Managing Hemophilia Hemophilia In 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.
True Stories: Teens With Hemophilia
Just One Of The Guys
For many teen boys with hemophilia, there is a temptation not to acknowledge their condition and to engage in the same activities as their peers. The solution to this dilemma is teaching teens with hemophilia how to set boundaries. Although teens with hemophilia should not be afraid to be active, they do need to be aware that certain activities are off-limits due to the risk factors involved.
Playing It Safe
One of the hardest facts for teens with hemophilia to accept 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
For the parents of teens with hemophilia, emotions run the gamut 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.
For teens with hemophilia, learning to care for their own disorder isn't just a giant step forward in asserting their independence — it eventually becomes a necessity as they prepare for college and adult life. There is a trend among older adolescents to miss treatment center appointments. Before going away to school or entering the workforce, teens with hemophilia should know that they still need to keep up their regular prescribed treatment regimen.
Find More Help And Resources Here
- Get an overview of hemophilia.
- Learn more about educational programs.
- Proactively manage your health insurance.
References
- All About Hemophilia: A Guide For Families. Canadian Hemophilia Society website. http://www.hemophilia.ca/files/GFFpreface.pdf. Accessed June 8, 2011.
