Intended for US audience only.
Teens1
Adolescence can be a rough passage, full of first times, unexpected discoveries and changes by the boatload. The voyage into adulthood can be more challenging for teens with hemophilia.
In some cases, teens deny that they have hemophilia. The reasons for this behavior cut to the core of adolescence. Teenagers are especially fearful of being different, many feel that they are indestructible, and they often are struggling to assert their independence from their parents.
Just One of the Guys "Get Old? Not Me!" Breaking Away, Letting Go
Just One of the Guys
For many teen boys with hemophilia, there is a temptation not to acknowledge their condition and to engage in activities their peers can participate in. The key is that teens with hemophilia need to set boundaries. Although they should not be afraid to be active, they need to be aware that certain activities are off-limits due to the risk factors involved.
Playing It Safe
One of the hardest facts to accept for teens with hemophilia is that injuries are more severe for them. Before playing sports or doing anything physical, patients should be aware of potential injuries — and how to avoid them.
Breaking Away, Letting Go
Parents of teens run the gamut of emotions as well. Learning to let go is perhaps the most difficult — but also the most necessary — task of all. Teens sometimes encourage these feelings of guilt by lashing out at their parents in times of stress.
Learning to care for their own hemophilia isn’t just a giant step forward for teens anxious to assert their independence — it eventually becomes a necessity as they prepare for college. There is a trend with many college students to miss treatment appointments. Before going away to school, teens with hemophilia should know that they still need to keep up their regular treatment schedule.
References
- An informative resource is “All About Hemophilia: A Guide for Families”. Chapter 9 deals with “Growing with Hemophilia”. The guide can be downloaded from the Educational Material section of the Canadian Hemophilia Society website. Available at http://www.hemophilia.ca. Accessed August 8, 2008.
