Factor II Mutation/Prothrombin

Please see the bottom of the post to find some links that may be helpful to you!

Many of you have been wondering what's going on in the results of our medical testing. I recently met with a Hematologist to discuss a diagnosis. I have a genetic disorder called Factor II Mutation, or Prothrombin. Basically, my body makes too much of a protein called thrombin, which causes one's blood to clot. While this was not an issue with my most recent pregnancy and miscarriage, it's possible that it could have caused the previous two miscarriages, though we'll never be able to know.

The issue is that if the blood is not flowing smoothly enough, it can deprive the baby of vital oxygen and nutrients needed to grow and develop. The solution is to use blood thinners throughout the pregnancy and six weeks after. This is where it gets complicated for me. I'm not considered low risk because I've had three miscarriages, but I'm not high risk because this has not been the proven cause, as far as we know. I'm in the grey area. Low risk situations would call for a regimen of baby aspirin daily throughout the pregnancy. I'll also be doing this as a precaution throughout my reproductive years, and possibly beyond. High risk situations administer a shot of Lovenox to ones' stomach daily. I am in the middle, and therefore, the decision is being left up to us.

This is a difficult decision for me, personally. I HATE shots. My mom could tell stories of herself, a nurse, and a doctor holding me down for a vaccine. But I would do anything to save the life of my baby. So, I'm facing the reality of giving myself a shot in the stomach everyday for up to 11 months. Being selfish, I want to do the baby aspirin; but I also know that if I lose a baby due to not taking the aggressive route of Lovenox, I would blame myself, be that right or wrong.

Initially for me, there was no question that I would do the Lovenox, and I guess that there probably still isn't. I just scared myself by searching the Internet and coming across a YouTube video of a woman giving herself the shot during IVF treatments. It freaked me out! But I know that I will do this. The Lord will give me the strength, and if I feel that this is where I am being led, I will have perfect peace.

I have, as I mentioned, been scavenging the Internet searching for information about this diagnosis as related to pregnancy. Aside from pregnancy, its been found that many people travel through life not having any idea that they have this genetic mutation. Its been diagnosed in less than 10% of the population. Most women my age learn that they have this because they have had multiple miscarriages, or they have developed a blood clot while on hormones, or 'the Pill.' Birth control can cause blood clots, so if you are already predisposed to this, your risk is doubled or higher. (That is another post for tomorrow!)

As far as pregnancy, there isn't a lot that I could find in layman terms. Most of my search has landed me in different forums of discussion among women who are pregnant or trying to conceive with Factor II Mutation. Some are on Lovenox AND baby aspirin, on heparin, just baby aspirin, or a combination of vitamins and supplements. Each situation, obviously, is different. Some have other complications piled on top. It's hard to learn much without being confused about something else! Mostly, I hear that someone has Factor V or Leiden (I think!), which is more common. Some are on blood thinners until 6 weeks after delivery, some come off at 36 weeks for delivery, and then go back on. My search has really only brought up more questions, and I plan to contact the Hematologist to discuss these questions.

I'm thankful that we are learning these things, and that there are possible medical answers. I only wish we had started five years ago. Hind site is 20/20, right?! Above all of this, though, I struggle with being overconfident in the diagnosis. The human side of me wants this to be the answer, but I know that this could not have saved my baby girl. Her issue was extra chromosomes. I'm constantly reminding myself that trusting in God and leaning on Jesus are the best answers to anything! I don't have to be comfortable, just content and growing in my relationship with Him.

UPDATE:  I have since found some helpful websites for information...  I found support at Babycenter's forum group called Lovely Lovenox Ladies, as well as the following:  Clot Connect and CNN.  I'll add to the list as I find others.