Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome...aka...sticky blood

[mtnprotracy]

Hi Ladies,

I'll try to make this brief....it will be difficult!

During my last pregnancy I was diagnosed at around 18 weeks with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. I had an abnormal triple screen that alerted the doctors. I took baby aspirin and heparin until Zeke was born at 29 weeks gestation. He was very small and had a crazy ride in the NICU for 110 days. He is now 12--autistic/non-verbal--but healthy, happy, smart, and a true blessing to us each and every day.

The test for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome was only "slightly positive." I've had no symptoms since. It seemed to be totally pregnancy related.

Fast forward 12 years.....I'm 40 and almost 7 weeks pregnant....we are thrilled!!! I saw my regular ob-gyn at 6 weeks, and all looked "normal" for that point and time. I am scheduled to see the high-risk ob on October 12th. So, I'm a little anxious........

So, my questions......:wink wink:

**Anyone ever have AAS with one pregnancy and not have it in a subsequent pregnancy?
**Were you tested for AAS before docs started you on heparin or other blood thinners?
**Were you able to carry your baby to term with treatment?

I have tons of other questions, but can't really form them in an understandable way.....

Thanks for any answers, advice or kind words any of you can offer .

Tracy

 

[petitpas]

Hi, from what I understand antibody levels can fluctuate over time, but since you were diagnosed once and are at risk you should really be on baby aspirin and heparin right now. This is to help your pregnancy (APS increases the risk of miscarriage and other complications) and also to prevent you from suffering from a blood clot (DVT) yourself.

I'm sorry to read about the trouble you went through with your son but with the proper care (aspirin, heparin, extra growth scans, etc) your most likely outcome is that all will be well xxx

 

[mtnprotracy]

Thanks so much. I began the baby aspirin immediately and the regular ob told me to continue.....guess I'll be finding out the 12th if heparin is in the regimen. I did fine with the shots before.....I just remember looking like a big piece of spoiled fruit.....lots of easy bruising :/. Thanks again...have a great weekend.

Tracy

 

[Samie18]

Someone i knew had this and just took Asprin throughout and delivered at term with no complications.

Good luck!

 

[Justkeeptryin]

Hi, Im sorry I cant answer your question directly but I found this reassuring to read about someone else who has/had this antiphospholipid syndrome. I've had two miscarriages this year and got referred to a recurrent miscarriage clinic where they took lots of blood. Well I've just had the results back that my levels are higher than normal for blood clotting suggesting I have APS. But to be sure they have repeated the test and I have to wait another 8 weeks..argh! I've been told that if its still positive then I will be treated with aspirin and heparin injections, aswell as progesterone. Its reassuring to know that you managed to carry your son. Good luck for this pregnancy x