Hello,
I'm very frustrated with my specialists' treatment of my pregnancy. My Vascular Sugeon and Obstetrician have differing views on what is best for my baby and I. I've been seeing a vascular surgeon because at about 6 weeks I developed a 'spontaneous' DVT in my shoulder. I took clexane 60mg twice a day until the DVT disappeared, around 20 weeks and since then I've been taking 40mg once a day as a precaution to prevent re-clotting during pregnancy. After an ultrasound on my shoulder revealed that they clot was gone, but damage was done to my vein, so that when I 'bear down' or exhale the vein closes and completly blocks off, my Obstetrician stated that it's too risky to push so I'll have to have a c-section. The risk with pushing being that a DVT could form as a result of the delivery (according to Vasc Surgeon). Obst explained that with a c-section there still is some risk with clotting at the wound site or in uterus, but this is apparently less a risk than a DVT forming if I push (and I'm sure there are many medico-legal reasons too). I was initally very upset because I was hoping to have as close to 'nautural' birth as possble, but over the last couple of months have come to terms with this believing that I am doing the best thing for my baby and I.
However, yesterday I visited my Vascular Surgeon and informed him the obs plans of stopping clexane at 36 weeks in case I go into labour early. Reason being the risks associated with bleeding occuring at the site of the epidural. According to my Vasc Surgeon many anesthetists won't do a epidural within 12-24hours of taking clexane (again, medico-legal concerns), but he cannot see the reason for my obst's suggestion of ceasing cleaxane at 36 weeks when my obst has given no indication of any risk of early labour.
I've asked them both before to talk to each other about my treatment and when asking Vasc Surgeon (again) yesterday if he would consult with Obst before my next Obst appointment this Wed he refused stating that I could tell him! I'm paying these specialists a lot of money to take care of my baby and I and they can't even make a simple phone call to each other!!! I'm going back to have another scan on the shoulder at 36weeks to check on the condition of the vein and see if there are any improvements. I am seeing my obs today and will ask him if perhaps I can go on heparin from 36 weeks, as apparently this is less risky than clexane in the case of an epidural needing to be done (which is the way he plans to deliver by c-section).

I would love to hear from anyone who has had/is having a similar experience with delivery and clexane.

I am currently 30weeks, so have 6 more weeks of clexane before being re-assessed after another scan of the vein.