Miscarriage and Stillbirth Forum - Miscarriage - Ana Positive / Antiphospholipid Antibodies

In 1999 I delivered a perfect baby, not without complications however. I had both gestational diabetes and toxemia. Both were caught early on, and I followed a strict diet. The outcome was a beautiful daugher, lexi.

When my daughter got to be about two my husband and I started to consider adding to the family. It didn't work naturally for a while, so we started doing the calendar marking and the "honey on duty nights". After a few months I got a positive pregnancy test. We were ecstatic to say the least. I joked terribly to my husband about his annual hunt outing--the baby was due opening day of deer season! A month later I started spotting a little bit. My doctor got me in for an ultra sound immediately, my husband and I didn't get the news we were hoping for, the baby had died at 8 weeks.

At the time I was assured by everyone, "things happen for a reason", "it's nature's way of telling you...". I think I heard every condolence a person could muster. I agreed and chalked it up to bad timing. We continued trying, knowing that next time would be okay...

I got pregnant about 10 months later. I went through two doctor's apt. I constantly had nightmares about losing the baby. I mentally put myself through anguish before I got the horrible news. I didn't even know there was a problem, but at 12 weeks along I was informed at my ultra sound... It's heart had just stopped beating.

My husband and I put the "trying" to conceive thing behind us. Our oops had turned out great, perfect infact. I dont' think I could ask for a better child, or more adorable.

On father's day this year I was suprised to find out that I was expecting, again. Something about this time seemed to have "good karma". I don't generally believe in that sort of stuff, but things were just a little bit different. My doctor after having done several tests after my third miscarriage, found that the I have a "syndrome". Little is known about it. Infact in 20 years of practice, my ob/gyn has come across one patient that has both of what I have, positive ana and antiphospholipid antibodies. The combination is quite unusual and I was turned over to see a rheumatologist as well. This time they put me on a baby asparin per day along with hormone suppositories and then heparin injections to try and stop my "clotting problem" or "sticky blood" as it is sometimes called.

I had an ultra sound on july 6 and got to see my "lil bean" just floating around in there. I heard a strong heartbeat and I was reassured.

About two weeks later I started bleeding at home, then cramps came. I called my doctor and she summed it up to the heparin injections I was taking. I put my feet up and waited for my ultra sound the next day. My husband kept begging me to be optimistic, but that night I knew I was losing another baby. I was informed such the following day. I think I was mentally prepared this time, in the beginning. It is so hard not to get excited, my first pregnancy was fine. Why is this happening now. I am trying so hard to be strong, but mentally I think i"m ready to break down. My husband is taking this one harder than before. We have lost 4 babies now that were so desperately wanted.

I am hoping there is somone out there with similar circumstances. I know many women go on to have healthy babies after miscarriage, this is not my concern. I am wondering about this "antiphospholipid syndrome" with the pos. Ana. I am told this could be detrimental to my health to keep trying. I also have some questions about the use of heparin prior to conceiving v's taking after a positive test.

I know this is a long post, but please someone respond, I am in search of some serious answers.
Sincerely,
lisa