, Cza, and I were walking with our baby, Cittie, when I felt a strong aura warn…
Our baby girl turned one earlier this year. Watching Cittie mature makes me reflect on the innocent phase of childhood. Life was so simple back then. I believed games and toys to be major issues of the utmost importance. I stayed late after school and played with my friends.
With 2019 behind us, it’s time for everyone to start anew and welcome 2020 into their lives. It’s hard to be fond of 2019 considering the impact my chronic illness had on my life. I spent practically a third of the year on bed rest because of severe…
With Christmas only a few weeks away, Hemophilia Association of the Philippines for Love and Service (HAPLOS) threw its annual Christmas party. It’s a modest event, but seeing people gather, spread cheer, and enjoy one another’s company is heartwarming. The party is also a time to express gratitude to…
With so many injuries lately, possibly because of a lack of exercise, I found it necessary to finally learn the ropes of self-infusion. Self-infusion of critical factor is important for me to prevent and treat bleeding episodes. As much as I have wanted to learn the craft, I…
I’ve been struggling with hip bleeds lately. I’m in the middle of recovering from a bleed on my right hip, which may have started because I put too much pressure on it too soon. I’m frustrated that I’ve been bedridden so often these past few months. It’s hard…
I’m starting to recover from my recent iliopsoas bleed. I’m irritated that my right hip isn’t as flexible as it used to be, but that’s a normal part of recovery. It’ll take me a while to regain the ability to move freely and easily. I’m looking forward to the…
I’m confined to my bed, suffering from a bleed once more. Many hemophiliacs dread having a bleed in this area, called the iliopsoas muscles. It’s considered a very serious bleed, as it can result in permanent femoral nerve damage and, in some cases, amputation of the leg. The…
As time passes, I can feel both the joys and the pressures of fatherhood. My life has centered around our daughter’s needs and ensuring that she is always happy and smiling. Friends have instructed me on the importance of fatherhood. So many problems are caused by weak father figures. Often,…
After over a year without a gym membership, my wife, Cza, and I are back in our lifting den. We do it for fun and, of course, fitness. I’ve had several injuries during the past few months, all of which I can associate with the lack of physical exercise…
It’s quite difficult to focus on any sense of positivity when bleeds become more frequent. After a bleed-free streak that lasted over six months, it was easy to be disappointed when hemophilia made me feel vulnerable and weak again. It’s not all that bad, though. At times, being bedridden results…
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