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A message to your younger self

Thu 29 Jun 2023

If you could go back in time, what would you say to your younger self?


Growing up with a bleeding disorder can be challenging. 

We asked some of our community members with bleeding disorders what they would tell their younger self. They reflected on what was most important to them when they were young and had some thoughtful and encouraging messages from what they have learned as they became adults.
 

Cheryl

You can handle a bleeding disorder. Learn as much as you can. You are your own advocate, but don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And pay that help forward when you are able to.

girls looking at mobile - Cottonbro Studios for Pexels
 

Tim

Be more open and trust that people aren’t going to judge you for your condition. Most importantly, be patient and kind to yourself and cut yourself some slack for the times when you have no control over bleeds or your condition.

man talking to boy - Cottonbro Studio for Pexels


Chris

Learn to look after yourself. I was always scared of going to hospital so I would hide being in pain and treat my bleed at home so mum and dad wouldn’t take me there. Inevitably, I ended up in hospital anyway because I hadn’t treated my bleed with a dose of factor from the onset.

boy in pain doing homework - freepik
 

Sharron

Don’t worry. The treatment options will be much better when you are older and there will be many more options.

teenage girl looking worried - RF Studio for pexels
 

Dale

Don’t skip treatments, always ask about new technologies. 
Look after your joints because they only get worse the older you get. 
Always keep an open mind with regards to treatments and others’ opinions. 
Respect the older generation of bleeders, they limp so we can run. 
Share your story; you’d be surprised who would benefit from hearing what you’ve been through. 
Do what you can to give back to the community that’s advocated and looked after you.

teenagers talking - freepik

READ MORE

Check out the personal stories from other young people with bleeding disorders on: 
Thanks to Cheryl, Tim, Chris, Sharron and Dale for their contributions.


 

Submit your story to Factored In

You can also upload a video and a photo, just make sure you look over and understand ‘read me first’!

READ ME FIRST

Please read this important information before you upload!

Under 18?

If you are under 18 and would like to upload a story, image or video that identifies who you are, we require your parent or guardian to send an email to factoredin@haemophilia.org.au stating that they give their permission for your story, image or video to be published. We have to do this for your privacy and protection. Or you parents can download this form and send it to us.

Anyone else under 18?

Also, if you are using a story, image or video that identifies someone else who is under 18, you will need to get their parents’ consent. You can ask their parents to email us at factoredin@haemophilia.org.au  or download this form and send it to us

Parents can simply copy and paste this into an email and fill in the blanks …
I, (parent/guardian name here) give permission for (son/daughter name here)’s story, image or video titled (put title here) to be published on Factoredin.org.au. I also give permission for HFA to reproduce the story/image/video in other HFA publications, reports or web site.

Identify anyone at all?

Finally, if you are using a story, image or video that identifies someone of any age, you will need their consent as well and they can provide this by emailing us at factoredin@haemophilia.org.au or downloading this form and send it to us.

Anyone over 18 can simply copy and paste this into an email and fill in the blanks …
I, (put name here) give permission for my story, image or video titled (put title here) to be published on Factoredin.org.au. I also give permission for HFA to reproduce the story/image/video in other HFA publications, reports or web site.

How can I get around this, I hear you ask? Don’t make yourself or anyone else identifiable!

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