How much does the bleeding disorder affect your life?
As much as I can see, Hemophilia is a merit from God which enables me to participate in the development of Hemophilia care in Egypt; the matter that might not be achieved unless I’m a person with hemophilia.
I’ve been diagnosed as a Hemophilia-A patient since I was at four when I had several spontaneous bleeds into different joints of mine. Actually, the disorder has not affected my life that much; as in spite of the continuous bleeding episodes that I suffered when I was young, I used to be keen on following my school lessons till I had a University degree and after that till now I work for a great Export-Import company as a commercial manger in the foreign trade department, also I have many social relations, activities and friendships not only in Egypt but also worldwide.
Now, I lead a semi-normal life , working, doing many activities and travel abroad sometimes since I have to follow the right instructions that can keep me safe from any danger or handicap, although I sometimes face bleedings in my knee, shoulder and elbow, but anyway I’m trying to cope with my favorite disorder as much as I can.
Which possibilities for treatment do you have?
I depend mostly on Anti-hemophiliac globulin and Cryo-Precipitate, but sometimes I use Factor VIII Concentrates, specially, in case I have a surgery.
What kind of contact do you have with other young people with bleeding disorders?
Fortunately, I’ve been chosen by my Hemophilia Society, in which I’m a member, to be the representative of patients all over Egypt and this is a great honor for me as well as a big responsibility, as I’m involved in my Hemophilia society’s activities and projects for care improvement.
On the other hand, I’m the representative of the society in Alexandria, then, I have the chance to contact many people with hemophilia of different ages and their families as well; trying to assist them in any concerned matter or making a medical coordination between them and healthcare professionals. Also I’m trying to be one of those young people’s friends, share them in many topics, providing them with advices and listening to each one’s unique experience, it’s definitely useful for both of us.
What would you like to know about other young people with bleeding disorders around the world?
No doubt that knowledge about other different cultures, societies, circumstances is a very interesting matter that can enrich one’s own experience and behavior.
As for me, I welcome any new friendships from all over the world who are living under the same merit of Hemophilia in order to exchange ideas, experience and organizing affairs so that we can reach better quality of life for both of our Hemophilia communities.