Previous acute and severe blood clotting episode

[Sloelydoesit]

I know this is a question for my GP but I'm guessing they are inundated at the moment and as I haven't been invited yet for the vaccine I don't have an urgent dilemma to resolve. But I don't have many people to talk about this with so thought I'd post here and ask what you would do in my situation.

I had DIC after a massive placental abruption in 2006. I was lucky to come out of it alive, sadly my son was stillborn.
DIC triggers thrombocytopenia. I am worried that that the AZ jab would trigger that again. But I'm also worried that I'm being a bit of a drama llama
Would you go ask your GP if you were in my situation?

Yes, you need to talk to your GP about your specific circumstances, it's just the same as those with anaphylaxis history, who might need to avoid a specific vaccine or need extra monitoring.

It’s a different mechanism OP. The thrombocytopenia in DIC results from a pathological overstimulation of the coagulation system. Platelets are rapidly used up in this cascade, leading to rapidly reduced free platelets in the circulation (thrombocytopenia).

But don’t take my word for it. Have a chat with your GP when they get a chance.

In the meantime, here is the government’s advice to clinicians on contraindications for AZ. It is very specific.

“ The contra-indications to vaccination with the AZ COVID-19 vaccine include individuals who have a history of other extremely rare immune-mediated syndromes that are characterised by thrombosis in combination with thrombocytopaenia – this includes a previous episode of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopaenia or the same specific clinical picture in association with anti-phospholipid syndrome.

These individuals may be offered vaccination with an alternative COVID-19 vaccine. A history of thromboses on its own is not a contraindication to the vaccine. The Green Book has further information on contraindications and cautions to receiving the AZ vaccine.

Individuals over 30 years of age with past clotting episodes and those diagnosed with thrombophilia, whether or not they are on long term anti-coagulation, remain at risk of COVID-19 disease and should be vaccinated with any of the available vaccines (provided they are not otherwise contra-indicated). The same consideration applies to those who experience common clotting episodes, without concomitant thrombocytopaenia, after the first dose of AZ vaccine.

The Expert Haematology Panel advise that there is no evidence that individuals with a prior history of thrombosis or known risk factors for thrombosis are more at risk of developing the immune complication reported after the AZ vaccine. Furthermore, for the majority of individuals, the risk of recurrent thrombosis due to COVID-19 infection is far greater than the risk of this syndrome.”

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-blood-clotting-information-for-healthcare-professionals/information-for-healthcare-professionals-on-blood-clotting-following-covid-19-vaccination#risk-factors-for-developing-this-condition

Thanks for replying to my post. I think I will ask when I get an invite. I'm not generally someone who worries about health issues and definitely not anti vaxx. In fact I can't wait to get the opportunity. But I know I would be anxious if I did get the AZ vaccine.

Please talk to your GP. It must be such a worry for you.

I lost my previously young healthy sibling to sudden onset thrombocytopenia that they initially diagnosed as DIC. Following bleeding issues after my first AZ dose I've been advised against having the 2nd. It's not just AZ though, if you google Pfizer the same clotting problems are arising. It's a very difficult choice to make but definitely worthy of raising it with your doctor.

Gosh, what a dilemma. I was so looking forward to the vaccine. If my history didn't exist I wouldn't hesitate.

@Willyoujustbequiet

Please talk to your GP. It must be such a worry for you.

I lost my previously young healthy sibling to sudden onset thrombocytopenia that they initially diagnosed as DIC. Following bleeding issues after my first AZ dose I've been advised against having the 2nd. It's not just AZ though, if you google Pfizer the same clotting problems are arising. It's a very difficult choice to make but definitely worthy of raising it with your doctor.

Massive hugs. I didn't even know how poorly I was until later.

I'm not currently having the vaccine for other reasons but I also had a stillbirth and had antiphospholipid syndrome diagnosed in the post mortem. This is also mentioned on the contraindications for the vaccine. If I decide to have it (I also have serious allergies which is why I'm currently not) I will be talking to my GP - I really suggest you do the same. In my opinion for something so serious , for both of us, that it ended in the worst possible outcome for a pregnancy, there's no way I would take advice from MN ! Unless the advice is speak to the GP - which is what you're asking - so yes! GP! And I'm so sorry for your loss, it's horrendous x

My GP called me (and a friend too) as I have a history too. Had the Pfizer, and hard to go to the hospital for my jab appt.