Hi everyone!
After 2 m/c, the specialist has found that my progesterone is very low, but with the metformin, the numbers are rising. Yippee! next step is taking clomid, and after we get preggo he says he wants me to give myself heparin shots 2X a day. Even though I haven't tested positive for a clotting disorder, he feels that once I become preggo, it does become a problem... My questions are:
1. What does heparin really do for you? Why really take it?
2. Anyone out there taking it, or took it, had any success? ANyone out there take it as a "precautionary" thing (like my dr. thinks)
3. I am terrorfied of needles! What is it like?
Any pointers or info that anyone can share would be wornderful! Please share!!
I just need to feel like I have a better understanding of it... THANKS
I just read you post. I know a friend who was on heparin during her pregnancy so I sent her your questions (she's not a memeber so I'm replying for her). Hope it helps!
"I took heparin for almost my entire pregnancy, once a day, along with
one baby aspirin. This was because I had lost a baby previously at 30
weeks, and it was believed by my new doctor that the baby was not
growing sufficiently, and could have been related to my blood flow.
Before losing the baby, they also believed that I had a placenta
abruption (I had severe bleeding), which was also blood/clotting
related. So, as a treatment, or precaution, with the second pregnancy,
MY HUSBAND administered the shots everyday, starting I believe at week
8. (I also HATE HATE HATE needles, so I can totally sympathize.) In
all honesty, after the first couple of times, it wasn't that bad. It is
a small prick, as the needle is small, and is over quickly. The only
"issue" I noticed was the bruising. You never know where you could hit
a small vein, so the bruising was a "hit or miss" situation. The shots
were given in the stomach (although my doctor said my leg would be fine
too), because that seemed to be the only place I could "pinch" the skin
(that was my preference).
I would have to get bloodwork regularly to make sure the level of
heparin I was taking was appropriate, so I assume they would do the same
for you. I was scheduled to be induced at week 38. And, you cannot be
on heparin within I think 24-48 hrs of delivering, so they switched me
over to another blood thinner around week 37 (I can't believe I forget
which one). That was twice a day. That was awful because that thinned
my blood too much and I ended up with a severe nose bleed that wouldn't
stop, so I had to go to the ER. When that ordeal was over, I called my
doctor and they stopped the shots and aspirin therapy altogether. I
gave birth to my daughter two days later. I am a little nervous that
you will need to take heparin TWICE a day, so just ask the question
about nose bleeds, etc. It was definitely frightening because I was
alone!!
The way I looked at it was I was taking the shots for a VERY good
reason, and it was well worth it!! Don't get me wrong - the entire
pregnancy was completely stressful for fear of another loss, but talking
to my new (high risk) doctor was comforting because he was very
confident that these shots were going to help me. I figured "Whatever
it takes!"
Thank you so much for asking a friend to help me out here! Her insight was helpful. I now know some questions to ask my dr. Thank you again! Please tell her that too.
You should have your doctor run clotting panels, specifically for antiphospholipid syndrome. It can often manifest itself as miscarriages. And its easily treatable. Heparin therapy is not something to be taken lightly, and you need to know the reasons behind it. I personally have a history of blood clots and I have been on Heparin, and while I still am more prone to clotting problems, I avoid anticoag therapy like the plague. For me, the risks far outweigh the benefit.
Given, once I DO conceive, you can bet your butt they're slapping me on heparin twice a day! Either heparin or lovenox. Lovenox is another form of heparin, its the low molecular weight component, and its shorter acting but also a lot more stable.
Regardless, I would have your doctor run basic clotting panels, the risk of tkaing heparin when you have no apparent need is not worth it.
Hi Dorcas. I agree with Kayiena above. It seems risky for your doc to put you on heparin when he/she doesn't plan to even test you for clotting problems first. The clotting tests are very simple - they draw 6-7 vials of blood, send them off to a lab, and poof! 2 weeks later you have your answers. Since you have had some experiences that point to possible clotting issues, your doctor should code the tests as "diagnostic" and your insurance should cover it. I would INSIST on this.
Quote:
1. What does heparin really do for you? Why really take it?
In my case, it thins my blood so that I don't get clots which "choke off" the baby and cause miscarriage. I also took one baby aspirin a day during my pregnancy up until the 35 1/2 week mark (which happened on 12/14.)
