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Hi to you all. I am annoucing that I just took my IUD out and planning my next baby already. I satrted my Lovenox too, 80mg 2xday. I pray to my God that everything be ok. Also, it is nice to come in here and read the postings, it keeps me relaxed. Thanks HeatherMac, you keep all of our self-esteems sky high.
Can any of you give a technique that might make me bruise less. I have bruises already and I am doing it the way the Dr. told me to, but I read that you can inject it also at a 90 degree angle. Is it true?

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MaryG,

I will pray for you and pray that all goes well for you in your baby quest.

As far as bruising, well, Lovenox bruises...there is no real way around that. My doc told me to pinch an inch so I have the injection site raised away from the rest of my body and do the injection there. I still bruised like crazy, even with the pinching and injecting at 90 degree angles. I tried it all. I did, however, bruise a lot less on my abdomen than when I injected on my stomach, hips and thighs. Wow. The bruises I got on my stomach were sometimes 5 inches across - it was awful. I got a lot more sore on my stomach, too, but for some reason, my abdomen took it all quite well. I was still tender and bruised pretty badly, just not as badly there as anywhere else.

I had a friend who used to ice her injection sites just before she'd shoot up, but it never did much for me. Guess proof positive that everyone is different. So, my suggestion is try a bunch of different things until you find what works best for you. Then, once you find that come back here and tell everyone so you can help someone just learning to do her Lovenox injections.

Thanks for your kind words. I only encourage because I've been there. I've been treated badly by doctors, I've been through the wringer once or twice, so I share what I know. Belive me, there is a woman out there who has been through far more than I and is a wonderful angel willing to share her story, too. God taught me long ago to share my experience, strength and hope with others who are walking the path I've walked...so I'm just doing what I've been tasked with.

Keep us posted and congrats on the removal of your IUD!

BABY DUST!!!!


HeatherMac

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[quote author=StaceyK link=board=13;threadid=1981;start=15#17974 date=1146502115]
Where do you all inject yourselves? The tummy seems to work best for me. My doc said I could inject from my thighs up to the top of my tummy.
[/quote]

Hi Staceyk,
I am currently 6 weeks pregnant and I started Lovenox a week ago and I always inject myself in my upper thigh.

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It's so reasuring to read all the advice and comments you ladies have posted. I am 6 weeks pregnant. I am 35 years old, I have had two m/c and I have a 16 year old son. I am on coumadin for life due to two DVT in my life. I am currenlty on Lovenox 60mg twice a day and prenatal vitamins. I have experience being on blood thinner (heparin) with my son 16 years ago. So for me this pregnancy is a new chapter in my life. I have been experiencing some bleeding, which makes me very concerned. The bleeding has stopped to some occasional spotting. I have called my OB-GYN and I have a appointment for a sonogram to ensure all is well.

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I am glad I found this site. I have been worried about the lovenox injections harming the baby and didn't realize fatigue was part of it--I feel exhausted all the time since beginning the injections! None of the women I am close to in my life has gone through this so all they can say is "wow, that sucks". Well, kind of. It is still taking some getting used to and I have been unable to inject myself yet (teenage daughter and hubby always happy to oblige!). We are incredibly excited about this child and it is more than encouraging to read about all the positive experiences you all have had.

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Ladies - you're doing great!! It IS exhausting...mentally as well as physically...but keep your chin up and keep up with your shots - it will all be well worth it in the end!! Keep coming back here - the support is PRICELESS!!

I'm praying for you!!


HeatherMac

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Hi to you all. I am happy to say that since I took out my IUD everything have been going on too good, Thank God. I just wanted to share with you guys that I was suppose to have my period by the 14th of this month and I have not had it yet, no cramping or spotting at all. I am supposing that I might be pregnant. If I am, I might be in my 4th week. I hope and pray to God that it is not a false alarm. Thank You all for reading the postings. It is nice to know more people that have gone through what you have, even though they are not good experiences at all. We can advice one another. Good Luck to you all.

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Hi ladies, hope you all are well.

