Results: borderline APS? *warning: LC mentioned* (GG)

goldengirl84

My doctor called on Friday and said that he doesn't want me to worry, but the only test that came back slightly abnormal was antiphospholipid antibodies. Apparently the normal range is anything <12 and mine was 13, so he doesn't think it is significant or related to my losses. I don't  know if I'm explaining this correctly because I don't fully understand it: to have an accurate diagnosis, you must be retested in 12 weeks. To be retested, you have to be several weeks out from your last pregnancy. I asked if we should wait to TTC again and he said we don't need to retest and can try again right away. So, we will wait until August, I'll take Femara and progesterone and stay on baby aspirin. I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice regarding an APS dx. I feel like I have all the signs but he doesn't think any of it is related and he doesn't want to put me on Heparin because of the potential side effects. For those of you who may not remember from my intro, DS had a major blood clot in his umbilical cord that nearly... I can't even say the words but he's a miracle. And after these 3 losses, I just can't fathom going an entire 9 months being worried sick every single day that my baby is in danger. Thank you for reading and sorry this was so long! Also, I don't mean to sound like I don't trust my RE because I do. He is very smart and it's a highly esteemed practice. I am just nervous and I know you girls understand.

meredithcarole

I have no insight to offer, but it am sorry you are worrying. I hope that someone can shed a little light on the subject for you. ((Hugs)).

Buttercup509

I don't have any advice. Just wanted to send love and hugs.

rubysi

It is said on this board that you are ready to ttc when the desire for a child is stronger than the fear of loss. If you are unsure of your Dr's recommendations there would be no hard in getting a second opinion. Hugs.

ashlee113085

I have no advice to offer, but wanted to send you love and hugs. 

stinybean

I agree with PP if you feel unsure then get a second opinion. ((HUGS))

BoraBoraBaby

I'm so sorry you're in this position. I totally get it. (Sorry this is so lengthy, I'm just thinking out loud here). I am so ready to TTC but can't help but wonder if I need further testing first for chromosomal abnormalities, even though I was told by the genetic counselor and a high risk physician, and my psychologist who specializes in infant loss that it wasn't necessary.

My question to you would be how will this possible diagnosis change your plan of action? Is going on Heparin how you'd be treated for APS? Is it worth going on it to ease your mind during the pregnancy? Or is it harmful to baby? I respect a doctor who isn't just writing scripts, and it sounds like he absolutely has your best interest in mind. However I would also be reluctant after all you've been through, and not being within the range they look for. As much as waiting another 12 weeks to retest sucks, waiting 9 months with daily uncertainty sounds much harder.

We want nothing more than to listen to the Dr when they give us the green light to TTC, we don't want to wait a day longer! But I'm starting to wonder if maybe I need to consider testing if for no other reason than to be able to say I did all I could to prevent another loss. It's never totally in our hands, in fact we probably have little control. But I don't want to ever blame myself.

Yet at the same time... like you, I wouldn't be going against the advice I was given, I'd be following it. In my case, I was told by a 3 professionals that knowing too much can actually be in fact, too much information, and can do more harm than good. It's a fine line between putting all if your trust in your professionals and advocating or yourself.

Big hugs as you move forward. I really hope everything goes well and that we have a very healthy pregnancy this next go round.

rslh10

Oh lady, big hugs. I am so sorry you're feeling unsure. If you're concerned with it I would absolutely get a second opinion. 9 months of fear (which you'll probably have anyway from the Pgal brain) wouldn't be worth it to me. Pp said it well, is the heparin going to be the thing that settles your mind? If so, and it's not dangerous for baby, then ask your RE to reconsider. But if you feel in your heart it's an issue, I would seek a second opinion. I knew in my heart something was wrong and I went to 3 OBs before one tested me and found the reason (low AMH) so, trust your heart!! Big stinkin hugs!!!!

BookishMomma

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I would definitely talk to your RE about it. I'm not a doctor, but with the umbilical cord clot you had with DS... if it were me, I'd be pushing hard for a blood thinning protocol of some sort. Perhaps you could ask for a referral to a hematologist to work in conjunction with your current doctor?

jbasore1123

If you are really concerned, I would push for retesting and TTA until then.

Km380

I don't have any advice just wanted to say I'm sorry you have to deal with this. As pps said I'd talk to the RE more and maybe get a 2nd opinion.

megrae12

I have zero advice, love. I just wanted to offer lots of ((Hugs))

goldengirl84

Thanks so much, ladies. You are all so wise! Half of me says I'm being irrational and the other half is just worried. I have two OBs who I trust more than anyone and they both said DS's clot was just a crazy freak accident. I think I need to let go of that fear and stop searching for an answer. AF will be here in about two weeks, so when I call my RE I will have a long chat with him. I'll have him explain the APS levels again and tell me WHY he isn't worried and what those levels would have to be for him to consider heparin. I'm thankful for his expertise and that he has my best interest in mind. Taking unnecessary medicine is not going to take away my fear, but trusting my doctors to take extra care of me will. Thanks again and happy Monday!

co baby1

I'm so sorry I don't have any advice but wanted to send you ((hugs))

KS0510

I just got my bloodwork for that done (and like 5 other things!) on Saturday. Don't have the results yet, but when I get them maybe I'll be able to help if my dr explains it better haha Hang in there, chicka!

Frenchteachermama

((hugs)) lovie.  I am so sorry you are in this kind of limbo about what to think.  I think you are right to talk to your RE again when the time is right.  If you still feel weird then maybe you should get another opinion.  XOXOX

MSU_Girl1202

I'm sorry you're going through this. I would definitely let my RE know my concerns and see if he has any more insight to offer. Sorry, not a whole lot of help / advice but big ((hugs))