Note: Last October 4, 2013, I lost my second baby. While I am happy that I have a little angel in heaven, the pain does not really go away. I was talking to a friend the other day about the loss that we feel for a loved one and we agreed that it still does not become easier despite the years.
To celebrate the two months that I have carried my little one, I would like to re-post about APAS and my current condition to hopefully shed some light to those who are suffering from the same disorder. I am lifting these articles from my other blog and decided to centralize all my journey here. There has been an alarmingly increasing number of people who are suffering from repro-immuno disorder. It is a grueling and challenging journey and I hope that you could send a little prayer along our way.
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Being diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APAS) is tasking, both financially and emotionally. Nevertheless, you have to do what you have to do.
In the first quarter of the year, I have undergone a lot of tests to determine which specific syndrome I am suffering from. Having lost two pregnancies, I already transferred to a high-risk obstetrician (perinatologist), Dra. Valerie Guinto who is affiliated with St. Lukes Global, Asian Hospital and PGH.
These were the tests that she required of me --
1. Primary Immunodeficiency Panel
2. Antibody Tests
a. Anti Thyroid Antibody (ATA)
b. Anti-cardiolipin Antibody (ACA)
a. Anti Thyroid Antibody (ATA)
b. Anti-cardiolipin Antibody (ACA)
c. Anti Nuclear Antibody (ANA)
3. DRVVT - is a laboratory test often used for detection of lupus anticoagulant.
4. KCT (Kaolin Clotting Time) Test has often been regarded as the most sensitive test for the detection of circulating anticoagulants. <still looking for the document, hehe>
5. PTT - is a performance indicator detecting abnormalities in blood clotting,[1] it is also used to monitor the treatment effects with heparin, a major anticoagulant.
6.Tests for infection - malarial smear, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis.
All these tests turned out to be negative save my slightly elevated KCT. That means my blood takes longer to clot. This still made me positive for Category 2 though. I was also tested for Category 1 because of my negative tissue crossmatch.
All these things I have only heard when I took the test. It never really dawned on me that it would be hard to get pregnant or have a baby. Dra. Guinto then referred me to an immunologist, Dra. Carol Gloria and she told me to have Dra. Gloria "fix" my immune system first before we start getting pregnant.
I saw Dra. Gloria and she confirmed the results. I was given several medications which I would discuss on my next post.
I just hold on, with the help of my husband and my family & friends. This, together with patience and endurance sprinkled with a lot of faith and prayers.
I cross my fingers now.
P.S. You might wonder why I am getting into these details of the test. This is actually for all those women who suffer from the same syndrome. When I found out about APAS, I got solace from all the blogs as well of the different APAS ladies. I am just paying the favor forward.
