Blood Disorder

**Sprite** · 12-15-2009 07:25 PM

About a year ago now, I was diagnosed with a blood disorder called Factor Five Leiden. This blood disorder is hereditary as my mother has been diagnosed with it as well.

This disorder basically means I have double the chances of anybody else for a blood clot which will most probably occur in my heart, lungs or brain.

I went to see a blood specialist about this and he told me of multiple implications this disorder will have on my life. Some of these include: not being able to drink any alcohol whatsoever, high-risk pregnancies, no smoking, high-risk when under anesthetic and when flying.

Being a 16 year old, my friends are starting to talk about drinking. This is something I do not want to do, even with my condition. I keep explaining to them that I cannot drink, because they often seem to forget. Is it normal that I should feel the odd one out when they say "Oh well, you can just drive us everywhere!"
I don't want to drink and I don't know how I can explain it to them anymore.

I know I shouldn't be thinking this at my age, but I'm also worried about being at high-risk when I fall pregnant later on. It is one of my dreams to have kids, and I will be devastated if I can't have any because of this disorder.

Has anyone had similar complications? If so, please let me know.
Any advice is much appreciated!

**CHANDLERS WISH** · 12-15-2009 07:40 PM

At 16, they aren't allowed to drink and are being rebellious

"Yes Mum" I know.. but to then turn around and make you a designated driver? That's not being a friend really that's using I think...

Simply put, it's your body and your life and if you don't want to drink so be it, you shouldn't even have to explain, to "real friends", it's a matter of choice but so many teenagers don't see "choices" they want to be grown up and do things that make them an Adult... They may very well get themselves into trouble.

I"d start making more friends, some who don't drink and want to go to the Pictures with you, just in-case they out you, which would be a shame...

We all have high risk problems, or something that is heriditory...

When the time comes, more than likely you will have to watch and have things monitored more, and keep the circulation flowing more.

When you meet your man and want to have children, see a specialist with regards to this condition... and let them guide you through it all.

Perhaps even see one in the next 12 months if you can afford to do so, so they can discuss the other aspects as well, such as flying

CW

**WildChild** · 12-15-2009 07:44 PM

It's good that you know about this and what you have to avoid. For right now all those things are better left alone anyway. Sometimes knowing we can't do something bothers us even though we wouldn't do it if we could.

Worrying about the future, such are having children, won't help anything right now and who knows what the situation may be in a few years? There may be new treatment options that change the entire picture.

In the meantime talk to your doc about natural anticlotting agents such as ginger. They may make a healthy difference for you. Why not start educating yourself on some alternatives such as accupuncture rather than anethesia? Then if you need it you will have it.

**Sprite** · 12-15-2009 07:50 PM

I do agree with you that they shouldn't even be talking about alcohol right now. I'm the type of person who wants to focus on my studies and not get mixed up in all of that rubbish.
I do have one best friend who agrees with me, but I'm afraid of her being put under peer pressure and start to do what everyone else is. I have spoken to her about this and she acknowledges that I am worried. She says she won't, but I can't be too sure of that.

I just wish I could find a way to warn my other friends. I want to let them know that by doing what they are doing is not right for their bodies, but I don't think they will listen to me.

**Sprite** · 12-15-2009 07:53 PM

Thanks WildChild,I do like your idea of natural aniclotting agents. I'm starting to eat a lot more chili, which thins the blood out, and is good for the heart.

**Mes T** · 12-15-2009 09:39 PM

IMO, "high risk" is relative. If you take care of yourself, follow doctors' advice as well as helpful tips and tricks others give you, I'm sure you will be completely fine.

Does alcohol make the blood thicken? I didn't know that...

And you're right, it's pretty much fruitless to "warn" friends about alcohol. Besides, for the average person, drinking in moderation is fine if the body repairs itself normally. And if they drink in excess, well, those are lessons that are usually learned the hard way, unfortunately!

**Sprite** · 12-15-2009 09:46 PM

It is very unfortunate, and I think it's quite difficult for people my age to understand that. I sometimes think my friends think they're invincible. They say that I'm always 'too careful', but I don't care, I want to be healthy, and I don't want to cause any unnecessary problems, especially now with my condition.

**heryseshta** · 12-15-2009 10:10 PM

It is possible to find friends who aren't big drinkers. I have quite a few and none of us are heavy drinkers and never have been. I probably drink the most out of my group and I might have a single drink every week and will never get drunk. Just be stubborn with your friends, if they can't accept you for you then they aren't your friends and you should chose a new group. As for having kids, don't worry about that until you are ready, then decide if you really do want to have your own. And then if you want them then get a good doctor. For now just concentrate on school, you have a ways to go before you will need to worry about that.