May 31, 2013

Vasculitis Awareness Month - 5 Day Countdown - Day 1 - Vasculitis Sample Pack from VasculitisFoundation.org

A few weeks back, even thought I didn't live in the U.S., I wanted to see if I too could get a free information package by mail. To my surprise, it only took a little over a week and presto, a very detailed information package about Vasculitis and also about the wonderful foundation supporting Vasculitis awareness across the globe.

My sincere thanks to the team athttp://www.VasculitisFoundation.org/ ! ! !





FB Cause: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Blood-Revolution/444146745678515

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Vasculitis Awareness Month - 5 Day Countdown - Day 2 - Treatments for Healing Vasculitis & Vasculopathy



Vasculitis vs. Vasculopathy: "Vasculitis occurs when inflammation in the blood vessel wall leads to its destruction and Vasculopathy when a thrombus forms in the arterial lumen and compromises blood flow. The difference is subtle but important to distinguish since there are divergent diagnoses and treatments for Vasculitis and Vasculopathy." Source: Cutis.com

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Vasculitis Treatment:

Steroids: Treated with doses of a corticosteroid drugs including; Prednisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol).

Immune System: If steroids aren't effective, especially in severe cases, they may need treatment with cytotoxic drugs that kill immune system cells responsible for causing inflammation.

Healing Time: 23 months > 21 Years

Cure: Unknown

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Vasculopathy Treatment:

Since most people have never heard of "Livedoid Vasculitis" aka "Livedoid Vasculopathy", I felt it necessary to dedicate a better part of this article on this rare unknown disease.

Livedoid Vasculopaty, or Livedoid Vasculitis, is a painful ulcerative condition of the lower extremities which characteristic clinical and histopathologic features. The lesions of atrophie blanche, a term once synonymous with the disease, are typically present on the lower extremities and are characterized by smooth, porcelain-white lesions surrounded by punctate telangiectasia and hyperpigmentation. Shallow central ulceration's is often present. The condition is difficult to treat and sometimes immune to therapy.

Let's take a look at these 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line treatments a little closely.

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FIRST LINE THERAPIES:

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• Wound Care (including bed rest and leg elevation)
• Aspirin
• Dipyridamole
• Pentoxifyline

Wound Care: Regular wound care using wraps, compression fittings, keeping the wound warm and moist to allow the healing process to be uninterrupted. Something most people aren't aware of, have you ever heard anyone say "Put some air on that wound to heal faster?"

Bzzzt wrong answer. Air only increases the edges to heal quickly to prevent infection and bacteria from taking over, this is why most people who don't attend to their wounds properly, and let air get to them, are left with a nasty scar tissue. The scar tissue is created from the body correcting itself too quickly.

I will soon spawn an entire multiple-part series on wound care shortly after Vasculitis Awareness Month.

Aspirin: This only helps if you don't have a blood disorder and you aren't already on some form of blood therapy involving anti-coagulants.

Dipyridamole: Prevents blood clots in valves, prevents patelets from sticking together. (Drug interactions: Warfarin / Heparin)

Pentoxifylline: Treats chronic circulation disorders of the arms and legs. Allow futher distance to be walked before leg cramp occurs. (Drug interactions: Warfarin / Heparin)

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SECOND LINE THERAPIES:

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• Danazol
• Warfarin
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

Danazol: Treat endometriosis (fibrocystic breast disease)

Warfarin: Anti-coagulant to prevent blood clotting or the act of breaking down clots already lodged within the circulatory system. If you have a blood disorder, chances are you're already on blood thinners which may not have any affect.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy: Increases oxygen count within blood flow for increased healing. Oxygen is what actually heals, not just the blood. 8/10 Patients heals completely from the Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy, some patients relapse afterwards.

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THIRD LINE THERAPIES:

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• Low molecular weight heparin (injections)
• Fluindione (vitamin K antagonist)
• Intravenous immunoglobin (IVIG)
• tPA
• ILoprost
• Sulfapyridine
• Ketanserin
• PUVA

ILProst: Ventavis (iloprost) inhalation solution increases hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Sulfapyridine: A sulfonamide used as an oral suppressant for dermatitis herpetiformis (Duhring's Disease), a skin problem. (Side Effects: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, lack of G6PD Enzyme)

Ketanserin: Effective in lowering blood pressure in essential hypertension. It also inhibits platelet aggregation.

PUVA: Prevent rapidly multiplying skin cells through an oral drug and ultraviolet light exposure.

Stanozolol: Steriods, same effects as Prednisone.

Nifedipine: Group of drugs (calcium channel blockers) that relaxes the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. (SIDE EFFECTS: Interacts with; Warfarin & Heparin)

In Conclusion:


Vasculitis and/or Vasculopathy has NO known cure. There are therapies which seem to suppress the symptoms, and in some cases, heal external wounds. Patients suffering from Vasculitis have had symptoms from 23 months to 21 years. This rare disease is something that may never go away.

