March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month.
There are many different types of bleeding disorders. And each person’s bleeding disorder is unique. Each has different symptoms and different risks. And that means each person with a bleeding disorder needs a unique treatment plan. Some take prescribed medications. Others require infusions or even surgery.
The Bleeding and Clotting Clinic at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation is one of the few places in Nevada that offers specialized care for bleeding disorders. They offer annual comprehensive exams to help people manage their bleeding disorders and its symptoms. The clinic primarily helps pediatric patients but does have services for adults as well. They do this because bleeding disorders are typically a lifelong issue.
Your general practitioner can test you for a bleeding disorder and the Bleeding and Clotting Clinic at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation can do any follow up needed for concerns following that test. Doctor Aimee Foord, D. O. Director of the Bleeding and Clotting Clinic at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation is the last step in the clinic’s comprehensive exam. Dr. Foord was a guest on the show to explain the details of blood disorders and their treatments.
Most bleeding disorders are genetic.
You should have a doctor test you if someone in your family has a bleeding disorder. They are most discovered when a family member is diagnosed with one. One of the bleeding disorders that is genetic is also the most common. Von Willebrand disease affects approximately 2.5 million people in United States.
Talking Solutions guest Shawntel Ringler found out she had Von Willebrand disease when her daughter was diagnosed with it. Shawntel joins Dr. Foord on the show to share her story of how she was diagnosed. She also discussed what life looks like for her and her daughter, and what she wants people to know about someone like her.
Here are the symptoms to look out for that could indicate you have a bleeding disorder.
Bruising Easily
Bruising easily is a symptom of blood that doesn’t clot as quickly as it should. It can be serious, and is usually inherited.
Bleeding Gums
Another sign of blood that doesn’t clot quickly, this can cause issues with even standard dental care.
Heavy Periods
If you need to change your feminine hygiene product more often than every two hours, you might have a bleeding disorder.
Unexplained Nosebleeds
One of the most common things someone with bleeding disorders has to deal with is nosebleeds.
Prolonged Bleeding After Getting A Cut Or Scratch
This is another sign that the blood is not clotting as it should. And a good indicator that you should get tested for a bleeding disorder.
