thread: MTHFR Heterozy - what?

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  1. #1
    Random Act of Kindness Recipient
    Add Baby Dreamtime on Facebook

    Jul 2008
    Gold Coast
    692

    Hi Julie,
    OMG, how frustrating, and how dissapointing to have this information there all this time. This is the same genetic issue that I eventually tested postive for, for both mutations of the gene, have you Googled MTHFR?

    From what I understand having this gene mutation means that your body does not absorb folic acid (B9) and B6 and B12 also. It is also supposed to result in high homocystein levels, which is linked to blood clotting. The MTHFR falls under the thrombophilia blood clotting disorder and can lead to/is linked to blood clots, stroke, heart attacks, altzeimers etc

    MODS, I hope it is ok to post this link: MTHFR

    See this para, very interesting: Because of a mother with MTHFR’s inability to efficiently metabolize folic acid and vitamin B9, the disorder has been linked to a variety of pregnancy complications such as chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, and congenital malformations.

    My FS immediately prescribe the following:
    Low dose aspirin (like Cartia - 100mg I think) daily for life, regardless of TTC or not
    Mega folate (5mg) daily for life - you can get this behind the counter at the chemist, it is actually cheaper than buying a 500mcg folate tablet
    Clexane injections to thin the blood - I am on 20 mg/.20ml per day (my FS initially suggested starting from BFP. As I had never achieved before, I pushed for from ET, but still felt that it might have been too late, so my successful cycle I started the night of EPU).

    I did get my homocystein levels checked and they were within normal range, however my FS felt that my ability to get to BFP was still being impacted by this blood clotting issue, hence also prescribing Clexane to thin the blood, ensure sufficient blood flow to the endometrium and embryo etc.

    Oh I hope hope hope this makes all the difference in the world. Just to be Dr BDT, I would be pushing your FS to prescribe you Clexane, to me it was the magic injection that I totally attribute to finally getting a positive.

    I hope this helps some, will be praying with all my might xx

  2. #2
    Random Act of Kindness Recipient
    Add Baby Dreamtime on Facebook

    Jul 2008
    Gold Coast
    692

    Hi, me again I missed BWs reply while posting my own. I did heaps of research on this, and did see on plenty of occassions where women (particulary on the UK and US sites) had only one mutation of the gene, and where homocysteine levels were not elevated, and still their FSs prescribed Clexane to address any potential issues, and where subsequently they had success.

    There are definitely theories both ways.

    My FS also indicated that by testing positive for one thrombophila blood clotting disorder, there was something like a 50-70% chance that you would also test positive for another blood clotting disorder if they had identified all the disorders you can possibly have, if that makes any sense.

    I guess it all comes down to what you FS thinks and how seriously they take this result. In my personal opinion, this is something well worth looking at and address.

    xx

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Dec 2005
    6,706

    BDT, now that I think about it, you may have a point. I didn't have any success getting embryos to stick (they would all try very hard, though!) up until I added aspirin into the mix of things I took.

    A second round of testing revealed that my lupus anticoagulant level was one point below the level where the doctors would consider it to be a problem... But considering I was already taking prednisone (one of the treatments for LAC) the woman I saw for acupuncture really felt that this was actually a problem for me. We couldn't convince a doctor to give me clexane, but baby aspirin is available OTC, so off we went and Sam is the result...

    Not suggesting you do anything of the sort, Buliej, just putting it out there.

    BW

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Aug 2008
    Melbourne
    1,539

    You all are fantastic! I will raise these things with my FS. I hope that my single MTHFR mutation did not have any impact on the health of my eggs, as I could have been on extra folic acid, aspirin and the vitamin B's since April! If this treatment could have improved on my egg quality...I am going to be furious - they should refund all the money I spent on IVF treatments since April. But if it's about becoming and carrying a pregnancy, I did get over the first hurdle and my reasons for miscarrying have been proven to be chromosomal....to date that is.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Apr 2007
    NSW
    775

    Julie, I don't have any advice but just wanted to say that I hope this is the answer for you hun How very average that your clinic missed this just shows how responsible you have to be for your own treatment doesn't it? Certainly we had no success until I got more pushy.

    Also, I think WTH knows a bit about this too - may be worth sending her a PM to see if she has anything to add to the excellent advice you already have

    All the best hun xo

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    Sydney
    1,226

    Julie - I have the same. As your embryos have been implanting I wouldn't worry too much. Basically there is a chance you don't process Folate properly so as the girls said before - just buy the Megafol 5mg as opposed to the .5.
    Yes and next round you will most likely be put on Clexane - but with a lead up of asprin. Asprin stops when clexane starts. Mind you my FS didn't put me on asprin at all - just clexane.
    MTHFR can cause some clotting issues - hence can sometimes hinder implantation. They use the asprin/clexane to ensure smooth uterus and not clotting.
    I know you are upset you weren't told but at least you now know it's really not too serious.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Mar 2008
    mid north coast, nsw
    1,644

    Buliej- just wanted to lend my support to you really, i think it's disgraceful things like that can fall through the cracks!!