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The
geneticist interviewed Steven's mother and grandmother. The
grandmother indicated that her uncle had died at the age of 11 from a
bleeding disorder. The geneticist interviewed and collected
blood samples from all living female maternal relatives. This
made it possible to construct a pedigree chart, and identify those at
risk of passing the hemophilia gene on to their posterity.
See
Hemophilia
Pedigree Chart
Steven's
doctor told the family that with current methods of treatment, Steven
should be able to live a fairly normal life. Precautions would
definitely need to be taken. As Steven learned to walk, the
doctor advised wearing a helmet to prevent head injuries from falls.
As Steven grows, sports will become an issue. Non-contact
sports such as bicycling, swimming, and walking strengthen joints and
muscles and are very beneficial for hemophiliacs. Contact
sports must be avoided.
Steven's
family joined a hemophilia support group, consisting of other
families of hemophiliacs. Although they knew they had a long
road ahead of them, they would learn from others with the same
problem, and provide the most normal life they could for their son.
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