Anyone TTC with multiple health issues? - Antiphosphilipid antibodies?

Hubby and I have decided that despite ideally wanting to wait a little longer, for health reasons we really cannot afford to wait. I have recently found out that my mums antiphosphilipid syndrome (sticky blood – makes it clot) did not rear its ugly head until she was pregnant with me. She therefore was not on any treatment for it and it caused me to be 3 months premmy at 1 pound 10. It almost nearly killed her. The body attacked me!

I was tested a few years ago and I have the antibodies but not the syndrome. This puts me at a high risk of developing the syndrome during pregnancy as well as the risk factor that my mum has it too. It can case pre eclampsia. Mum’s doctor told her that if she had me any older one or both of us would not have made it. She was told she could not have any more children and she wanted a huge family. She had me at 24. I want at least 2 babies 

I do not want to be in the same position and I am at an advantage that I am pre warned about this so my OB will be able to monitor me.

Add to the mix I have Interstitial Cystitis, Vulvodynia and irregular periods / possible lack of ovulation, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

I feel a bit alone in this. Everyone seems to be on the healthy side of normal. Anyone in the same boat as me?

Good grief claire! That's a lot to deal with! Good for you for making the decision not to wait. Do you have an ob/gyn that's got experience with complicated pregnancies? I think that would be important to have. At least you know a bit more what to expect, and there's so much information available easily online compared with our parents day. Have you had FSH bloodwork done? I did mine a few months ago and it came out normal, also purchased some OPK pee strips online to help pinpoint the day exactly. I don't sleep long enough to chart BBT, had a saliva scope but gyn told me they're not all that accurate.

I decided a year and a half ago that I wasn't magically going to start having more energy or feel less sore and painful all the time and figured I best get it over and done with asap, plus I'm advancing well and truly past 30....then had an endometriosis diagnosis and surgery which was supposed to fix me, but 10 months down the road and I'm starting to seriously contemplate assistance.

Good luck!

Hey,

Yes had all blood work done. This has come out normal! My saliva testosterone was really high but serum was normal. They measured all my hormones.

I picked my OB and hospital about 6 months ago and we have been saving like crazy. We weren’t planning on doing this for a few more years though so it has come as a shock and we will have to save more stringently. Concerned about OB as I really would like a non intervention water birth (birthing vaginally will help vulvodynia and c-section reeks havoc with the bladder in people with I). And I know OB’s like to do things their way. The one I have chosen seems to be happy to do what I want though. Typical Antiphospholipid pregnancies only carry to 35weeks.

I really don’t want to start doing OPK and charting bbt if we can help it as I am the obsessive type and I would just stress out too much over it and reduce my chances further. Were just going to have sex a lot I think to start with and try to have fun with it.

Do you know of anything that could theoretically improve the chances of conceiving a boy? We don’t want to pass on these “female” issues any further it has to stop at me! Lucky men, they don’t get any of this crap!

The subject that has been posted there was meant to be the code you have to put in to post! sorry.

Holy jeebus Claire!!

I don't have any help for you I'm sorry, just hugs :hug:

Good on you for trying now. Hope it works out. All the best hun x

I have antiphospholipid syndrome and borderline hypothyroid. I didnt know about it until after Id had my third baby and wanted to TTC my 4th (with 5 miscarriages).

I have carried all my babies past 35wks. My first ended in pre eclampsia induction at 38wks (no pain relief), my second was a pre term labour drama pregnancy that ended in a 37wk induction (no pain relief). My third was textbook ending in a 40wk waterbirth!

So while APS can cause problems its NOT the bottom line! Having a great care provider makes a huge difference.

Good to hear it is not all bad news! So I am assuming you had no treatment for the APS with you first and second pregnancy then? Did you have treatment to control it for your third?

You have given me hope! I just hope to conceive quickish and hope the increase in sex doesn't flare up my vulvodynia which has been managable as of late :D It is great to hear that you were able to have more than one baby also! everyone I have spoken to tell me they were advised to not have any more. I suppose it depends on the severity of the APS though.

Thanks again,

Claire

I think you're referring to the shettles method.
As much as I hate the things I have to deal with being female, I still want a girl. I'll trade with you if I get a boy and you get a girl! (JK!!!!)

If you do want to try for a boy, I'd suggest getting some OPKs to make it easier to use the shettles method, just try once you get the line. Rather than before you get a positive LH surge.

I had no treatment during any of my pregnancies! The specialist I saw in March said it was a miracle I had any kids at all let alone three. Just sheer luck I guess. Most people I know with APS are on clexane from + blood test to somewhere between 32-40 weeks. They usually stop it around 37wks Ive been told because of the clotting issue. It can cause issues with the placenta if you get past first trimester.

As for having a boy, the optimal time to DTD is within 24hrs before/during ovulation. Two of my three boys prove that theory. In the end though, you get what you get.