Vanessa,
I am so glad you brought up fatigue. I am on 3rd preg. and thought I was just getting old. But I stay exhausted all of the time. I did not even think about it maybe being the lovenox too. I am 26 weeks going on 38. Ha!

Mary G,
I find that sitting down, I can pinch fat easier between stomach and sides to inject. I always go in at an angle, and I have only bruised bad once. The farther along I get, my skin is tighter and of course some days it hurts more than others. Just keep it up, You will find your spots.

For those of you just staring out, I know it is a little depressing, I felt the same way. My mother told me that the lovenox was going to save my life. And that made me look at things alot different. I call them my love bites!

I pray for all of you,
Aprilsteph

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Thank you very much for your advice AprilSteph. I know it sure is depressing but as your mom said, this is all we have to do to be here for our love ones, specially my 5 year old. I have tried a couple and as I read, sometimes I bruise more than others. Blesses for you all. About my period yes it was a false alarm but no problem I'll working on it. byeeeee

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I'm so glad I've found this forum. It is so helpful, and after learning there are many other women out there coping with not "normal" pregnancies, I don't feel so lost. All my friends/family seem to have "normal" pregnancies....so I often think, "Why not me!?" I am 8wks2ds after 3 m/cs in last year. I feel very old too, a few months shy of 39. TTC 1 year only. I had a u/s at 6wks and all looks good, heartbeat at 125bmp, and HCG/Progesterone levels all good. So my fingers are crossed. However, (why is there always a 'however'?), yesterday my NP called to say the MTHFR came back positive (she gave no more details) and told me to start on BA daily, and on Monday I have to go in after FASTING (not fun when only 8wks) for more bloodwork.....I might have to start heparin. I'm okay with that -- fortunately, needles don't bother me and I've heard it can help create a healthy placenta. My concern, though, is that if I do have to go on heparin shots, it will be too late!! Probably almost 10 wks by the time I would start -- I won't get results of test until next Friday (9wks).
Is that just too late? Maybe I'm already in trouble as this wasn't taken care of earlier. I'm scared and looking for any stories/advice that might help. Also, perhaps a silly question, but has anyone else had to go in for bloodwork to test for this after fasting? How did you do?

Cemma

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Cemma,

Glad you found the site! You'll find tons of great support here, so keep coming back!!

Trust your doctor - if they want to wait to put you on the shots, there is a reason. Start your BA as directed and don't worry. If you're really bothered by it, call their office Monday and ask if you can start the shots sooner. I'm sure they will understand your worry and concern. Talk wtih them, you'll be seeing a lot of them for the next bunch of months, so talk with them until you get the information you need. Remember, this is YOUR body and YOUR baby - they need to be understanding and work WITH you. Be nice, but be firm until you get the information you need. Really, you need to be able to talk with your doctor about your concerns...if your doc doesn't understand, then you might need to find one who does.

As far as fasting blood work goes, I have to see an endocrinologist every six weeks for fasting blood work. It SUCKED as I got more pregnant...really. But, I always packed a little cooler with a thermos of orange juice, big bottle of water and breakfast bars to eat as soon as the blood tests were done. It wasn't too bad...as long as I kept the appointment early and ate right after it was done.

I have TONS of clotting problems and other health issues - too many to name here - and I was constantly monitored with blood work...so if you have to go more often, you'll get used to it. Thankfully, the monitoring isn't every week, and even when I was at my SICKEST with morning sickness (that lasted for 22 wks), I did okay fasting - my trusty little bag of snacks and drinks helped me tremendously.

One more key hint: DRINK WATER ON YOUR WAY TO THE APPOINTMENT!! Not much, just a little bottle to make sure your blood is vicsus enough to get out. If you're dehydrated and it's a difficult draw, you'll be miserable. If you're really thirsty and in need of water, and you're hungry, going in and having them have to wrestle your veins for the tests will be really, really bad. A little water on the way there won't hurt you - unless you drink too much, so keep it small...one of those little 16oz bottles should do the trick.

Keep us posted - we will be sending you good thoughts to you and your baby for a happy, healthy pregnancy!!


