Heparin injections

[hmaz]

I wondered whether anyone has any experience of heparin injections after birth and could help shed some light on what's involved & any potential side effects as I'm so confused

I have factor V Leiden (Heterezygous) so my blood clots slightly faster than most people's. My doctor wasn't concerned about the condition as:

-said that approx 20% of people have the condition but don't realise;
-I inherited condition from my Mum's side of family and my Mum had three normal preganancies & deliveries;
- there's been no history of clots in my family.

she referred me to see the consultant just to be on the safe side. I first saw one of the consultant's team at 14 weeks and they said no treatment was needed and to come back at 28 weeks. I went to that appointment and saw someone else who told no treatment ws needed now but they weren't really sure if anything should be done after delivery and was told to go back at 36 wks.

I've now received a letter from a haemotologist (whom I've never met and clearly has no idea of family history judging by what he's written in letter) saying that it is "entirely reasonable" for me to have a 6 week course of daily heparin injections following delivery anbd will of course need various blood tests at regular intervals given the risk of Heparin induced thrombocytophenia - no idea WTF that is

I'm so confused by it all now. From what I was originally told and based on family history, my risk of problems is only slightly elevated and would not need any additional treatment during or after pregnancy . Now I've been told by someone who's never met me or read my notes that I'll need daily injections for 6 weeks. No detail of why, risks, who carries out injections etc. Am so angry and upset by it all now

Does anyone know anything about heparin or had to have the injections post delivery?

Thanks

 

[midori1999]

I am on heparin injections twice daily (clexane is the brand name) as I had bi-lateral pulomonary embolisms (blood clots in the lungs) in my recent pregancy. I have to stay on them until 6 months after the original diagnosis (so until the end of Sept.) and as we are trying to concieve again if I get pregnant I will need to be on one injection a day for the pregnancy (and any future pregnancies) and six weeks after delivery.

I recently saw the haemotologist and apparently six weeks post delivery is a very high risk time for blood clots as the blood is much 'stickier' after delivery for around 6 weeks.

A lot of people complain about the injections as they have a reputation for being painful and leaving lumps, bruises etc. I do get bruises and small lumps at the injection sites, but the onjections themselves aren't too bad. I alternate doing them between either side of my stomach and each thigh, which helps as it kills if I accidentally inject in a place where the lump/bruise hasn't quite gone yet. Doing them yourself isn't so bad. I was terrified of needles prior to my last pregnancy. I've been in and out of hospital quite a bit and now if I am admitted I ask to inject myself with the heparin as I prefer it. (control freak! )

Hope this helps.

 

[JynxPhD]

I take daily Lovenox injections ( a form of heparin) during this pregnancy and my last one. I will switch to regular heparin in a few weeks and continue for 6 weeks after birth. The first 6 weeks after delivery are the most high risk time for a woman to develop blood clots. The shots are no big deal. I give them to myself in my thighs and they don't hurt but they sometimes bruise. You'll get the hang of it soon. Thrombocytopenia just means too few platelets in the blood. Heparin is a blood thinner so if you develop thrombocytopenia then your blood will not clot appropriately and you could have bleeding when you shouldn't. You can watch for it yourself. The best way to tell is if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth. If mine do then I stop the heparin for 3 days to let my platelets build up.

Don't worry, heparin is no big deal. I know it sounds scary all of the sudden but pulmonary embolism (blood clot that travels to the lung) is usually fatal before you can call an ambulance. Midori1999 is very lucky to have survived. You can breastfeed (if you plan to) while on heparin too. I did with my daughter.

 

[fluffyblue]

Hi hun im on 40ml clexane injections from BFP to 6 weeks post birth dependant on which birth I have.

I have APS - anti philisopholid (sp) disorder - form of lupus anticoagulant. However if I have a natural birth I dont continue for 6 weeks post birth but if I have a section I have to continue post birth xx