The call you don't want

I received a call Monday night from Dr. Specialist (the one I saw a month ago). It startled me, scared me and all the above. Why is he calling now?

Dr. Specialist had some information for me, not really anything I wanted to hear but maybe some answers I needed. He told me I carried a gene, passed on for who knows how many generations, that may have been triggering my 2 miscarriages. Factor V Leinden, is what gene I carry. You can read about it on the link but I will give you as much information as I know right now.

Only 5% of the American population carry this condition (whats the luck that I am that 5 % right?). It is a gene that makes you more acceptable to blood clots. Basically I am more prone to a blood clot than any other person in America. Most of the clots are in your veins in the legs, but one kind can travel to your lungs. The blood clots you can usually see and feel so I should know if something like this would ever happen. The best part of this (if there is a best part) is I may never ever get a blood clot. BUT at least I know that my chances are a little higher and I need to watch myself.

How this affects pregnancy...I don't' know the fine details but I know it does affect pregnancy. When you are pregnant you produce twice as much blood as a normal women. So with this much blood pumping through you, everyone is more prone to blood clots. I am just MORE prone than everyone else because I carry this gene. So thick blood, equals blood clots. I am pretty sure I don't' have a blood clot so keep your fingers crossed. It can cause miscarriages, preeclampsia and several other harmful things. The best part, at least I know so I can prepare and my doctor can prepare. BUT most women never have problems and have normal pregnancies...so that's what I am praying for.

So here it is, in black and white. This may be the answers I have been wanting to hear, although I really didn't want to hear it. At least I know where I stand, and NOW I can move forward and always be on top of these (may or may not some day form) blood clots. The best thing that can happen is, I will never see a blood clot and never have problems. Besides, it is an inherited gene and whoever passed it to me had no idea they had it.......mom and dad?? And whoever passed it to me has no had problems from it that we know of?? I could give more details but you can read it for yourself. I don't' like to discuss it, it scares me to know my blood could clot and something bad could happen. OK I said it and now lets move on.

My doctor knows and she will call today with more information for me. Basically take a baby aspirin a day everyday for ever ..and when I am pregnant, be watched closely and take a more in forced blood thinner. Not that bad right?? Yeah didn't think so

So now everyone knows, and I can move on. I wanted answers and I got them. Is anyone familiar with anything like this?? If so let me in.


(as for my aunts who read this, don't' freak out...everything is fine, I will explain better in person...I know you are freaking out and STOP, you probably gave me this gene anyways..haha! So I am fine, and nothing bad will probably ever happen, its all precautionary)