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Hi, everyone!

It's so good to find other women

I am nearly 15 weeks (I had a blighted ovum in 9/05), and have been on 81mg aspirin and Heparin/Lovenox since roughly 4 weeks. My specialist told me to continue taking the aspirin with the other because it contributes to a stronger and more solidly developed placenta. I was curious, so I did research on the internet, and found lots of information backing their words up. I am also on a prenatal vitamin, in addition to the above mentioned.

I hope this helps!

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Sorry, I meant to say that it was so good to find other women like me in various stages of pregnancy to discuss this stuff with!

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Hi Rheagan.

I have been on the lovenox for 2 weeks, and my ob told me I did not need to see a hemototogist, but now they have changed their mind and I see one in June. I guess some doctors just need that extra piece of mind that they are doing all that they can to make sure you & baby are fine.

I want to thank all of you ladies for your input, this truly is a great place to come and feel a part of the crowd.
Most people don't have any idea what we go through.
I will keep you all in my prayers.

Quick question.. Is anyone getting their blood checked reg. on lovenox? They told me every 2 weeks, does that sound like the norm?

love & prayers,
aprilsteph

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Hi, Aprilsteph!

I was on heparin from week 5 until today, when I switched to lovenox because the heparin wasn't working for me. I was having bloodwork done weekly with the heparin, and have been told that the same schedule will apply to the lovenox.

I have also been told to consult with a hemotologist (my appt is end of May), and I am also seeing a High Risk OB as well as my regular OB (the OBs are consulting each other).

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I am 32 years old and this is my th pregnancy. I am 8 weeks and taking Lovenox. I have Factor V and have had 1 child stillborn and 3 miscarriages. I do have one daughter who is 4. I am very worried about taking the injections. I have met with a Dr. who specializes in Natural medicines, he is a real board certified Dr. he just uses both natural and RX meds. What he has recommended is called NATTOKINASE PLUS, have any of you heard of this? I also have low progesteron and have to take supositories to boost that. I would love and feed back. God bless you and your babies.

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Stefanie,

While it's good to go natural as much as possible, I'm not sure I would go totally natural in this instance...unless you can be completely assured that the herbal remedy has just as much power as the Lovenox. Some natural remedies are not nearly as strong as their RX cousins...some are far more powerful. In this instance, I'm not sure I would opt for the natural path, though. Given your Factor V and previous m/c, it might be best to stick with the Lovenox.

THIS IS MY OPINION!

I am not a doctor, hematologist or an OB.

However, I am a woman who suffered many m/cs along my infertility path...and while I was apprehensive about the Lovenox, I knew I could not mentally take another m/c. I have a very healthy, happy little son today because of the miracle of Lovenox...I would not have been able to hold a pregnancy without it.

ALSO BEAR IN MIND THAT "NATURAL" DOES NOT MEAN WITHOUT RISK!!!

Just because it is an "all natural" remedy does not mean it will not harm you or your baby. MANY natural herbs will cause damage to a fetus if you take them while you're pregnant. So, before you take this natural remedy, I would suggest you do is find out exactly how this natural remedy works, and how the Lovenox works...what the side effects are of both...then compare the benefits and drawbacks to you and your baby of BOTH medications...then decide which is best for you to take.

People should never take any medication - prescription or otherwise - without thoroughly researching the medication. We would not take candy from a stranger, nor should we blithly take medication from a doctor....naturopath or MD.

I will keep you in my prayers and ask that you PLEASE keep us posted!!

Congratulations on your pregnancy!!


HeatherMac

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Hello again ladies,

HeatherMac - hope you don't mind my asking but with your Lovenox treatment, did you begin injections preconception or did you wait until you got your BFP?

The reason why I ask is because, I used Lovenox for my last pregnancy and it ended in miscarriage, I'm just wondering if I began too late.

Thanks so much, hope to hear from you soon,
Cici
ttc 2001 - 2006 - 7 recurrent m/c's - all prior to 6 weeks

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Cici,

I started the Lovenox the day I got the BFP...even before I got my second beta because they wanted me on it as early as possible.

I was on it from the day I found out I was pg until six weeks postpartum.

It was suggested I start the day after IUI, but they wanted to wait and see what happened...if that one hadn't worked, I would have started the Lovenox just after the IUI.

I'm truly sorry you've been through so much and I hope that you're able to be successful with your journey very, very soon.

Keep us posted and let me know if you have any other questions!!


