Born in an emerging country with severe hemophilia, factor VIII deficiency, and at a young age diagnosed with co-infection was like a nightmare. Upon knowing my disease related complications, the whole world collapsed around me. Hopes were shattered and life seemed to have come to standstill. I have smelled the changing behaviors in my relationships. Friends & colleagues started giving excuses for not socializing frequently. With age and disease related complications, family members may also become burdened by caregiving, and they may be affected by the stigma & discrimination often attached to the disease.

I have developed psychosocial issues and started visualized various ideas to suppress reality until finally I surrendered to God. First question that came to my mind was “WHY ME?” Then I thought for answers; “God only burdens those capable of bearing the burden”. I have gone through several trials and surely there was a reason…God examined me. Then I read; trials given to people are commensurate to the courage they have. Rather than be sad, I felt hopeful.

Putting my fears aside, with the belief that the future lies in God’s hands, I live each day positively, with courage to face the uncertainty of being hemophilic who has co-infection. I have seen life not as simply as others have; sufferings I faced have given me the strength to not only help myself but also others. “After psychological stability and coping with sense of inferiority complex, I have seen a positive change in my relationships towards others”.

My strong faith on God has helped me reconcile with my feelings of aggression and coping with psychosocial issues developed in my personality due to my disease related suffering. Social support reduces stress, improves treatment adherence and quality of life. Faith and emotional support may also help person to restore his reason for being and increased self-esteem.