Comments on: Congressman demands answers on tainted heparin scandal

By: Denise Byrd

Denise Byrd — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:40:45 +0000

Go to a Hematologist and ask them to run a blood test for Factor 5 Leiden. It is a clotting disorder that occurs in roughly 5 percent of the population. My guess is that is a low figure, because few people have ever heard of it. The numbers would probably increase if Drs. would check more patients who present to them with blood clots. Factor 5 Leiden means your blood has the propensity to “over-clot.” Eating occasional leafy greens, or foods high in Vitamin K promotes the clotting. In my case, I was born with it, but wasn't diagnosed with it until 4 years ago, when I developed a clot in my mesoteric vein (stomach) It doesn't usually show itself until there is a trauma of some kind to the system (mine was actually a car accident 25 years ago, developed a DVT, but didn't know I had it at the time. I, too, will be on Coumadin/Warfarin forever. My daughter has the trait, so she is going to be on Heparin during her pregnancy. Good luck to you and your daughter. Since Factor 5 Leiden is genetic, you may need to be tested too, for future reference: ie., heart attack, etc.

By: Denise Byrd

Denise Byrd — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:32:58 +0000

Is Heparin produced now safe to take? My daughter is pregnant and has to be on Heparin due to having Factor 5 Leiden, a genetic clotting disorder. Should she take something else?

By: gail satahoo

gail satahoo — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:14:19 +0000

my daughter had surgery for a brain anurysm. she was put on heparin before and after surgry after which she developed blood clots and suffered with pulmonary embolisms. she was told that she will be on lifetime use of coumadin. the doctor was unable to confirm the reason for her blood clots. could it have been because of heparin?