antiphospholipid syndrome ->Freaking Out

StephK86 · May 2011

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS or APLS) or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a disorder of coagulation that causes blood clots (thrombosis) in both arteries and veins as well as pregnancy-related complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, or severe preeclampsia. The syndrome occurs due to the autoimmune production of antibodies against phospholipid (aPL), a cell membrane substance. In particular, the disease is characterised by antibodies against cardiolipin (anti-cardiolipin antibodies) and ?₂ glycoprotein I.

I just read this after responding to another poster and am freaking out. My mother has this and it caused her to have three miscarriages at around five months each. She diagnosed herself with it and was told had they known aspirin would have prevented the miscarriages. I just thought about it and what if I have it and that's why I gave birth to Gavin early? What if it affects this baby? I am freaking out right now. Should I call my OB? I asked my last OB if they thought I could have it and she said they wouldn't even worry about it unless I miscarried. This OB is much more caring and helpful though. WWYD?

ashleyrsotomayor · May 2011

I would absolutely bring it up, especially since you have a family history of problems.

StephK86 · May 2011

I am freaking myself out and ready to cry. As if I didn't have enough anxiety. I have a sono on Wednesday, hopefully I can make myself wait to ask until then.

StaceyM06 · May 2011

I was tested for APS (among several other clotting disorders) during my RPL b/w. If your mom had b/w to confirm it, I would call your dr. office when they open and ask if it's genetic and request the b/w. I believe treatment is BA and/or anticogulants.

StephK86 · May 2011

I guess I shouldn't have used those exact words. After my mother suffered her miscarriages she was devastated. She went to a quack doctor at the time who was acting like it was natural for her babies to just all die. She did a lot of research came aross this disease and demanded to be tested for it. She does indeed have it. At the time my mom was told this was genetic. I explained that to my previous OB but she basically acted like I was jumping the gun since I never had a mc. I never thought about it much again until I just responded to a pp. I also never knew until now that it also causes early labor.I know the treatment is heparin and baby aspirin.

magel050485 · May 2011

Have you been tested for this or ever had any issues with clotting/ history of stroke/ heart attack? This runs in my family and eventually my sister and I will be tested (Northwestern in Chicago doesnt recommend testing before 30) The testing is simple- just a blood test but you have to find an internalist that is familiar with APLS and develop a good relationship with them as well as your OB. There are incredible medical advances and many women with APLS are delivering full term healthy babies every day without much risk to the mother or child. If you mother lives near you I would actually schedule an appointment with her doctor to discuss this rather than your OB- your OB may not know what blood test to order whereas her dr will be able to know what markers to run. Good luck!

Junebug060609 · May 2011

ashleyrsotomayor:
I would absolutely bring it up, especially since you have a family history of problems.

This was my exact thinking.

If you know you have a family history of it, you should be checked for it.

sweetgirl425 · May 2011

I would at least discuss it with your OB. I'm not sure if testing would be affected by pregnancy, but it's definitely worth discussing with your family history.

I was diagnosed with APS by my RE after 2 early m/c's. She ran the RLP and I was positive for the anti-cardiolipin antibodies. I also have Factor V Leiden (another clotting d/o). From what I'm told the typical treatment for APS is baby aspirin and either lovenox or heparin injections during pregnancy, and frequent monitoring in 3rd tri. I was already on BA for the Factor V and due to my early losses, the RE actually had me start the Heparin at 3 days post ovulation. I had a successful pregnancy and now have a beautiful baby girl.

HTH! Try not to stress too much ( I know easier said than done)!!

ETA: I just realized that I was on the wrong board!! Thought I was on parentingAL! So sorry for any confusion!!

Karen1998 · May 2011

My peri actually tested me for this. I didn't research it (google ban), but DH did. He said he found that if treated, it has a very good (80%) success rate. I say it's worth bringing up to your doctor and seeing if he will test you for it.

romigu · May 2011

I would definitely bring it up. If you have a family history of problems, they may consider starting medications like aspirin or lovenox to prevent clotting if you are positive for it. Some of the people on the high risk board have APLS - have you been on that board?

For me personally, I have not had any clots with my prothrombin mutation so that lowered my risk more so than if I had a history of blood clots but my overall risk of clotting is about 2% annually. Your Ob should be able to discuss this with you and/or refer you to a Hematologist for more information.

((hugs))

Gummybear · May 2011

I would def. bring it up. My mom has 2 m/c, then a DVT, and her mother had a stroke. After my first chemical, I did some research and came upon clotting disorders. I told my Dr. about the family history and he happily gave me a RPL, and lo and behold, homo. MTHFR.

((hugs)) Can you call early and ask for a bw Rx to be sent to Quest before your next appt?

StephK86 · May 2011

Thanks for all of the input ladies. I appreciate all the advice no matter what board you are from. My first OB sucked but at the time I didn't realize it. I was a first time naive mom and thought she was right I was just over reacting. I have been sick all night thinking about Gavin and now this baby. My new OB is awesome, he understands all that I went through and he treats this pregnancy as high risk. I am going to call and see if he will do this test. He actually sees my mom now and he knows her well. We also do medical billing for his wife. I am going to call and ask for a nurse or him to call me back. Thank God he does call me back himself when I am freaking out.

AlienZero · August 2014

I was diagnosed with it after a mc last April. My Dr adviced aspirin on daily basis along with folic acid till the day I should know I am pregnant, then I'd take an anticogulant shot everyday till very late on pregnancy.
I am 5w5d pregnant now and taking my daily anticogulant shot

My Dr says it is not much of a problem if i take the daily medication.

I think you should bring it up with your OB and maybe do the blood test. Best of luck dear

Yaz14 · August 2014

I would most definitely mention it to your OB. Even if just to ease your mind.

Samuelismomma · August 2014

Is this old post from 2011... Or am I confused:s

Junebug060609 · August 2014

Birch113 said:

Looks like a zombie thread to me!

You are correct

I was lurking and totally did a double take to see StephK posting. She and I were both due with our sons in the same month...October 2011. Her Blake got here just fine

Yaz14 · August 2014

Oops totally didn't realise I was replying to such an old thread. Glad her baby arrived safely!

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