Need Opinions...

farasha · #1 June 22nd, 2009, 07:58 AM

So I have a meeting with the high risk Dr. today about my test results from the second loss. After a normal karyotype for the tissue and both of us, the lupus and blood clotting panels/genetics showed that I had the prothrombin and factor v mutations.. both of which are controversial at best in their role in pregnancy loss.

I wrote an absurdly long post on my blog about it today (June 22). The link is in my siggy. If anyone has the time to read it and vote on the poll, I'd appreciate opinions. If you vote there, then I can keep track of the votes better but feel free to comment here or on the blog. I realize none of us are doctors, but I'm wondering what other women would do. After all, I've "only" had two losses. I don't know what treatment is just me being crazy or me being careful.

Thanks in advance girls... I really need help thinking this through!

szczepanski · #2 June 22nd, 2009, 08:29 AM

I've heard of lots of women who get pregnant and stay pregnant using baby aspirin alone.

What are the side effects of the Lovenox? Do they outweigh the benefits of taking it, especially when the benefits are unknown for someone with no history of blood clots?

.:Shortcake:. · #3 June 22nd, 2009, 08:31 AM

I read your blog and also posted my vote but I wanted to also write to you on here. My cousin also has the blood clotting disorder and lost 3 children before being put on aspirin and the other medication. And now she has 2 healthy kids. So I would do both as soon as you find out your pregnant.

farasha · #4 June 22nd, 2009, 08:52 AM

Heather - I think the risk (Someone can correct me) is that if I have another miscarriage or loss, that I'd have more bleeding because it is a blood thinner. I didn't get the impression it was life threatening, but I guess it could be under some circumstances.... I guess whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks is the point... all the data is controversial! I've read a LOT of stuff and Blah! I still don't know! Apparently neither do Doctors!

L-SBB · #5 June 22nd, 2009, 08:52 AM

Kristin i just voted too...love your blog by the way! That's a really tough decision, but i'm happy you've educated yourself about all the options...i voted aspirn only this time, Lovenox in future (only if needed) just because i liked your doctor's logic and i'd probably take the safest/minimal approach at least once but then switch to more aggressive if that failed. Whatever decision you make will be the right one for you because you've done the research and know the risks associated with all of the options...HUGS

szczepanski · #6 June 22nd, 2009, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farasha

Heather - I think the risk (Someone can correct me) is that if I have another miscarriage or loss, that I'd have more bleeding because it is a blood thinner. I didn't get the impression it was life threatening, but I guess it could be under some circumstances.... I guess whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks is the point... all the data is controversial! I've read a LOT of stuff and Blah! I still don't know! Apparently neither do Doctors!

Oh okay. I was just wondering there were side effects while taking it that would make you miserable. Like dizzyness or nausea, constipation...anything that would make you more uncomfortable during your pregnancy, know what I mean? Of course I say that thrilled that my morning sickness keeps getting worse.

I am leaning towards the baby aspirin only. I have heard time and time again of that working for women!

Kary♥RN · #7 June 22nd, 2009, 11:33 AM

Kristin...

I voted for the baby asprin than the lovenox if you make it to 12 weeks.. With that in mind.. the *IF* Since this is when they would prescribe it anyway.... If something happens.. than next time I would start on it sooner... and depending if your insurance covers it... It can be a very pricey medication. I started taking baby asprin last cycle... they also say it help with the quality of the eggs released... We will see. If I were you I would play it by ear.... lets see, when you concieve again how you are... if you can find anything about your family... like you said if past medical history changes so will your plan of care. If when you get to the 12 wk point you decide I would rather just stay on the asprin.. you can at that point.

On a side note I send alot of patients home on Lovenox (low molecular heparin)... While it is not pleasant to give your self since it is a shot... some side effects can be...more common bleeding (watch for bleeding gums/ bloody stools/nose bleeds/and bruising) other not common side effects can be head ache, dizziness, constipation.

Some doctors will want some blood work to make sure you blood is not too thin... this will help to cut down the chance of bleeding.

And also with this you want to watch and check your natural pills like, garlic, ginkgo, and ginger (the most common) also.. with these meds.. do not take NSAID's (non steroidal anti inflamitories... like advil) or Full strength Asprin with out talking it over with the Dr.

And I also tell my Patients... if they have any of the following to contact health care immediately... Severe bleeding/bruising, Itching, swelling, rash, fever, or difficulty breathing.....

starrsgirl · #8 June 22nd, 2009, 05:11 PM

Just wanted to say I read your blog (and voted). I'm sort of a non-interventionist myself. I like to try the least amount of intervention and see if that works before I move up. I recently found out I have a mutation on my MTHFR gene and I too am choosing the aspirin route. But if I miscarry again, then that's 3 for me and I will move up to the shots. Whatever your decision, I hope you find some peace about it!

Boble · #9 June 22nd, 2009, 05:30 PM

oh this interests me because it sounds very similar to what my choice will be next time... except my choice is haparin shots or no heparin shots - no in between. And that is because I have too many t-helper cells... my specialist didn't really go into any details about side effects etc and generally what I have found online is that you get bruising from the shot and thats about it (thanks so much Kary for the extra info). And my problem, like yours - the jury is still out as to if the abundance of t-helper cells will effect pregnancy

good luck with whatever you choose and I wish you all the very best for your next pregnancy *hugs*

Mel1979 · #10 June 22nd, 2009, 06:07 PM

I can't help you out much but I wanted to wish you luck with your decision. I am currently waiting on BT results to see if I have a blood clotting disorder and if so I will either need to take aspirin or have heparin shots (depending on the results). I am hoping it doesn't come to that but if it does I am willing to try anything to have a healthy baby.

If I were in your situation I would definitely try the aspirin. I have a number of family members who have lupus (or symptoms of it) and they have all had healthy babies by being put on asprin.

Hopefully with your Dr's advice you are able to come to a decision.

Best of luck with whatever you decide

Trish36 · #11 June 23rd, 2009, 11:01 AM

Kristin, I voted Baby Aspirin. You can't really go wrong with that and it may help. Not sure about the other meds and as you said, there is a slight risk of you bleeding too much. The receptionist at my dr.s office keeps telling me that she's had 7 m/c before she had her daughter and to just keep on trying.