This might get a bit TMI but I’d rather not drip feed. Basically, I was diagnosed with Factor V Leiden last year. For those not familiar, it’s a genetic problem which means I’m overly prone to blood clotting. I’ve been advised that it increases several risks, including DVT and miscarriage. The doctor was very supportive when he explained it to me (I had the last telephone appointment of the day to get my results and he stayed on the phone after the surgery had closed to make sure I wasn’t too freaked out).
I was told to go back when I was thinking of starting a family, so I had an appointment this morning to talk through various things – coming off medication for a long-term health issue I have (unrelated to Factor V), taking preventative measures against potential risks based on history of spina bifida on the other side of the family as well as managing the blood clotting risks. I’m on 5mg of folic acid as of today, and I’ve been told to contact them as soon as I miss a period as they’ll need me in for blood tests and an early scan etc
I very much believe knowledge is power, and I’m lucky that we know about the family history, and that we were able to identify that I have the gene before it’s had a chance to cause me a problem. I’m aware of the risks and generally feeling pretty ok about managing them. But I don’t know any other women who have ttc knowing that they have it (I’ve known others who have the gene and have had children pre-diagnosis, so obviously they didn’t have anything in place to manage it).
I think I’m just struggling because I feel a bit alone. I don’t really feel able to talk to anyone about it, except my mum but she’s not affected by the gene. Also, I’m feeling a lot of pressure to start a family which isn’t helping (even though I do really want a baby) because some people just don’t understand it might be more complicated for me than it was for them.
I guess I’m just looking for other mums with conditions which increase pregnancy risks who can relate. I need a bit of a hand hold 