Advances in science and medicine might improve over the years and hopefully for people like me, who still have many years of life to look forward to, a cure might be around the corner.

Do yourself and your; friends, family members and colleagues a favor, SHARE this post on your timeline. Also, click on the "LIKE" button within each Vasculitis group to get notifications and news from each one.

I hope this helps you to better understand what some of us are trying as therapies, even though we understand that in the end, there is no cure.

Vasculitis Awareness Month - 5 Day Countdown:
  1. Day 1 - Vasculitis Sample Pack from VasculitisFoundation.org:
  2. Day 2 - Treatments for Healing Vasculitis & Vasculopathy:
  3. Day 3 - Vasculitis Support Groups Online:
  4. Day 4 - Vascular Sub-Types:
  5. Day 5 - Vascular Disorders & Diseases:

Sincerely,
Martin R. Lemieux

@CanadaBloodClot 
@Martin_Lemieux
@Blood_Disorder (#TheBloodRevolution)

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/BloodDisorderNetwork
FB Cause: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Blood-Revolution/444146745678515

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May 29, 2013

Vasculitis Awareness Month - 5 Day Countdown - Day 3 - Vasculitis Support Groups Online

Here is a detailed list of support groups around the globe on the subject of Vasculitis and blood disorders. Many Facebook groups are also listed near the bottom. 

I hope you can gain the knowledge necessary to help with your; diagnosis, recovery, and support through this rare but deadly disorder.

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Vasculitis.ca:

"Vasculitis Foundation Canada mission is to encourage and support research efforts for the cause and cure for all forms of Vasculitis. To establish rapport with all known Vasculitis patients and try to alleviate the isolation of having an uncommon, life-threatening disease. We want to assist Vasculitis patients and their families with clinical information and coping strategies, to help them develop a strong and positive outlook."

http://www.vasculitis.ca/

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Vasculitis Foundation.org:

"The Vasculitis Foundation is the international organization for patients with Vasculitis, their families, friends and the health care professionals who care for them. The Vasculitis Foundation advocates for early diagnosis and leading edge treatment for all patients, no matter where they live. In addition, the Vasculitis Foundation partners with researchers around the world to determine the cause and discover the cure for Vasculitis."

http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/

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Drugs.com Vasculitis Group:

A personalized support group on Vasculitis created by one of the members of Drugs.com. Post your questions and read more information.

http://www.drugs.com/answers/support-group/vasculitis/

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Inspire.com - Vasculitis Support Groups:

"Inspire was created with the belief that patients and caregivers need a safe and secure place to support and connect with one another. We strive to be ethical and transparent, and we never forget that our community is built upon the trust of our members. We place the utmost value on this trust, and maintaining it is our highest priority."

http://www.inspire.com/conditions/vasculitis/

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Vasculitis.org.uk - Local Support Groups:

"Everything is to be found here about Vasculitis UK, the charity: our aims, goals and objectives, the history, the people who run it, our finances, how you can join and how you can support and be involved in running Vasculitis UK. There is a section here on fundraising and on setting up a local Vasculitis support group."

http://www.vasculitis.org.uk/about/find-a-local-group

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American Behcet’s Disease Association:

"The American Behcet's Disease Association works toward the following goals: Providing information and support for patients with Behcet's Disease and for their family members and caretakers. Providing current and pertinent educational information to the medical community. Decreasing isolation and stress from the lives of people with Behcet's Disease and their family members."

http://www.behcets.com/

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Churg Strauss Syndrome Association:

"The Churg Strauss Syndrome Association is dedicated to the identification, treatment and cure of Churg Strauss Syndrome. The CSSA is operated and supported by volunteer efforts and is a network of patients, friends, and medical professionals."

http://www.cssassociation.org/

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Central Nervous System Vasculitis:

"The Central Nervous System Vasculitis Foundation provides information and support to patients, families and the medical community about the rarity of CNSV; it’s devastating impact on lives; diagnosis and treatment in order to improve overall quality of life, affect more positive patient outcomes, to develop effective medical treatments, and to assist in discovering a cure through scientific research."

http://cnsv.memberlodge.org/

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Giant Cell Arteritis & Polymyalgia Rheumatica:

"Listening - the primary purpose of our group is to listen to how the sufferers and/or carers are coping with these conditions. The Group finds this very helpful. The most common comment we hear at the group is, 'Nobody told me that'. If there is time we then discuss a topic related to our conditions, chosen by the members of the group."

http://www.pmrandgca.org.uk/

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Kawasaki Disease Canada:

"To promote the awareness of Kawasaki Disease among the medical community, childcare providers, and the general public, that is critical to early diagnosis and treatment"

http://www.kdcanada.ca/

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Bruce’s WG & Vasculitis Site:

