Question:
Has anyone ever heard of Factor Five Leiden Blood?

A year ago I got a blood clot in my leg, from my groin to my calf. I was diagnosed with Factor Five Leiden Blood. This was explained to me simply by saying this is easily clottable blood. (Thanks dad! He has it too) Anyway, I am considering WLS and have a consult with a surgeon in January. I just wondered if there was anyone out there who has had the surgery that has this rare blood "disease"? Im hoping I will be able to have the surgery after putting in a filter or something. Just wondering if anyone had any info.    — Jaymi B. (posted on December 12, 2001)

December 12, 2001
I have had clots several times and it was found that I have a clotting disorder of "unknown origin." I take coumadin daily and my surgeon referred me to a vascular surgeon to be cleared for surgery. I have to stop my coumadin 5 days before surgery and then take Lovenox (another blood thinner) injections for up to two days before surgery. Post op I will be started back on either a low weight heparin or more Lovenox injections. I've had several surgeries before and this routine has always worked for me. I was offered the opportunity for a greenfield filter but I opted not to. The laying flat part for hours after the placement of the filter would be torture to me. I've had to do it for other diagnostic procedures before and it was no picnic. I'm not against the filters, it's not a bad idea, just isn't what I want for me tho. Good luck to you!
   — Tiffany A.

December 12, 2001
Hi, my father and sister both have this. Mom and I do not. Both my father and sister have or have had blood clots in their legs. My sister is still on cumadin. Dad is going the homeopathic (sp) way (his clot was 32 years ago) and has been doing really well with that. I believe have factor 5 increases your chances of getting clots, so make sure that your surgeon is well aware of this issue. You may also want to seek out the advise and treatment from a hematologist. Good luck to you!
   — heidiinPA

October 2, 2002
My future daughter-in-law was diagnosed with this problem a few months ago when she was admitted for blood clots in the lungs and legs. Presently she is on coumadin and she said that she found out it is an inherited condition. I think she said her father has it also.
   — Diane C.

October 2, 2002
Hi Jaymi, I too have Factor V Leiden Mutation. This means that you either have one or two genes that have been mutated. They don't do what they were intended to do. In my case the blood clots and clots and clots, I don't have the part of the gene that tell the blood to stop clotting and then I don't have the gene that tells the lining in my veins to break down a clot when it is being formed and coursing through the veins, so my blood never gets broken down. I had the surgery on Feb 27th and had to go through a very strict regimen before, during and after surgery. If you would like more details you can e-mail me at any time and I'll get back to you. I also had a bunch of other health problems along with the Factor V. Good luck with your journey!
   — Tracey W.