I have Beta Thalassaemia Trait. I am 35 yrs old and my father is Greek Cypriot and my mother is English. Apparently this blood disorder is passed on through the Genes. (So from my father who is from Europe) As it is a mediterranean disease. I was diagnosed at the age of 15 as I was feeling lethargic, tired, and knew something was wrong. The doctors told me that as I was not "major", I can live a perfectly normal life. I did not quite understand this because although I had good days I also had bad days, which were very bad. I felt that I could not cope. I let people down. I let myself down. How was it normal to win a race one day and not have enough energy to compeat in a race on another day. It was like I was 2 different people. I was prescribed some iron, although could not have too much. Once my iron level dropped so low that I nearly needed a blood transfusion. Luckily I learned how to be my own doctor. I just feel that there is lack of understanding and support for us. My "bad" days are very depressing, especially now having a young child and family to look after. We still have a condition that needs to be taken care of, not just pushed aside as "having a normal life". It is not always normal. Where is the outside support?