Stopping Blood Thinners Opinions

chickyclg

 The OB does want to take me off of Heparin and blood thinners all together because he is a little scared since I had a ruptured blood vessel and apparently if it happens again later in pregnancy it can cause a lot of issues if they can't get the bleeding to stop especially because twins have a track record for preterm labor.  The even bigger problem is that I have a positive APS test (antiphospholipid syndrome) and he is concerned that my blood might start to clot too fast.  So now I am having to see a hematologist/oncologist before that decision can be made and then I was told this isn't just a plan for pregnancy but a plan for life.

I remember talking about this briefly with the RE, but it also seemed like we go so much bad news at once that I shut it all out, I just remember being told it causes miscarriages.  Now I have been researching APS more and I have just freaked myself out even more.  From what I read in left unmedicated it can cause a lot of issues including still births and other issues including preterm labor during pregnancy, and other issues in day to day life.  

I am just so taken back by the seriousness of all this, I just wish I would have asked more questions at the RE. 

mommy5point0

Peace and prayers to you... It can't be easy. I would keep a running list of questions as they pop up in your mind and call that specialist.

mmariel

Oh man. Im sorry you are going through this.

Lchanek

I would ask to continue with the blood thinners until you see the hematologist. They can direct you into a better plan of care if you need it.

chickyclg

Lchanek said:

I would ask to continue with the blood thinners until you see the hematologist. They can direct you into a better plan of care if you need it.

This is what we are doing now I guess I am just scared because it feels like I'm damned if if do and damned if I don't.  The OB said he needs another opinion on what we should do.

Lchanek

Maybe ask to be put on low dose aspirin?

sleeepybunny

I don't have any advice on the situation, but I'm thinking of you and the twins.  Hopefully the specialist will have some more insight and be able to ease your worries.

chickyclg

Lchanek said:

Maybe ask to be put on low dose aspirin?

Im already on it, I was told that staying on the aspirin would still be a possibility because it doesn't thin the blood as much.

triplej9

I am really sorry you are having to deal with this right now. I can't imagine the stress you are having to deal with. T&P's to you that you can find a solution.

junesunsplash

Keeping you in my t&p's!

cannolioh

I hope your doctors get it all sorted out. I currently take baby aspirin, and I go on Monday to talk to my specialist about starting either lovenox or heparin, so I get where you are coming from.  Thoughts and prayers for you!

HeyStVincent

You should look into Dabigatran.  It's one of the newer anticoagulants.  It's a pill.  It's a pregnancy category C drug.  Unfortunately, the drug is so new, that I'm not aware of any sure-fire reversal agents for it.  Heparin and Lovenox can be be (partially?) reversed by using protamine sulfate.  But, anyway, your hematologist would definitely know more about the drugs that are available and their reversing agents.  Lots of T&Ps to you.  Your doctors will find something that works for you and your baby, I know it.

mands1125

T's and P's for my fellow Heparin F15er. It's not even an option for me to go off I'm going back to Lovenox though after my gallbladder surgery. I will keep you in my thoughts!

chickyclg

mands1125 said:

T's and P's for my fellow Heparin F15er. It's not even an option for me to go off I'm going back to Lovenox though after my gallbladder surgery. I will keep you in my thoughts!

@mands1125‌ do you mind telling me what your on it for, PM me if you want. I was always under the impression I would be on Heparin all the way or Heparin 1st tri Lovenox 2nd tri Heparin 3rd tri.

I think the sudden thought of stopping it scares me because this is the farthest I've ever gotten in pregnancy.

JKHope

I take lovenox as well and switch to heparin at 36 weeks. How much are you taking? Is there an option to lower the dose? I know some people take it based on weight but I just take a prophylactic 40 mg dose every day. I took it with my son but this time I guess the guidelines have changed and they wanted me to only do baby aspirin. I had to fight for my lovenox. I have never had any complications with it though so I'm not sure what if do in your position. It would scare me to be without it though so I feel for you. When do you see the hematologist?

mands1125

I had a pulmonary embolism a few years back. I'm also Factor 5. I was supposed to be on Lovenox then Heparin at 37 weeks but I got switched to Heparin last week when I got the gallstones since I'm having it removed next week.

mands1125

I have a feeling your hema won't take you off. They tend to be the most conservative of all of my doctors anyhow.

chickyclg

mands1125 said:

I have a feeling your hema won't take you off. They tend to be the most conservative of all of my doctors anyhow.

You have no idea how much this just relaxed me, I hope mine keeps me on it.

chickyclg

@JKHope I am on 5,000 units 2Xs a day so 10,000 daily, I'm not sure how it was determined though.

JKHope

@chickyclg - pretty sure that's equal to 40 mg lovenox daily