Blood disorders

Haemophilia is a rare blood clotting disorder that is more common in men. Normally when you cut yourself your blood thickens (clots) around the wound to reduce the flow of the bleeding. In people with haemophilia, however, bleeding will occur for much longer than usual because they do not have as many clotting factors in their blood.

Haemophilia is usually hereditary and cases range in severity. In the past, haemophilia meant a life expectancy of just 20 years old, but with radical advances in treatment, people with haemophilia can now expect to lead normal lives. Some symptoms of haemophilia include: nosebleeds that last a long time, skin that bruises easily, pain and stiffness in the joints that can indicate internal bleeding, and bleeding from wounds that takes a long time to stop. Some lifestyle interventions may be necessary when living with haemophilia. These include things like avoiding contact sports and being careful about which medications you take. Further information is in the resources below.

The Haemophilia Society

Little Bleeders

Haemophilia NHS

Sickle cell disease causes abnormally shaped red blood cells that can block blood vessels and don’t live as long as a healthy blood cell. It is an inherited, lifelong condition that disproportionately affects those of African and Caribbean descent. It is not contagious.

Those with sickle cell disease are more vulnerable to serious infections and may experience lengthy episodes of severe pain called sickle cell crises. These crises occur because the shape of the blood cells change after oxygen is released, these cells then become stuck together and cause blockages in small blood vessels. The disease can lead to complications and may cause damage to the organs over time. People with sickle cell disease are at higher risks for stroke, blindness, and acute chest syndrome. Unfortunately, the complications of the disease can have fatal outcomes.

We do have a cure for sickle cell disease but it is a high risk bone marrow transplant, management of the disease is usually recommended instead. It is managed with a medicine called hydroxyurea to reduce the number of crises. Other treatments will also be applied to target any complications an individual goes through. 

Sickle Cell Society

Sickle Cell and Young Stroke Survivors

Sickle Cell Disease NHS