Jim's blood tests came back this week and it wasn't the news we were hoping for. I really wasn't sure exactly what factor 5 was so I looked it up. Here is what I found:
Factor V Leiden is not a disease, it is the presence of a particular gene that is passed on from your parents.
"Factor V Leiden is a variant of the protein Factor V which is needed for blood clotting. People who have a Factor V deficiency are more likely to bleed badly while people with Factor V Leiden have blood that has an increased tendency to clot.
People carrying the Factor V Leiden gene have a five times greater risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis) than the rest of the population. Although, only 10 percent of the individuals with the Factor V Leiden mutation ever develop abnormal clots. "
Here is what one does to avoid these blood clots:
* Avoid standing or sitting in the same position for long periods of time.
* When traveling long distances it is important to exercise regularly - the blood must not "stand still"
*Being overweight is a risk for blood clots.
* and take blood thinners
Although, this was not the news we were hoping for, I am very grateful they caught things on time, and that there are new drugs that help our bodies perform the way they should.
1 comment:
your right, at least they caught this and he knows what he needs to do to prevent them. Sorry he has to go though this, he better get a bike so he can go riding with you.
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