x-post from r/ttcafterloss --- Testing for thick blood

[tdh86]

Thought might be OK to post here, too as this seems to be more active all around.

Can someone tell me what type of test it is that I should request if I want them to check the thickness of my blood?

Last week the Dr said there is a chance that my blood may just be too thick and essentially ends up clotting in the blastocyst or embryo and may be what's caused the mc's. Is this a thing? How do I get it tested? Does this also potentially relate to the MTHFR gene mutation? Seems the bit I can find on the interwebs seems to mention them both?

** Will definitely be talking with the Dr/Nurse more in depth anyways because I see now that my HCG has risen slightly -- was 184.5 on 10/25, 171.4 on 10/27 and now it's 294.7 on 11/3. Fuck troll bodies. I bled and everything. Here I thought we were on our way to the next cycle. :/

 

[ka__f]

@tdh86 Hrmm I don't know how to test for that... But I would suggest taking a baby aspirin daily (this has been proven to help implantation). I hope someone else knows the answer regarding the testing though!

 

[tdh86]

@ka__f He'd mentioned something about aspirin in that conversation, but said don't just start randomly taking it all the time without prior approval, which is fine. I just wish that through that overwhelming conversation I could remember the rest of what he said!!

 

[ka__f]

@tdh86 Oh no! Can you call him or email him for a recap?

 

[tdh86]

@ka__f He gave me a pamphlet to read, that I haven't, yet. There might be some info there.

But that will be on my list of questions to ask!

 

[getwisdom]

@tdh86 Hmm that could be a couple of things. A CBC (complete blood count) can tell you how rich your blood is in red blood cells and platelets, which contribute to your blood’s oxygen carrying capacity and clotting ability respectively. Or a coag panel (PT, PTT, INR), which is a broad spectrum look at clotting. “Thick blood” isn’t a phrase used very frequently by doctors to describe someone’s blood to them, but maybe he was trying to simplify a broader concept.

 

[tdh86]

@getwisdom I think he may have definitely been trying to simplify the explanation.

Thank you for giving me the names of those tests. That way I have something to maybe suggest, or at least know what they're referring to if they mention them!!

 

[heiwa]

@tdh86 I assume she’s referring to clotting issues? I know a fairly common one is antiphospholipid syndrome. I don’t know much more than that. I’m getting worked up for recurrent pregnancy losses in two weeks, hoping I’ll be a bigger help after my appointment.

 

[tdh86]

@heiwa He didn't say specifically a name or anything, but that's what I'm seeing from Dr Google. I will definitely be asking the nurse when she calls with my results later today.

Sucks that this is all so confusing!!!

 

[kamryn]

@tdh86 My doc did three panels, a CBC, one for antiphospholipid syndrome and another that has lupus in the name but isn’t for lupus. It’s usually, from my understanding, a series of blood tests to see a variety of things that could cause a clotting issue. They may also need to be respected in a month or so, one result isn’t enough to be indicative of an issue if it’s past a certain threshold.

 

[tdh86]

@kamryn That's good to know that it may not be a 'one and done' type test! Thank you!!

 

[seraph159]

@tdh86 I am so sorry you are going through this again and sorry to piggyback on the above person's comment but ANA is the one for Lupus. I would also test the ESR and CRP which are tests for inflammation and autoimmune conditions. Make sure if your thyroid levels are okay that the doctor checks for thyroid antibodies. I think there is a repeated loss panel that tests for certain other genes like MTHFR. I hope the doctors help you find out what's going on.

 

[tdh86]

@seraph159 Thank you!

I will bring those tests up!! I am not sure how much they can do at our small, local hospital or how much would have to be referred to a specialist.

I did see what my thyroid levels were, but have no idea what they mean so waiting for the nurse to call me back today to fill me in!

 

[seraph159]

@tdh86 You're welcome.Good luck. I wish you the best. I hope your doctors help you find a solution.

 

[suzanne126]

@tdh86 Your doc may be referring to thrombophilia. My sister had 3 miscarriages and it turns out she has it.

Before I was even TTC she called and told me her doc recommended her siblings be tested as well. Fortunately I don't have it--it's a very simple blood test called Factor V Leiden and one other.

Her treatment is a low-dose aspirin regimen and a special anti-clotting medication if she's going to be traveling/sitting still for a long time.

 

[groypsec]

@tdh86 I have anti-phospholipid syndrome, and the blood test for that is called "lupus anticoagulant". There are other clotting disorders though, biggest one I can think know is factor 5. Maybe start taking a daily aspirin?

 

[tdh86]

@groypsec Thank you!!

I will be discussing with my dr about this test today!