← Return to Medications for treatment of Factor V Leiden Homozygous

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Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @susanlea21 You’ve had quite a history with Factor V Leiden. Thank you for sharing your story with the forum. Your experiences with the different treatments, and finally landing on Lovenox for the win, might be helpful for anyone else who is recently diagnosed with this blood condition.

Since you weren’t initially diagnosed with the Factor V Leiden at the time of your pregnancies in the mid-1980s, did you have ongoing issues that led to the discovery in 2004?
Because this is a genetic disease do you remember anyone in your family, mom or dad’s side who may have had similar symptoms?

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Replies to "Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @susanlea21 You’ve had quite a history with Factor V Leiden. Thank..."

I'm excited to be a part of the Factor V Leiden Forum. I do hope my experiences will help someone who may be struggling for answers. I remember my struggles!

Before my pregnancies I remember not being able to take birth control pills. I developed superficial phlebitis on birth control pills and was placed on bed rest to elevate my legs and also use warm compresses. I was in my early 20s and was very confused why this would happen. I tried different birth control pills but always the same results.
I also had a problem with swelling in my legs. I couldn't sit for long periods of time without my ankles swelling. Airplane flights were especially difficult. All of these problems took place while I was in my early 20s.
When I was 49 a blood clot in my left groin area lead me to the ER and an extended stay in the hospital where I was diagnosed with Factor V Leiden (homozygous) Disorder.
Since then there has been a lot to process and learn about the Disorder.

At that point all pieces of the puzzle started falling together.
My Father died at a very young age (54) . He suffered from blood clots and was in and out of the hospital for heparin treatments. After months of tests and different studies he was diagnosed with lung cancer. At that time FVLD was not heard of or at least not mentioned to us.

I understand I have 2 genes, one from my Mother and one from my Father. I have 2 siblings. They only carry one gene and have never had any issues with blood clots.

Lovenox Injections have been the answer for me.
I'll be glad to answer any other questions if it helps someone.
Thank You for your time.