Factor V Leiden Deficiency - Blood Clotting Condition

Blood clotting is one of worlds leading conditions that in end in death. Please take these tips seriously, it may save your life one day.

This discussion is about "Factor V", there are other "factor" deficiencies with small but different variations. I was diagnosed with Factor V after my 2nd clot when I was around 20 years old. I later found out just last year that my grand-mother's side of the family is prone to this condition which is to be taken very seriously.

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Things You Should Know Concerning Factor V:

- It IS hereditary
- Both parents must have active genes to pass it along to their child
- Children CAN be tested for it (help prevent future clots)
- Clots can happen at any time
- Blood clots can reoccur throughout a lifetime

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Preventative:

Typically, people with Factor V don't get a clot, but many are not so fortunate. If you haven't been told you are at risk and don't take blood thinners, baby-aspirin has been known to help prevent clots and inflamed arteries (TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR PRIOR TO TAKING THEM). Also pay attention to the below list to help prevent future health issues.

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If you HAVE had a clot, measures should be taken to prevent them from happening again:

1) Take recommend blood thinners (don't stop taking them)
2) Wear compression socks to help blood flow
3) Try not to sit still all the time, get up and move around
4) Talk to your doctor about a long plane flight (prevention)
5) Gamer's need to be careful not to sit for long hauls
6) Diet is EXTREMELY important, learn what you can
7) Vitamin K can reverse the effects of certain blood thinners (i.e. Grapefruit)
8) Not all blood thinners are the same, each has different effects to the blood
9) Don't participate in dangerous sports (a blow to the head can be very bad)
10) Regular exercise (not over-doing it... walking, yoga, swimming)
11) Proper stretching after meetings, car rides, etc.
12) Stay current with regular check-ups

NOTE: Once you've had a clot (i.e. Lower leg), your arteries become damaged and bruised. I always compare it to a water hose that was left outside with the water running, a bubble in a weak spot starts to form in a small portion of the hose and water starts to seep out slowly. Arteries and veins are very similar in manner that once a clot has forced blood to pass through, the walls are no longer as strong as they used to be. This can/will create other problems later on for those who have had a clot.

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Signs to watch out for:

- Problems breathing (Go to ER)
- Major swelling in lower limbs (Go to ER)
- Cramping (Go to ER)
- Bruising
- Leg feels like an elastic
- Legs, arms, chest suddenly hurt a lot (Go to ER)
- Dizziness, fainting, can't speak
- Skin imprints when you touch it with your fingers
- Purple legions/spots
- AND MANY MORE (Do your research)

Basically, with Factor V, you are at risk of major damage to your veins and arteries, worse yet, death. See a doctor right away if your body is telling you that something is seriously out of place. Don't ever take chances (i.e. I'll go tomorrow), reacting fast is KEY to preventing further harm to your body and/or dying from a: stroke, pulmonary embolism, DVT and/or clot.

I hope this helps you to understand this rare, but increasingly well known condition.

More info:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/factor-v-leiden/basics/definition/con-20032637
Be safe. Have fun!

Regards,
Martin R. Lemieux
@Martin_Lemieux - Tweet