First few months

The first few months were tough. I was emotional. I tried to read everything I could on Hemophilia. I read the good and the bad.
I would scan Will everyday for bruises. I would be on pins and needles everytime he would cry. I just didn't feel prepared. I didn't know what to expect. Every bruise was just so unatural. I don't think I will ever get used to seeing those big, ugly hemophilia bruises. Then our family did 2 of the best things we could. We volunteered at the Puget Sounds Blood Center's "Golf Gets In Your Blood" golf tournament and auction and we went to Camp Ivy. A weeklong family camp for families with hemophilia. We met people and we learned. A lot. I learned not to be afraid of it. I learned from moms and kids and adult men AND women with hemophilia. NOW I felt more prepared. Summer became Autumn. I had a DNA test done and although it was basically inconclusive, my clotting levels showed that I too, had a mild form of hemophilia. My clotting level was at 34%. This sure explained a lot. It didn't explain how wickedly hidden this gene had been up until now. I have a brother who is unaffected and my mom found out she has a 32% clotting level. Three years ago she had a heart attack and had 2 blood transfusions. All before knowing how hemophilia was affecting us. Today we just take each day at a time and try to make things normal and safe. Some days are more challenging than others but we can only continue to learn.