Wednesday, April 1, 2009

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)

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

While no one wants to hear that they have a "bad" gene, I can imagine that it's a HUGE relief to a) know a possible cause and b) know how what to do about it.

And it is scary - I'd be scared too. But knowing about it and being able to monitor it is so much better than not knowing, right?

Oh, and I love the disclaimer at the bottom. :)

d.a.r. said...

Ugh that is so frustrating, but it must also be a relief to know what is going on. Take care!

Jill said...

You are not going to believe this?!?! I have a friend who has this same exact thing! I'm not kidding. She miscarried 5+ times and one was to 12 weeks! She however was put on some great medicine and has a 3 year, perfect, baby boy! So, stay calm, you can get through this and THANK GOD for an answer! Seriously, how great! I know it's probably not that great right now but know you can overcome it!

Good luck girl!

Stephanie said...

My cousin had the exact same thing and found out during pregnancy number 1. She had a clot in her leg and they caught it (because as you mentioned you can see/feel them) and she ended up on bed rest. Keep in mind, they didn't know she had the condition when she got pregnant so she wasn't on any blood thinners. I am happy to report she had a healthy happy little girl 15 months ago, and a healthy baby boy last week! The second time around she was on blood thinners the entire time and had ZERO problems. She was at lunch with friends the day she went into labor.

I guess the moral is, it is good to know so you can take the precautions and have a healthy little baby!

That's What She Said said...

Never heard of this, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. It will all work out for you, and I'm gonna keep praying my hardest.

Sweet Simplicity said...

I'm so glad you finally got some answers! I know that was one of the most frustrating parts. And I'm glad they have a plan for you. I will be thinking about you guys as you continue on this journey.

J said...

The good thing is now you have some answers and you can go from there. I'll be praying for you sweetie!!

Emily said...

I'm sorry you didn't get the news you were hoping for. I'm thinking of you and hoping for the best always.

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

Wow! I'm sorry you have to go through this, but it's definitely a relief to know. I'm definitely sending good vibes your way.

Ashley said...

It sucks that you have this, but at least you know what is going on now! Good thing you trusted your instincts and saw the specialist. Fingers crossed for a healthy pregnancy soon!

And I will take your leftovers! I can pick them up, just let me know when and where, Thanks girl.

Michele said...

What a shock to find out but also a blessing to know what is causing the problems.

Crick said...

Stephanie mentioned me in her comment above. I did have a clot during my first pregnancy and they tested for factor V leiden but i was negative. I still have no idea why I got the clot. Strangely, I have a friend who does have factor V leiden. She didn't know it and had a clot during her first pregnancy (yes, this is pretty rare so it's strange that we both had a clot during pregnancy...it's actually more common just after pregnancy). She then went on to have a second baby with no problems and has not had any clotting problems for years. We both have lots of experience with Lovenox and Heparin (blood thinners during pregnancy). It's a breeze once you get used to them. It sounds like you are in great hands with your doctor!! Good luck!