HeatherMac

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Hi I had a baby boy 6 yrs. ago n after I had a blood clot on 1 of my lungs. So i have to take lovenox n coumadin as soon as this happened, so they made tests n found out that I have a condition called Lupus anticoagulation. The docs told em i could not have any more kids but I talked to my Hemat. Dr. n he said I can n I have to take 80mg of lovenox a day. I wanna know all u guys that had babies while on Lovenox, was it more painful than usual and was there any heavy bleeding. Please answer me, because I really want another baby but I am scared. Thank You.

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Hi, I am 30yrs old and have a boy who is 6 yrs. and exactly right after I gave birth I had a blood clot on 1 of my lungs. So I had to take lovenox n coumadin as soon as this happened. I am still on coumadin. The doctors made tests n found out that I have a condition called Lupus anticoagulation. The docs told me that I could not have any more kids. Recently I talked to my Hemat. Dr. n he said I can, n he prescribed 80mg of lovenox a day. I wanna know if all u guys that had babies while on Lovenox, to tell me if it was more painful than usual and was there any heavy bleeding. Please answer me, because I really want another baby but I am scared. Thank You. I have an IUD and haven't remove it because I think something can happen.

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Mary,

I'm sorry for the trouble you've had, and I pray that the next time won't be as bad for you. Infertility is a difficult road, and I'm sorry you've had to travel the path as well.

I, too, have Lupus Anticoagulation, and had a very successful pregnancy while on Lovenox. I had a TREMENDOUS pregnancy - I felt great and didn't have much pain until the Braxton Hicks hit the last month. I never once bled during my pregnancy and bled very little even after the c-section. I had a planned c-section to eliminate as much bleeding and potential clotting as possible.

I was switched from Lovenox to Heparin for the delivery, then back on Lovenox for six weeks post-partum because, as you discovered, the biggest threat from a clot is AFTER the baby is born.

There is a tremendous doctor in Cincinnati who's mother discovered MANY clotting problems and he has continued her work. Groundbreaking stuff. He discovered the metformin/pcos connection. He's an amazing man. He does give advice over the internet, so you might want to drop him a line to get his opinion.

BEAR IN MIND: this man is a scientist first...so his communication skills are somewhat sparse...and can be a little TOO detail oriented. BUT...he is an amazing man. His website is:

http://www.jewishhospitalcinci
nnati.com/cholesterol/index.html

A
s
I said, you can e-mail him and ask him questions about your specific problems...you might even want to ask him about endocrinologists in your area. You should see an endocrinologist as well and not a REPRODUCTIVE endocrinologist...just a regular one...in addition to your Hemotologist. You need to find out why you were told you couldn't have any more kids...is that because of your clotting problem? Did just one doctor tell you this?? Did you go for second and third opinions?? A broad and life-changing statement like that NEEDS solid and profound support before you should believe it. Besides, none of them are God and haven't walked on water yet, so be wary of what they tell you. Did they tell you that so you wouldn't cause them any trouble?? GET MORE ANSWERS AND GET MORE OPINIONS BEFORE YOU GIVE UP!! ONE DOCTOR'S OPINION SHOULD NOT DETERMINE YOUR LIFE'S PATH!!!

Just as you would get a second and third opinion if your car mechanic told you he needed to replace the engine in your car...get another opinion here. I mean, your body is far more valuable than your car, right??

As for the Lovenox...it is a pain, but no more so than any other injection. It is a lifesaver and enabled us to have our beautiful, healthy son....DH and I are tremendously grateful for Lovenox. It caused no problems for me physically other than site bruising and tenderness. As I said, I felt GREAT during pregnancy and can't wait to do it again...God willing.

So, go...investigate...find more doctors...GET ANSWERS. I went 21 years without any doctor listening to me...and in the 14 years between age 18 and my diagnosis I saw 22 doctors who said my gynecologic problems were all in my head. THEY WERE NOT AND IT WAS ALMOST TOO LATE!! So, see as many doctors are you have to until you find one that will listen to you, hear you and help you...research your problems...arm yourself with information so you don't have to blindly trust ANY doctor. BE YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE!!!

Keep us posted - and keep your chin up. Again, don't give one crappy doctor the power to ruin your life!! A good doctor is in medicine for the right reasons, don't stop until you find a doctor like that!!!


