Self-management tips for people with haemophilia
- Stay in regular contact with your local Haemophilia Treatment Centre team and make sure you keep up-to-date with anything new.
- A regular review may be recommended by your Haemophilia Treatment Centre, depending on the severity of your bleeding disorder and your individual needs.
- Report all joint or muscle bleeding to your Haemophilia Treatment Centre team so that each episode can be properly assessed and rehabilitated.
- Keep a diary of bleeding episodes, for example, using the MyABDR app.
- Track your menstrual periods and seek help from your doctor if they are a problem.
Informing other health care professionals
If you have haemophilia:
- Know your diagnosis. Do you have haemophilia A or B? What is your level of severity?
- If you use treatment product, know which one you use and your usual dose.
- Always carry your ABDR patient card and show it to doctors, nurses, dentists, ambulance officers, emergency departments and other health professionals who provide your care.
- Set up your emergency ID and keep a copy of your ABDR patient card on your phone. You may also wish to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace.
- Always tell your doctor, dentist, surgeon, gynaecologist or obstetrician you have a bleeding disorder before having any procedures, no matter how minor – and contact your HTC ahead of time to check any medical support required.
- Before you start taking anything prescribed by your doctor, naturopath or other health practitioner, check with them or your pharmacy whether it is safe for someone with a bleeding disorder.