Factor V Leiden and Heparin

[SoreenLoaf]

Hi
I tried to repsond to an older thread about this, but the message mysteriously disappeared - RedZuleika and Amanda1, are you still about?

I've just been to the GP for my final refill of the pill before coming off it to try for a baby in the Autumn, and she mentioned she thought I'd need heparin (Clexane) injections throughout pregnancy as I'm factor V Leiden het.

Has anyone done the course of injections? Is there anything I should know or can do to lessen the risk of DVT before I get pregnant?
Could I get away without the injections altogether? I appreciate the GP will be being cautious, I just hate the thought of them, and I've never had a clotting episode myself so I guess I'm not very high risk.
I've read some (possibly rubbish) stuff about B vitamins and magnesium, and some (definitely rubbish) stuff about homeopathy - anyone tried any of these?

RedZuleika, you mention another message board with factor V people on - any chance you could tell me what it is?
I only found this one because someone at work recommended it but I guess there must be more specialist ones out there.
Thanks!

I don't have factor V Leiden, but have had a previous DVT in pregnancy so am looking forward to 9 months of injections in the next one (!)

You could try talking to your GP and see if you could only have the injections later as the risk increases as you get bigger. Also I've been advised to wear compression stockings (very sexy!) which also help.

As a general thing, my haematologist recommended Ginko Bilboa to lessen the risk of DVT but I don't know if you can take it when you're pregnant.

Hope someone comes along with more specific info for you soon.

I have factor v leiden het. but haven't had any clotting episodes myself either.

During my first pregnancy I was advised to take a low dose aspirin each day and then has a 6 week course of Clexane injections once dd was born (hated every injection!).

Have just found out I'm pg again and will not be happy if anyone suggests I inject every day, but will be taking the aspirin again.

Just seen this. Am factor V leiden and something else - the exact term doesn't come to mind.
Had a dvt at 24.5 weeks with first pg 2.5 years ago, then a 2nd just over a year ago. Was on Clexane from moment started trying to conceive this time around (previously on warfarin due to 2nd dvt). Am now (tomorrow anyway 8 weeks pg). At 6 months my current dose will be doubled and I'll be on it 'til just after db arrives, then back on warfarin.
Doc at St Thomas's said to make sure I was in good shape (fitness and weight-wise) before getting pg and to try and maintain it as much as poss whilst pg to minimise my chances of getting another, but otherwise not to stress too much because chances are they can manage whatever arises. Also read about various vitamins helping - but you need to be careful because some affect the drugs you're prescribed.
FWIW I don't think having to do the jabs is too bad anyway. I find I get bruises from them and they're sore for 5 mins or so afterwards, but it's a means to an end and a dvt is incredibly painful. You get used to anything - just don't recommend doing them in front of dh.
Would go to your doc and ask for a referral asap (it takes a while to sort out). Before I had the 2nd was told I'd need to check myself regularly once I started ttc and start blood-thinners as soon as I tested positive (they'd give me a stockpile in readiness).
Am surprised you know about the leiden thing if you haven't had a clot - I was told they only test if you've had one and you're younger than 55.
Good luck