HeatherMac

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Thank You so much, HeatherMac. It so very true all you told me. We do not have to just believe one doctor, they are not always right. I have an appt. now this coming week to the GYN Doc. to remove my IUD and start trying to become pregnant again. I be asking my little boy if he wants me to have a baby and he says yes a baby girl, a baby Erica. That's the name he wants if it is a girl. Well once again thanks for the advices, and as soon as something comes up you will be the very first one I will tell. :) The part that scares me the most it the birhting part, due to the experience I already had. But, anyways let see what God decides.

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Mary

Every birth experience is different, and if you're able to give your GYN all the information you have, this time should go much more smoothly.

If you don't get the help or answers you're looking for, FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR! Search until you find a doctor willing to help you in your quest.

Keep us posted - LOADS of baby dust!!

HeatherMac

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I was so happy to find this site. I am 12 weeks pregnant and have had sever morning sickness (hyperemis) since 6 weeks. I was initially given a mid line for iv fluids which caused phlebitis and was then advised to get a pic line which I originally refused for 4 days until I broke down from all the vomitting and lack of fluids. 3 days after the pic line I got chest pain and ER found a DVT in my arm. I am now on lovenox 70mg 2x per day. Started last week. I am so depressed over this and really found it very comforting to see that others are going through similar situations. Has anyone been suffering fatiuge from the lovenox? I almost feel as if I can't keep my eyes open at times and am drugged. I am being monitored monthly with blood tests. I have read all the postings and am very concerned about my delivery. I had no idea that an epidural was dangerous. I am in my second pregnancy and my first baby was born 2 weeks early with 5 hours of labor. Any advice is so appreciated.

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Vanessa,

You are doing great!! You've found a potential problem, DVT, and now you're on medication to remedy that!!

Yes, the Lovenox made me tired...but I just figured it was all part of the pregnancy gig...having never been that pregnant before, I thought it was normal. I never really did perk up like some folks say they did during the second trimester, but the tiredness did wane a bit and I didn't feel quite so badly.

Also, don't read too much on the internet about pregnancy. If you do, you will be convinced that you might die from rolling over in bed. Yes, the epidural CAN be dangerous...but so can driving to work...eating dinner at a nice restaurant....taking a shower...most things have the potential to be terribly dangerous, but we've chosen to overlook those dangers and undertake those activities anyway.

I just think we're WAY more sensitive to dangers when we're pregnant because people are throwing VERY SCARY STATISTICS at you the entire time. The number of women who have problems with epidurals...then you're given those problems in great detail and it scares the crap right out of you!! I started reading a book about pregnancy over 35, and the first page...THE FIRST PAGE...had me in tears!!! It mentioned the fact that I could die, that the baby could be born physically and mentally deformed and the fact that I was being selfish to have a baby after 35...ON THE FIRST PAGE! So, my husband took the book and tossed it in the trash and I never read another pregnancy book.

What many of the statistics tell you, is the number of POSITIVE outcomes. Let's use an example: A hospital in Japan reported 8 problems with the last 100 epidurals performed. What is NOT reported here is 92 POSITIVE outcomes they had. You will only find error rates and negative outcomes with EVERY STATISTIC YOU READ...so it is up to YOU to read the POSITIVE of the statistic you're studying. ESPECIALLY during pregnancy, all you're given is NEGATIVE statistics...take a moment, relax and realize that there is another side to that equation...how many POSITIVE statistics are left once you take away the negative??

There is so much unknown to us during pregnancy - and once you've been given a reason to worry more (like we need any more reasons after infertility) you cannot relax. But, you need to find a way to either cope with all the negative information or avoid it....for the benefit of the baby. All the negative information causes you to worry...worry and stress are not good for the baby...so get whatever information you need but don't worry until your doctor says there is a reason to worry. Once your doctor gets worried about something, then you can get worried, too.

By all rights and reasons, I should have had a horrible pregnancy...if baby or I survived at all...I've got LOTS of clotting issues...but, my pregnancy was tremendous and I sailed through it...and while my doctors and I were all VERY cautious, none of us worried so much that we didn't enjoy every little success of the pregnancy.

So, relax, don't read so much information that you scare yourself...read what you can to educate yourself then ask your doctor about the bad stuff you read - try to avoid the negative as much as possible. Remember, sometimes the internet is not a useful tool...people do post incorrect information. Take care to get your information from reputable sources and THEN discuss it with your doctor!!

Keep us posted and keep coming back - and embrace the happy ending!!


HeatherMac

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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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