"To assist Vasculitis patients in getting early diagnoses, effective treatments, and to advise of patient, organization, and scientific resources concerning Vasculitis."

http://www.wegenersgranulomatosis.net/

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Churg Association:

"The Churg Strauss Syndrome Association was founded in June, 2004 by two patients, Jane Dion (right) and Dr. Carol Kavanaugh (left). Its original purpose was to gain representation on the Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium which had recently received more than six million dollars in funding for Vasculitis research."

http://www.cssassociation.org/

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Vasculitis Support NZ:

"Our aim is to provide useful information that is easy to follow for patients, family and friends regarding Vasculitis and how it is treated within New Zealand."

http://www.vasculitis.org.nz/

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FACEBOOK - Blood Disorder Network:

"A group created by a patient, Martin R. Lemieux who's years of experience is put to good use to help build awareness and support for members suffering from blood disorders, included but not limited to; Vasculitis."

http://www.facebook.com/BloodDisorderNetwork

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FACEBOOK - Vasculitis: More Common Than You Think. More Serious Than You Know.

"This group is to help spread awareness for vasculitis. This is a place where people can post their ideas about how to help raise awareness and stories that feature vasculitis. Our goal is to help patients help themselves and gain more "buzz" for these diseases which will lead to more research and hopefully, a cure."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/332547823431093/

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FACEBOOK - Vasculitis Foundation Canada / Fondation vasculites Canada

"Our mission is to support research efforts for the cause and cure for all forms of Vasculitis. To provide information and care to patients and families."

http://www.facebook.com/Vasc.Canada

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FACEBOOK - Society for Inherited And Severe Blood Disorders (T'dad & T'go Ltd)

"An awareness group for persons interested and living with inherited blood disorders"

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Society-for-Inherited-And-Severe-Blood-Disorders-Tdad-Tgo-Ltd/227781600567823

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FACEBOOK - The Blood Revolution

"A worldwide organization spreading the word about the affects of Blood Disorders."

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Blood-Revolution/444146745678515

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FACEBOOK - Vasculitis Foundation

"Awareness. Support. Research."

http://www.facebook.com/VasculitisFoundation

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FACEBOOK - Violin for Vasculitis

"Visiting 50 states to raise awareness of vascular disease."

http://www.facebook.com/violin4vasculitis

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FACEBOOK - Not all Disabilities are Visible

"Not all disabilities are visible - it doesn't mean they're not real."

http://www.facebook.com/Not.alldisabilities.are.visible.spoons

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FACEBOOK - Foundation for Women & Girls with Blood Disorders

"The Foundation for Women & Girls with Blood Disorders seeks to ensure that all women and adolescent girls with blood disorders are correctly diagnosed and optimally treated and managed at every life stage. The Foundation works to achieve this goal."

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Foundation-for-Women-Girls-with-Blood-Disorders/219812841425285

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FACEBOOK - Vascular Disease Foundation

"The Vascular Disease Foundation is committed to reducing death and disability for the over 40 million Americans affected by vascular disease."

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vascular-Disease-Foundation/133262650017312

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FACEBOOK - A Rabbit Stuck in a Turtles Shell (Book)

"I've written this book in the hopes to educate, or foster if you will, a guide and insights into the world of the health industry from a chronic illness perspective."

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Rabbit-Stuck-in-a-Turtles-Shell/554268961262924

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If you are aware of more Vasculitis support groups, please feel free to post a comment below. I hope this helps everyone to gain the answers they are looking for.


Vasculitis Awareness Month - 5 Day Countdown:

  1. Day 1 - Vasculitis Sample Pack from VasculitisFoundation.org:
  2. Day 2 - Treatments for Healing Vasculitis & Vasculopathy:
  3. Day 3 - Vasculitis Support Groups Online:
  4. Day 4 - Vascular Sub-Types:
  5. Day 5 - Vascular Disorders & Diseases:

Sincerely,
Martin R. Lemieux

@CanadaBloodClot 
@Martin_Lemieux
@Blood_Disorder (#TheBloodRevolution)

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/BloodDisorderNetwork
FB Cause: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Blood-Revolution/444146745678515
..

May 28, 2013

Vasculitis Awareness Month - 5 Day Countdown - Day 4 - Vascular Sub-Types:

There are many sub-types associated with Vasculitis. Unfortunately, Vasculitis is very uncommon and data that supports it is also small in comparison to other disorders known to mankind. Below are some known sub-types that are associated to Vasculitis.

