Many people have heard of hemophilia. It’s one of several different bleeding disorders that can not only affect a patient’s everyday life but also prove deadly if left untreated.
How do bleeding disorders affect patients?
Factor II, V, VII, X and XII deficiencies, hemophilia and Von Willebrand’s disease, are some of the most common bleeding disorders. Each of these conditions may affect how well a patient’s blood coagulates or clots.
The body generally seeks to minimize blood loss, whether the bleeding is occurring internally or externally. The conditions above inhibit the body’s ability to regulate blood loss, often resulting in a patient suffering prolonged or heavy output. Excessive bleeding along certain portions of the body, such as the brain or skin, can be particularly harmful to a patient’s health.
What results in limited clotting for some patients?
Platelets are a type of blood protein that compound upon one another in a patient’s bloodstream creating a clot. Individuals with bleeding disorders either have a limited supply of platelets or improperly behaving ones that excessively bleed.
Many bleeding disorders are inherited. However, some medical conditions such as liver disease, taking anticoagulants, vitamin K deficiencies and a low red blood count can also result in a patient developing a bleeding disorder.
What are the everyday dangers associated with having a bleeding disorder?
Many individuals can rest assured knowing that their blood will eventually clot following an injury such as a cut, scrape or bruise, yet that’s not the case with those with bleeding disorders. Therefore, anyone with such a condition must be cautious as to what they do to minimize their injury risk.
The scary part about these disorders is how they can result in spontaneous bleeding along the joints, muscles and other critical parts of the body. Hemophilia is one such condition that may result in unexpected bleeding, a factor that can make adhering to a consistent schedule difficult.
Do bleeding disorders qualify for disability benefits?
Bleeding disorders can affect patients, much like any other chronic medical condition can. Some may be able to manage their conditions and remain gainfully employed, whereas others may not.
A Social Security Disability attorney can help you understand your options and what it takes to gain approval of your claim.