[Nerd]

Hi all! I'm new here and hope you all can help with information.

I have just been diagnosed with Factor V Leiden (FVL), which I understand is a predisposition to clotting of the blood. I have been taking BCPs for the last 20 yrs. and have just been instructed by my doctor to quit immediately!

I am not familiar with this disorder and most of the information on the web is highly technical so that I'm having a difficult time deciphering the medical jargon.

Are any of you familiar with this disorder? If so, what kind of experience do you have with it? I am not suffering any clots and am rather active (walk 5-7 days a week). Is this something that I need to worry about once I have quit the pills? My doctor's office is closed until next week and I am desperate for information.

Any information is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Nerd Girl

[kslick]

Factor 5

[links not allowed] This link has a great chart showing the risks involved with factor 5 leiden. My twin sister had a major stroke at 52 and was then diagnosed with factor 5. At that time, I was tested for it and discovered that I, too, have it. Two weeks ago, my daughter (26) developed a large blood clod after taking the birth control pill for only 6 weeks. She is being tested now, but we are assuming she also has the disorder. I would recommend not taking any birth control pills at all.

[kslick]

Chart of the Risks of Factor 5 Leiden

Risks of developing DVT or PE:
Group of women Relative risk
(compared to women who do not take oral contraceptives)
Absolute risk:
women who develop a DVT or PE per year (= incidence) (= incidence)

All women of reproductive age 1 out of 12,5000
All women on oral contraceptives 2-6 fold increased 1 out of 3,500
Women with heterozygous prothrombin 20210 mutation
on oral contraceptives
16 fold increased 1 out of 800
Women with heterozygous factor V Leiden on oral contraceptives 20-30 fold increased 1 out of 500
Women with homozygous factor V Leiden on oral contraceptives 50-100 fold increased 1 out of 150

[sassychica]

Factor V Leiden increases your chances for blood clots. So does birth control. So get off those pills girl! There are things you can do, like taking an asprin a day, to help get your blood thinner. But you need to talk to your doctor to find out if that would help or if it's even needed. My husband was diagnosed with this 5 years ago (with APS and a PFO) after having a stroke at 32 years old. There are simple things that you can do to avoid stroke like not using bc and eating healthy.

Take care of yourself.

[AmieeJ]

Factor V Lieden

Hi there, I have Factor V. I developed a DVT during my first pregnancy and threw this clot during labour with my first son. Luckily I got through this and was treated with anticoagulants. I have had 2 subsequent children and have had to have anticoagulant treatment during and after both pregnancies (planned ceasarean births), In addition to having had a small stroke at 24. I have not taken the pill since my son was born but I am keen to get back onto someform of contraception and I've heard that the injection which is progesterone only would be ok. But I'm not sure. I really don't wish to risk another clot or stroke. This time I might not be so lucky. Any advice.