HeatherMac

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Hello - Is there anyone who has been diagnosed with MTHFR with elevated homocysteine levels that sees a hematologist, as well as their OB? I am 11 weeks pregnant (following 3 m/c) and my OB has me on Lovenox 40mg once daily. I am allergic to aspirin, so I can't take that. I wonder if I should be seeing a hematologist, as well? Also, for MTHFR girls - what is your lovenox dose?

Thanks for any help!

Carey

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I am 12 weeks preganant and have been taking the Lovenox shots for the past 2 weeks. The info on this site is great and it helps to know others that are experiencing the same thing. Does anyone have any hints on preventing so much bruising? I guess its just one of those things that you have to deal with.

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Carey,

HeatherMac here - had trouble logging in so I had to re-register. I wanted to respond to your MTHFR / homocystine question.

I have MANY clotting factors, including the MTHFR and elevated homocystine levels. During my pregnancy I was on 60mg of Lovenox, 5mg of Folic Acid, 2 Foltx tablets (which is folic acid + b vitamins), Synthroid, iron pills and Glucophage.

I did not have to see a hematologist because I was already seeing an endocrinologist who was working with my OB and my RE to get me successfully and sustainably pregnant. I saw the endocrinologist every six weeks during my pregnancy, which was more frequent than prior and post pregnancy.

I would work with your OB and ask him/her if they want you to see anyone about your blood...they may choose to monitor you themselves with annual bloodwork every few weeks. But I would ask at your next appointment.

From what my endocrinologist told me, the folic acid helps to reduce the homocystine levels in the blood and keep it from getting sticky - which can cause all kinds of problems. That's why he put me on the folic acid tablets as well as the folic acid/b vitamins.

Like I said, if you wanted to ask your doctor about the elevated homocystine levels...ask. If you're really concerned, find a good endocrinologist and explain the problem to them...you have to remember that while doctors know a lot, they do NOT know everything!! So, if you would feel more comfortable seeing a hematologist - GO!! By all means, GO!!! If it's money you're worried about, DON'T!! They take payments like everyone else. Just do what you can to get the help you need for your peace of mind and the health and wellbeing of your baby.

Remember - just because a doctor tells you to do something doesn't mean you have to blindly follow those directions. If there is something more you want for your treatment, ask about it. Don't let a doctor blow off your concerns, either. You wouldn't take treatment like that from your car mechanic, do NOT accept treatment like that from your doctor.

You have to be your own healthcare advocate - ASK QUESTIONS!! QUESTION EVERY TREATMENT!! RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS AND ASK WHY CERTAIN OPTIONS ARE OR AREN'T BEING UTILIZED DURING YOUR TREATMENT!! Gone are the days of not questioning your doctor, so be informed, EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR CONDITION AND TREATMENT and be a PARTNER in your healthcare!! DO IT FOR YOUR BABY!!

Now that I'm off my soapbox, enjoy your pregnancy and KEEP US POSTED!!


HeatherMac

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It is a relief to find a forum like this one. I just found out i am pregant and i have a history of DVT and PE (the cause was the birth control pill and a long plane flight). The doctor wants me on heparin and everything i have read suggests that lovenox is the way to go if you're pregnant - less chance of developing osteoporosis and thrombocytopenia. Does anyone have any advice on which way to go? Heparin vs. Lovenox?

Thanks-Emily

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hi everyone,

I am 9 weeks pregnant today and am due to start the lovenox injections tomorrow. This will be my 3rd attempt at having a baby. I am excited but of course a little scared. I am 31. I have been on 81mg baby aspirin since June 14th when my OBGYN discovered I had antiphospholipid syndrome. We were going to start fertility pills anyways knowing the risks of what I would have to do once pregnant and found out on June 29 that we were already pregnant.

We had our 1st ultra sound last week and they detected a heartbeat. So needless to say, I am excited to start the shots but again, scared. I have wanted this my entire life and am only thinking optimistically. I am so glad to have found you all and please share, share, share.

Thanks and wish me luck!
April

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