Hi,I am Anupama.I am a dentist. Hemophilia runs in my family.My only brother,Athul, has severe deficiency of Factor VIII. My maternal uncle was Hemophilic too.

I had symptoms all these years but found out that I have only 25% of Factor VIII this December, at the age of 32.

I have always had symptoms of bleeding disorder in the form of excessive and prolonged menstrual bleeding and joint pains.But I was diagnosed with a low level of Factor VIII (25%)only in the last December, at the age of 32.

Even with the family history of Hemophilia, potential carriers with symptoms are not getting screened for Factor deficiency.I was first treated for PCOS,later another gynaecologist said my sonograms was not suggestive of PCOS.
Most of the female bleeders, especially symptomatic carriers go through this turmoil.

My mother had severe menorrhagia since puberty and got total hysterectomy done a decade ago for the same.Her mother had severe bleeding complications during her ninth childbirth and her doctor had stated that her survival of the same was nothing less than a miracle.

I have been volunteering for the Hemophilia Society in my city,Hemophilia Society Calicut Chapter, since its formation in 1999 and am the KeyPerson of the Chapter since 2015.

We have been advocating for free factor therapy and a Comprehensive Hemophilia Treatment Centers in our city with the state Governent of Kerala.

Our works have been fruitful and the State is providing Factor therapy to registered patients through a scheme called Karunya Benevolent Fund.The State’s Social Security mission also provides a monthly pension of Rs.1000 to registered PwHs.

Because of our continuous efforts, Coagulometry and inhibitor screening has been started at Government medical college, in my city,Calicut in November 2017. I had my Factor level checked at the same centre

I am happily married to Hemant,who is a person with Hemophilia A , with inhibitors.
He is a digital marketeer and has been actively volunteering for his society,Hemophilia Society Hyderabad Chapter and nationally as an Executive Committee member of Hemophilia Federation (India).

We truly believe that Persons with Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders can live a normal,productive life if they have access to proper management of the condition.
And making that true is the aim of our life.

Thankyou,
Dr.Anupama Pattiyeri