Ok so after learning I had MTHFR (a genetic mutation), I read up as much as I possibly could so that when I went back for the saline sono (which went fine) yesterday I could asked TONS of questions! It's seems that this specific mutation is quite common (mainly in Caucasians), especially the one I have. I am heterozygous C677T, which means I only have one mutation on one part of the gene. This is considered a thrombophilia (blood clotting disorder). Basically my body doesn't properly absorb folate, such as folic acid. Seems simple enough. But having read up on it I've learned that there is much controversy over treatment for this mutation. It seems half of the doctors don't even believe it's the cause and won't treat it. The other half treat it, but all have different ways of doing so.
The most common treatment seems to be taking A LOT of extra folic acid, usually 4-5mg compared to the 400mcg recommended daily along with some extra B6 and B12. This is usually accomplished by prescribing something like Foltx, Folex or Folgard, which are all basically the same thing. From here however, is where Dr's tend to veer away from each other. Some prescribe Lovenox or Heperin shots either before or after conceiving, some say to take baby aspirin, while others prescribe progesterone!! Then half of them say to be on it for at least 2 months while your body absorbs it and others say it doesn't matter!! And all of these things work different for everyone so who knows what's really working!!!? I have been put on Folex and prenatal vitamins but my RE doesn't believe the shots or baby aspirin are necessary. I think my RE is an awesome guy and although I'm going to side with him about the shots I think I'm still going to take the baby aspirin. Hey it can't hurt. Without sounding too negative, I figure if the next pregnancy isn't successful I'll demand the shots the next time.
I am trying to be positive that the next time we try (I'm waiting until the end of summer), my husband and I will be able to carry a baby to term. I have decided that I'm not going to try and research too much more on the internet because it just scares the crap out of me!! Half of these women lose their babies so late. I asked my RE if late term miscarriages have a correlation with MTHFR and he said no but that's not what I am seeing with all these women!! Ugh! Ok so as you see the trying to be positive thing is pretty difficult...lol.
On a side note I am doing acupuncture every Mon and have started taking herbs (NASTY) this past week. It may sound silly but this is the one thing I'm doing that makes me feel positive. Perhaps it's because I feel like I'm doing everything I can!
The most common treatment seems to be taking A LOT of extra folic acid, usually 4-5mg compared to the 400mcg recommended daily along with some extra B6 and B12. This is usually accomplished by prescribing something like Foltx, Folex or Folgard, which are all basically the same thing. From here however, is where Dr's tend to veer away from each other. Some prescribe Lovenox or Heperin shots either before or after conceiving, some say to take baby aspirin, while others prescribe progesterone!! Then half of them say to be on it for at least 2 months while your body absorbs it and others say it doesn't matter!! And all of these things work different for everyone so who knows what's really working!!!? I have been put on Folex and prenatal vitamins but my RE doesn't believe the shots or baby aspirin are necessary. I think my RE is an awesome guy and although I'm going to side with him about the shots I think I'm still going to take the baby aspirin. Hey it can't hurt. Without sounding too negative, I figure if the next pregnancy isn't successful I'll demand the shots the next time.
I am trying to be positive that the next time we try (I'm waiting until the end of summer), my husband and I will be able to carry a baby to term. I have decided that I'm not going to try and research too much more on the internet because it just scares the crap out of me!! Half of these women lose their babies so late. I asked my RE if late term miscarriages have a correlation with MTHFR and he said no but that's not what I am seeing with all these women!! Ugh! Ok so as you see the trying to be positive thing is pretty difficult...lol.
On a side note I am doing acupuncture every Mon and have started taking herbs (NASTY) this past week. It may sound silly but this is the one thing I'm doing that makes me feel positive. Perhaps it's because I feel like I'm doing everything I can!
6 comments:
Laura said...
I'm so glad that yesterday's appointment went well!
I was on heparin, but with no such luck. So I'm considering asking to not do it next time--at least until we have a strong heartbeat. When researching my clotting disorder (Protein C Deficiency), I found somewhere that if the clotting causes the loss, that it's usually later on in the pregnancy. And we don't necessarily have clots--just are more "prone" to developing them.
How's the accupuncture? I've considered that as well, but my husband thinks it's weird. I'm curious to hear what you think. We'll also be trying towards the end of sumer as well.
Take care!
Fumbling towards Motherhood said...
Talk about confusing information, sometimes the internet does more harm than good. It's hard not to read up on everything, but at the end of the day you have to trust your doctor, and if you need more info read books specifically written about miscarriage & to the disorder. Dr. Google is not always reliable. I'm also waiting till the end of summer to start trying again. It's a good opportunity to take a time out and prepare yourself for the roller coaster of ttc again.
Dawn said...
Laura-I really have no desire to give myself shots. I guess I'm just at the point where I want to feel like I'm doing everything I can. Also, I'm a very strong believer in Eastern medicine. After a bad car accident it was the only thing that helpd with my head injury. My BF is a licensed Acu in my state as well so she found me a well known fertility Acu.
Looks like all 3 of us will be getting on the roller coaster together at the end of the summer. You are both in my prayers!
LuckyOnce said...
Hi Dawn, it's my first time visiting, and I'm so sorry for your losses.
My issues are a little bit different than yours, but I'm on baby aspirin. One thing I wanted to tell you about it (and you should probably confirm with your doctor) is that my doctor said I should start taking it only after I ovulate/conceive because it can block or suppress ovulation if you take it throughout your cycle.
Best of luck with everything!
ashley said...
I started taking low dose aspirin (81 mg) before my RE suggested it. And I had been on extra Folic Acid for many months, along with the baby aspirin before starting treatments with my RE. The way I look at it and how most doctors, I believe, should look at it is, these extra vitamins and aspirin, might not work but they're worth the try. Especialy since you have been diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder, I would think the aspirin, if not something stronger, would be more than advantageous to helping you stay pregnant.
Anonymous said...
(((Big Hugs))) and baby dust!