Keeping a Positive Attitude

Anthony P. - San Diego, CA
Office Manager

Anthony P. has severe hemophilia A, but that hasn't stopped him from finishing high school, graduating from college and landing a job where he is consistently promoted and valued for his hard work.

Today, Anthony works as the office manager of an appliance repair company and is looking to start a career in journalism, which was his major at San Diego State University. At 27 years old, Anthony credits his positive attitude for his success.

"Having the attitude that hemophilia wouldn't stop me from doing anything I wanted really made it easy for me," says Anthony. "Anytime I had to do anything related to having hemophilia (care for a bleed, take factor, go to the doctor), it was a speed bump, not something that would stop me."

Anthony advises other young adults to never use their hemophilia as an excuse. He suggests being smart about career choices.

"Obviously, if you go into a field that requires lots of physical labor, you will be at a disadvantage and eventually run into problems," says Anthony. "Be smart about what you choose to go into, make sure it is something that your body will be able to handle over the long haul."

Anthony's friends and family instilled confidence in him early in life. He believes that their support made him feel that he could accomplish any goal.

"I don't think having hemophilia changes who is there to support you. If you aren't as lucky as I was to have family support, local hemophilia associations, NHF and websites like LivingBeyondHemophilia.com are good places to start."

Despite support, Anthony is aware of the obstacles that hemophilia often presents. However, he deals with these obstacles as best as possible without letting them dictate what he can and cannot do.

"I've had a lot of obstacles to overcome with hemophilia. Since the first grade I've had chronic elbow and knee bleeds that forced me to be in a sling or on crutches for a lot of grade school. I did a ton of physical therapy just to regain range [of motion] in my arm and to strengthen my knee so I could walk normally. Since junior high I have been able to live a "normal" life. I've had very few bleeds and have been able to participate in sports without being constantly injured. I'm sure there are many who have had it tougher than me but my road wasn't easy. But when I look back on it, it was easy because the things I had to do to take care of and better myself were the only option. I've always treated hemophilia only as an obstacle I have to deal with, no matter how big it can be at times, rather than something that controls my life.