Anyone with heparin/lovenox experience?

[kohlby]

I just found out that I tested positive for another clotting gene so I have to go on heparin. I just tested positive for MTHFR, though just hetero so it's not a risk on it's own but is combined with the FVL mutation that I have).

I go to the hospital to learn how to do the shots in a couple days. I think the shots will be in my abdomen and once or twice a day.

Any hints to make the shots hurt less? Did you have a lot more monitoring if you were on heparin/lovenox while pregnant? Did this alone push for an earlier eviction? (I'm high risk for other reasons so they were already talking about a repeat c-section at 38/39 weeks before this).

And what about the vitamin K shot for the newborn? Originally I was thinking it would be best to skip it due to the FVL. But then I got to thinking that the daily baby aspirin I'm taking could have a thinning effect on the baby's blood. I realize heparin/lovenox doesn't pass to the baby. But I also have to take coumadin for the 6 weeks post partum. And though it says it doesn't pass into breastmilk, I've also read that it's still a good idea to have the vitamin K shot just in case if you're on blood thinners.

[Sputterduck]

I'm sorry kohlby. That's scary. I'd be really afraid to give birth while on a blood thinner. Perhaps they will wean you off a bit before the birth.

My aunt is on blood thinners for the rest of her life and so was my grandpa. I wish I knew more about them. They needed the drugs or they'd die.

I'm not all for the vit K shot, but I think I would be in your case.

[madelsmama]

Heparin and lovenox have short half-lives (1.5hrs and 4.5hrs, respectively). So, if a c-section is planned, the preceeding dose can be held. On occasion, I have also sent patients to surgery with doses of both drugs in their systems.

I have not been on either drug during pregnancy, but took fragmin, another low-molecular weight heparin, in the belly for a few days after surgery. I also frequently administer lovenox as a nurse.

As a recipient, inserting the needle briskly causes less discomfort, in fact, practically none. My patients usually tell me the same, but some prefer to do it more slowly. You will easily discover which you prefer. In general, sq injections in the belly are usually more tolerable than giving them in the arms or upper legs (lovenox must be given in the belly). The medication, if it's lovenox, usually has a delayed stinging effect that's brief.

Did you do insulin for your GD previously?

[kohlby]

Did you do insulin for your GD previously?

I wasn't diagnosed with GD previously. Due to my insulin resistance causing reactive hypoglycemia, the OB thinks that I had GD but it didn't show up on the three hour GTT in any of my pregnancies. My 11+ lb daughter having the chest pudge at birth and low blood sugar supports that I likely had it. My fasting insulin level when not pg was 38 when it was supposed to be 18 or lower. I've been on a diabetic diet since January and will be for the rest of my life. I'm at very high risk to develop regular type II diabetes, as well as GD. My insulin levels are screwy - my body still makes it but it's not good at regulating how much to make.

I'd be really afraid to give birth while on a blood thinner.
My dr prefers hepain to lovenox partially because you can give birth so close to the time that you use it. I will be needing a repeat c-section and went into labor at 41 weeks and forced labor at 42 weeks with my other kids. So I'm not concerned about going into labor ahead of time! Plus, my labors were long and drawn out with super slow dilation.