Now on to more things

Now that I have introduced myself and explained what Factor V Leiden is in abbreviated form I think I will move on to how to live with Factor V Leiden. The thing about living with Factor V Leiden is you have to live. Don't give up on the things you love to do yes there is some risk involved, but inactivity creates even greater risk. I will share some personal examples of that statement in future posts. 

The most important thing is that you know your body you know your limits you know that your body is letting you know what it can and cannot do. Your doctor cannot do that for you. The best a doctor can do is give advice based on their knowledge of the human body. Your body tells you what you need, you only need to listen to it. That doesn't mean you ignore your doctor you just need to listen to what your body is saying too.

Nature's Sleep Vitex2 Memory Foam Pillows

Nature's Sleep Contour Visco Memory Foam Pillow  

Nature's Sleep Vitex2 Memory Foam Queen Pillow 

What is Factor V Leiden?

So I am off to a slow start, but I would like to give a brief overview of what Factor V Leiden is.

Factor V Leiden is an inherited blood clotting disorder that affects roughly 5% of people with European ancestry. The mutation is located in the F5 gene. This gene provides instruction for the creation of a protein called coagulation factor V. This protein plays a role in the forming of blood clots in response to injuries. Another protein called activated protein C or APC for short acts to slow down the clotting process so clots don't get too big. People with Factor V Leiden the clotting cannot be stopped causing clotting to last longer, which increases the possibility of large clots.

The chances of getting a blood clot depends on if a person has one or two copies of the mutated gene. Having one copy the risk increases 3 to 8 out of 1,000. Having two copies the risk increases to as high as 80 in 1,000. These two forms are called heterozygous or homozygous forms.

So here is a brief description of what Factor V Leiden is. I will share personal experiences and lesson I have learned. I will also share facts and guidance I find in my research as well where permitted.

I got much of my information from the Genetics Home Reference web site: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov

Other good information sources are:

Web MD
Mayo Clinic
Factor V Leiden.org

These are not a substitute for speaking with a doctor. Family practitioners are great help they are however, generalists and have to deal with a multitude of patients with many different conditions and ailments. They can help with your immediate needs be it treatment for clots or monitoring your pro-time. But to get a more complete understanding of Factor V Leiden seek out a specialist to educate you.

I rely heavily on my family doctor for most of my needs. It was through his encouragement that I sought out a specialist to give me a more complete diagnosis and education on Factor V Leiden and that's where I learned that I only have one copy of the gene mutation. So talk to your doctor!! Never rely on the internet for diagnosis and treatment.

If you have more you would like to add feel free to do so in the comments.



Adventure Medical Kits SOL Original Survival Tool - OrangeAdventure Medical Kits SOL Original Survival Tool - Orange


Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pack with Quick ClotSponge - BlackAdventure Medical Kits SOL Escape Bivvy - Orange

Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pack with Quick ClotSponge

Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak

First Post

I was diagnosed with Factor V Leiden in 2001. I was diagnosed with the Heterozygous form of the mutation. The diagnosis came because I was suffering from a second blood clot within 4 years. I had gotten some information about a member of my extended family being diagnosed. So I asked my doctor to be tested for Factor V Leiden. At the time little was known about the condition only that the best treatment was blood thinner therapy for life. So for the last 11 years I have been taking blood thinners. During that time I have been using the same dosage.

Introduction

Hello I would like to introduce myself. My name is Leland Boekweg. I was diagnosed with Factor V Leiden 11 years ago when a blood clot was running the length of my left leg. I was 21 and that was the second time I had blood clots. I am the father of 3 children of which only one tested positive for Factor V Leiden. I recently had a scare that could have cost me a great deal. So I decided to start a blog and a community where people can share their stories and advice. I invite those with Factor V Leiden and medical professionals to join in the conversation. I will be posting facts and stories on this blog. Feel free to share your own stories and the things you have learned.