Who am I?

by Cheri, -- Detroit, Michigan USA

Who am I? I am a woman just like any other who has hopes and dreams; I am a wife, mother, daughter, and friend. I even look normal on the outside it is only when you get to know the inside is when you then realize that I am different. My name is Cheri and I have von Willebrand disease.

Although I have had von Willebrand disease my whole life I was only diagnosed 3 years ago. As I was growing up I just thought that my horrendous periods were normal. I figured every girl had periods that lasted for days and that they were suffering in just as much pain as I was. I felt degraded at times because it was embarrassing to know the fact that I may bleed through my outfit at any time without warning. There were times that I had to leave in the middle of functions and even work because of it. Other times I was a prisoner in my own home because I just didn't want to deal with the embarrassment.

If that wasn't bad enough I even had to endure the need for transfusions after the birth of my second child because I was hemorrhaging uncontrollably. Even after all of these signs I was never once advised by my doctors that it may be possible that I may have had a bleeding disorder. I always knew in the back of my mind that there may be something wrong, but because most are taught to trust their doctors I didn't question it.

It wasn't until I finally got fed up with my bleeding episodes is when I finally took matters into my own hands. After many hours of researching the cause of my bleeding I just happened to stumble upon the symptoms of von Willebrand disease. It was then that I had a light bulb moment ....I knew that this was me I had all the symptoms, for the first time I could relate to why I was bleeding!! I sought out a Hematologist and told them my history and they proceeded to test me for von Willebrand disease. As they say the rest is history!

Although I could look at having von Willebrand disease as having a negative impact on my life, I would have to honestly say it has been more of a positive impact. Not only has my diagnosis given me the empowerment to educate myself, but it has also enabled me to reach out to others who share the same experiences as I do. I have been blessed to be able to meet and make friends who share a common bond and yes they are all like me!! They are wives, mothers, daughters, and friends...they too have von Willebrand disease!!

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Most inspirational writing describing an evolution from suffering into empowerment

Cheri shares details of her lifestyle; a girl who was suffering, embarrassed and unable to accomplish her dreams due to uncontrollable bleeding. Never advised that this was abnormal by her doctors, she researched on her own and through the courage of her own convictions, discovered her symptoms resembled that of vonWillebrand disease. Her desire to share her journey with others who have similar issues has become a positive aspect of her life.