The specialist said that I have a MTHFR Mutation which is a genetic mutation of 2 genes C7667/A2198. What does all that mean? It means I may have hyperhomocysteinteinemia (high blood levels of homocysteine) and low folic acid levels. This can cause problems with clots in the placenta and can be treated with supplements of folic acid early in pregnancy in addition to low dose aspirin and prenatal vitamins. I read on the internet that this mutation is commonly found in women who have experienced 2 or more early pregnancy losses so that may be why I had both miscarriages; however it is not a definite causal relationship. I asked her if I had this when I got pregnant with Kaitlyn and she said that I definitely did because it is genetic. We have always felt like Kaitlyn was a little miracle but little did we know how true that was. I try to remind myself of this when she is driving me to the brink of insanity!
All that sounds fairly simple right? :-)
Well, to complicate things further there was also some abnormalities in my protein C and protein S levels. I had no idea what protein C and protein S do but they are related somehow to a clotting disorder. The Dr. thinks that because both of these were off there is a possibility that the results may have been wrong and wants to repeat this lab work.
So where do I go from here? Well, I am going to go back at the start of my next cycle to have the lab work redone to find out what's going on with the protein C and protein S and then go from there. She also recommended starting Femara next cycle which is a drug that works similar to Clomid to induce ovulation. Then I will take an HCG trigger shot to trigger the follicles to release the egg and will have to take 2 more HCG shots after that to help keep my HCG level up and my progesterone levels up so I don't miscarry. Just to throw another wrench in the system there is a very good possibility that I am going to be out of town on the exact days when I am supposed to have all of this lab work etc. done so if that is the case that means we will have to wait until next month to start the process.
I mean really who knew it could be so complex? My head was spinning when I left her office with all this information but at least now I have some answers and a plan to move forward with.
Did I mention that I have to take someone with me to their office to get trained on how to give me my injections of HCG? They are intramuscular shots so they said it is easier to have someone else give it to you.
I know that all this sounds really complex but I still think I am lucky because there are women who have to go through far worse than what I am about to endure to get pregnant. And I just have to say "Thank God for Pharmaceutical Companies!" because it sounds like without all of these miracle medicines I might have very well never been able to have a child.
Well, I feel like every post needs a picture so here are some pictures of our little miracle in her Cheetah costume for Halloween. Too cute!