Quote:
2. Anyone out there taking it, or took it, had any success? ANyone out there take it as a "precautionary" thing (like my dr. thinks)
Well, this is my fourth confirmed pregnancy, but my first pregnancy with treatment for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. See my signature to see how heparin and baby aspirin have worked for me so far! I am now a true believer, and so far I just feel so blessed and lucky. My first pregnancy went to 10 weeks, we saw a heartbeat on u/s at about the 7-week mark and the baby died shortly after. My 2nd and 3rd pregnancies were both lost at 4.5 weeks and the RE thinks my body kicked them out right after implanting - my blood vessels constricted and wouldn't allow a placenta to form. (I think that's what he said) - also common with APS.
Quote:
3. I am terrorfied of needles! What is it like?
Believe it or not, it's not a big deal. I don't like needles either, but I got over that really fast. The needle is 29 1/2 gauge and about 1/2 inch long - maybe the size of a safety pin. My DH did the first shot and I've administered all the other ones myself since 12 DPO. usually it doens't even hurt one bit to put the needle in. Sometimes - not all the time - the heparin stings a bit going in, but I tell myself "It's the sting of life" and just get over it really quick.
It's not a big deal to do the shots and although I still don't like to watch others getting shots, I know it's just what I need to do, and that's just the way it is. When people tell me "I could never stick myself with a needle" I say to them "Imagine your life without your children, or miscarrying over and over again. NOW do you think you could give yourself shots?" and they ALWAYS say yes and some of them have even apologized.
Here are some links to info about APS and heparin treatment.
http://www.haveababy.com/rpl/index.asp?site=rpl – Dr. Peter’s take on recurrent PG loss (make sure to “read on” and read all the links – see section on Thrombophilias under “causes” and also the section on “Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome)
Happy surfing!
Since your progesterone is low, will you supplement your progesterone either orally or vaginally during your next pregnancy?
One thing - anesthesiologists do not like to give epidurals to people with anti-coagulants in their system. That's why I stopped the baby aspirin at 35 1/2 weeks. I will be stopping the heparin between 38 and 39 weeks (assuming my cervix is ready) and then get induced 1 or 2 days later. My weekly cervical checks start on Wednesday - ugh.
GOOD LUCK!
__________________ Lean cyster ~ M/c @ 10 wks after seeing heartbeat 8/04, m/c @ about 10 weeks after seeing heartbeat 8-09. 2 chemical PGs lost @ 4.5 wks 1/05 & 3/05. 4/05: Dx w/antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
Well looks like you've got some great info! I am finally carrying a baby after 4 m/c thanks to clexane wich is basicaly heprin. It can work miracles. Hope you get your sticky lil bfp soon oh & one thing i have learnt not to read too much about it
__________________ dx.pcos 2001
dx.Antiphospholipid syndrome 2004
4 Angel Babies
TWO MIRACLES! Zane Sebastian! May 3rd 2006!!!! Sienna Rayne January 3rd 2008!!!!
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Kayiena- Thanks for the advice. I did have the testing done, and it came back indicating that I may have this problem.. it doesn't show completely positive in some women until they are actually pregnant. So... I guess I have to trust my RE. Thanks
Megan- Wow! you sure were helpful. That was so kind of you to take all that time and help me out. I watched your video on Fox news, that helped me. First of all, I could totally relate to all you said! I especially can relate with the part of doubting your religious beliefs... I went thru a period like that. I think I knew in my head that God is all powerful, but in my heart I was numb, angry, bitter and very doubtful. Thanks for sharing your story with me.
I am so happy for you! God had a plan for you and your husband. Please keep me posted on how you all do. I will be praying for a safe delievery! Blessings to you!
Did your dr. ever suggest the lovenox over the heparin? I am hearing that it is a more gentle drug.?????
So far, my RE says I will just need to do it for the 1st trimester/ I will do whatever he says, that is for sure!
I plan on checking out those sutes some more that you recommended, if I have any questions, I will jot you back!
Thanks again!
Did your dr. ever suggest the lovenox over the heparin? I am hearing that it is a more gentle drug.?????
No, he said heparin as soon as the test results came back and never even suggested the Lovenox. I'm not sure why. The next time I email him or talk to him I'll ask him about that.
Please help with info on HEPARIN 
Hope you get your sticky lil bfp soon oh & one thing i have learnt not to read too much about it
