Lupus anticoagulant and pregnancy...

[jensequitur]

When I visited with the MS specialist, I mentioned my odd angioedema - whenever I got an injury to the face (usually either the dog bumping me in the lip, or biting my tongue) and the phlebitis in my leg.  I also talked about the blood clot I had just recovered from.  She went ahead and got a test for lupus anticoagulant, which was positive.

Now, those people who test positive for the lupus anticoagulant don't necessarily have lupus.  I've never had the skin rash, and I don't have problems with my organs (other than the perfectly natural appendix trouble I had.)

I've theorized that the real problem was in switching from Copaxone to Betaseron.  I never had a 'down' period.  I went straight from Copaxone to Betaseron.  During the first week of titrating up, I had the blood clot.  Could the clot and the positive anticoagulant test have been caused by the switch?  

My other theory is a little more complicated (and probably more likely.)  I have a rapid heartrate sometimes when I'm very tired/fatigued.  I was exhausted that weekend, and slept on the couch for much of that day (with my heart hammering) before the clot.  Perhaps my rapid heart rate and immobility were factors.

I just don't know - and I would like to.  Hubby and I have talked about having kids - a little late, but I'm healthy aside from the MS.  But if I actually have lupus, then my chances of a miscarriage go way up.  

[jensequitur]

Thanks, Ren!  That explains a lot.  I knew there was a connection between the lupus anticoagulant and blood clots, but I couldn't figure out whether it was because of the lupus, or something else.

Currently I'm off the warfarin - I just had a doppler earlier this year, and my leg was clear of clots.  My doctor recommended aspirin for me, and he wanted to put me on Plavix.  I resisted, because Plavix is just so dang expensive.  I should pay more attention to my aspirin regimen, too - I rarely remember to take one.  Now that I know, I'm going to make sure I take one every day.

They were supposed to put Plavix on the generic list, but that was in February, and we're still waiting!  Hubby needs it too.

[sllowe]

Rendean is the best!!!

The name itself leads one to believe high for lupus, when indeed it's not lupus, but the clotting. (a hematologist may be in your future)

Ren may have more thoughts too on the angioedema - Dang those skeeters!

I hope it's just a low risk, that you indeed will be able to carry w/no problems Jensy!

[jensequitur]

I should tell you about the angioedema - it's this weird swelling that seems to be an excess of histamine.  It's almost always a mucous membrane, although it's happened in my arm and hand, too.  (Skeeter bite.)