Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Genetics

I am not a nurse. Or a doctor. Or a medical practitioner of any sort. My expertise is in marketing, entertainment, and writing.

However, since starting this journey to understand why my body failed, I have realized that I am for quite a bit of testing before we try again. On BabyCenter, there is currently a poll questioning if anyone women have any common health issues that might link us all together with these hematomas. 

So far, the only confirmed correlation I've found is a blood clotting disease. But what I keep hearing is a sense that autoimmune diseases can also cause the hematoma. Also, if there are any ... i don't want to to say abruptions, but abnormalities in the uterus. (Either from a prior pregnancy, fibroids, cysts, etc.) 


So, when we had our first big bleed on July 10th, the ultrasound technician saw a fibroid in my uterus by the baby. He did not seem concerned, but checkmark on one commonality. 

Wondering about my genetics, I have asked my mother to compile a list of her 'issues' she had (she also lost a baby in her 9th month....) Here is a list of complications she's had: 


1979 College – erythema nodosum 
1983 TMJ surgery – repaired cartilage in jaw
1985 Miscarriage – blighted ovum 12 weeks followed by D&C; followed by pulmonary embolism [hospitalization, several months on blood thinner]
1988 Healthy baby (ME!) born
1989 Baby boy stillborn ‘cord compression’ / cord damage or clotting?? in 3rd trimester @ 9 months
1991, 1995 Superficial thrombophlebitis left leg, right leg
1993 Deep vein thrombosis left leg
2001 Human parvovirus – was tested for lupus, Lyme, and probably some other things
2008 Dislocated /frozen shoulder – rotator cuff repair
2010 Deep vein thrombosis left leg, hospitalization and finally, diagnosis of Leiden Factor V
2013 Type 2 Diabetes


I may be missing something but I think this covers the relevant oddball things.   

So. Now we have some more evidence of things to look for. She was also tested multiple times for Lupus, which I have seen mentioned on BabyCenter. 

Prepare the gallons of water, because this October I am going to need lots of vials of blood drawn! 

-Emily

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