You and Your Health Care Team

The good news for people with inhibitors, Factor VII deficiency, or acquired hemophilia is that you can get care and support from a team of highly skilled health care experts. As with any team, you want to be sure you've got someone to help with every need.

For most people, a health care team will include:

  • Physicians—This could be your hematologist, or it could be your primary care physician working in collaboration with your Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC).
  • Nurses—In addition to providing care, nurses may be involved with educating you about your condition and teaching you self-care skills.
  • Surgeons—Whether implanting a port or replacing a joint, surgeons work closely with your other physicians when you need surgery.
  • Physical Therapists—Through physical therapy, you can help your joints and muscles stay strong and flexible.
  • Social Workers—Social workers help you find the social, financial, and emotional resources to deal with the complexities of life with a bleeding disorder.
  • Dentists—Even routine dental care should be handled by a dentist who's familiar with bleeding disorders.
  • You—Your understanding, cooperation, and participation are essential.

Just like any other team, your health care team can help you only if you do your part. From keeping appointments and listening carefully to instructions to making sure you're managing each bleed correctly, there is a lot you can do to help your team help you.