Factor V Leiden

trplL06

Does anyone have this or know much about it?

A little back story - I had my son at 33 weeks due to hellp syndrome/severe pre-e.  I told my dr at my annual we were thinking about having another and she wanted to run some tests to see if I had any underlying issues. 

She called today to say I have Factor V Leiden. Said that if/when I do get pregnant I'll have to give myself a shot every day of hepparin (sp?). 

 

I am pretty freaked out.  Does anyone else have this condition?

TIA for any advice or words of wisdom!

sarahtx57

I would head over to the message boards at www.preeclampsia.org

 There are tons of girls on there who have this and can give you lots of advice. good luck!

lax15bsu

I don't have that particular clotting disorder, but I do have a clotting disorder and give myself heparin shots twice daily now while pregnant.  I know there are several ladies here who have Factor V Leiden.

It's good that your dr was pro-active with running these tests to find the clotting disorder - I had to wait through three miscarriages before anyone would do any testing.

The shots aren't really that awful.  Sting a little bit at first, and bruise bad for the first few weeks, but you quickly become an old pro at giving them.  And if they will help keep LO growing longer and keep away the HELLP and Pre-E, I would absolutely do them.

erbear

I have it and am on Lovenox shots for this whole pregnancy (was on Lovenox and Coumadin pp last time). I did my first shot today. The prick was fine, the medicine burned, but I'm just trying to remind myself that this is important for a healthy pregnancy.

tryingforbabyL

So, my family has a history of FVL. 

My brother was first diagnosed right after I gave birth to Hope.  After getting pre-e so early in pregnancy my doc was convinced I had it too.  I am one of 7 kids.  All of my siblings were told to be tested as well.  Comes out - 4 of us have been tested - 3 of us have it - NOT ME THOUGH!  It amazes my doc that I dont have it.  Of the three that do, 2 had perfectly healthy pregnancies and each have two beautiful babies.  They had no idea they had it when they were pregnant. 

Hope that helps to calm your nerves a bit.

fignewt74

Yep, I have FVL.  There are many of us on this board who have it.  As pp said, you should be grateful your docs tested you.  Many docs wait until you've had multiple m/c, or in my case a massive DVT, a lost pregnancy, and a 2 week hospital stay.

As for the shots, you will get used to them pretty quickly, and they will help ensure a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and a healthy you.  There are plenty of women on this board who can provide you with moral support as you get started, and soon enough you will be one of the experts yourself! 

klgallagher

Hi. Sorry about being so late replying to this post. You should also tell your family to get tested. (ie- parents, siblings) It runs in families. I found out that I had Factor V after I had a severe placental abruption with my daughter. Since my diagnosis, I have had my family tested or in the process of getting tested. One of my sisters was diagnosed as well, and my other sister and mom are being tested this coming week. (I am sure they will have it too.) Hope that is helpful.

trickywoo

Try not to worry.  The biggest risk for FVL and pregnancy is not knowing you have it.

Now that you know, your doctor will probably put you on blood thinners and monitor your baby's growth throughout your pregnancy.  This is my second pregnancy since being diagnosed, and it really does get easier as time goes on.  

 Good luck!