Notes from a participant

ČSH

Notes from a participant of another meeting of Northern Moravian haemophilia patients in Ostrava. The centre there is particularly active, cooperates effectively with the association, and so we are happy to give the floor to one of the satisfied guests. The second Haemophilia Day in Ostrava took place once again in the beautiful setting of the Imperial Hotel, where considerably more of us gathered than last time. After a coffee and a small refreshment, we sat down for the professional lectures.

The programme was opened by Doctor Bohumír Blažek, who also very ably stood in as the host for the entire afternoon. We learned about new developments in treatment, but also reminisced about treatment in the past. The next speaker was Luděk Rožnovský, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases, who informed us about the latest medicines for treating hepatitis C. I believe that after his lecture, even those who have been afraid of medication side effects will begin treatment.

The lecture on cardiac surgery by Doctor Martin Porzer was very engaging, and immediately afterwards so was that of Doctor Tereza Uhříková from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The last speaker was the assistant chief of the orthopaedics department, Doctor Richard Kašpárek, who treats haemophilia patients in Ostrava. His lecture also attracted many listeners, particularly on the subject of joint replacements and other treatment options for haemophilic arthropathy. After the lectures concluded, there was a workshop with Doctor Radomíra Hrdličková from the blood centre and two nutritional care advisors from the Vítkovice Hospital. Finally, we enjoyed a rich dinner with lovely desserts and a brief chat with familiar faces.

For me, it was a useful and successful afternoon, and I sincerely thank all the speakers for finding time for us haemophilia patients, even though we are all semi-doctors ourselves....

Zdeněk Vojkůvka