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Subtypes of small-vessel vasculitis include:

• Henoch-Schönlein purpura
• Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy
• Urticarial vasculitis
• Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
• Erythema elevatum diutinum

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Giant Cell Types include:

• Foreign-body giant cell
• Langhans giant cell
• Touton giant cells
• Giant cell arteritis

________________________________

Diseases characterized by Granulomas:

• Tuberculosis
• Leprosy
• Schistosomiasis
• Histoplasmosis
• Cryptococcosis
• Cat-scratch disease
• Sarcoidosis
• Crohn's disease
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Pneumocystis pneumonia
• Aspiration pneumonia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Granuloma annulare
• Granuloma faciale

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Rheumatoid Vasculitis Types:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Back pain
• Bursitis/Tendinitis
• Capsulitis
• Neck pain
• Osteoarthritis

Other rheumatic diseases which are caused by autoimmunity include:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Juvenile arthritis
• Sjögren syndrome
• Scleroderma
• Polymyositis
• Behçet's disease
• Reiter's syndrome
• Psoriatic arthritis


Vasculitis Awareness Month - 5 Day Countdown:

  1. Day 1 - Vasculitis Sample Pack from VasculitisFoundation.org:
  2. Day 2 - Treatments for Healing Vasculitis & Vasculopathy:
  3. Day 3 - Vasculitis Support Groups Online:
  4. Day 4 - Vascular Sub-Types:
  5. Day 5 - Vascular Disorders & Diseases:

Sincerely,
Martin R. Lemieux

@CanadaBloodClot 
@Martin_Lemieux
@Blood_Disorder (#TheBloodRevolution)

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/BloodDisorderNetwork


May 27, 2013

Vasculitis Awareness Month - 5 Day Countdown - Day 5 - Vascular Disorders & Diseases:

Causes:

"There are many causes of vascular problems. They can be classified into 5 groups: traumatic, compressive, occlusive, tumors/malformations and vasospastic (spasm of the artery, which reduces its diameter and thus its blood flow). Vascular problems may occur more commonly in individuals with certain diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or kidney failure, or in dialysis patients. Occupational exposure (vibrating tools, cold) can be a factor, and smoking also can aggravate and cause vascular disease." Source: assh.org

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Symptoms:

• Chronic pain
• Color changes in the fingertips
• Ulcers which do not heal
• Cold intolerance
• Numbness or tingling of the fingertips
• Local areas of swelling around the vessels

Source: assh.org

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Types:

• Aneurysm
• Behcet’s Disease
• Blood Clotting Disorders
• Buerger’s Disease
• Churg–Strauss Syndrome
• Cryoglobulinemia
• Giant Cell Arteritis
• Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
• Histiocytes, eosinophils
• Kawasaki disease
• Renal (Kidney) Artery Disease
• Raynaud's Phenomenon
• Livedoid Vasculitis
• Lymphedema
• Microscopic Polyangiitis
• Neutrophils, fibrinoid necrosis
• Peripheral Venous Disease
• Polyarteritis Nodosa
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Rheumatoid Vasculitis
• Takayasu’s Arteritis
• Varicose Veins
• Wegener’s Granulomatosis

Vasculitis Awareness Month - 5 Day Countdown:
  1. Day 1 - Vasculitis Sample Pack from VasculitisFoundation.org:
  2. Day 2 - Treatments for Healing Vasculitis & Vasculopathy:
  3. Day 3 - Vasculitis Support Groups Online:
  4. Day 4 - Vascular Sub-Types:
  5. Day 5 - Vascular Disorders & Diseases:

Sincerely,
Martin R. Lemieux

@CanadaBloodClot 
@Martin_Lemieux
@Blood_Disorder (#TheBloodRevolution)

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/BloodDisorderNetwork

May 26, 2013

Miscarriages & Maternal Death - Dangers of Pregnancy on Coumadin, what to do!!!

At the request of one my members from the Blood Disorder Network, I've decided to write a very important article about the dangers Coumadin poses in pregnancies, especially since blood complications are the #1 leading reasons for miscarriages and deaths to expecting mothers and their unborn babies.

As quoted by the FDA: "COUMADIN may cause birth defects, miscarriage, or death of your unborn baby." This is a serious warning for pregnant women who are on Coumadin while pregnant.

Here's a PDF document posted by the FDA:
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/drugsafety/ucm088578.pdf

____________________

So What Are My Options?

From my research, doctors who are aware of the effects of Coumadin, and who are aware of their patients’ potential blood disorders, usually administer "Lovenox" injections to their patients for the 1st 36 weeks of their pregnancy, then start their patients on Heparin injections for the remainder of the term.

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What is Lovenox?

"LOVENOX® must be used with care in patients who have any of the following: problems with clotting, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a recent ulcer, impaired vision due to diabetes, kidney problems, and excessive bleeding. Pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic (artificial) heart valves may be at higher risk for blood clots. These patients who are treated with LOVENOX® must be carefully monitored by their doctor." Source: Lovenox.com

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What are Heparin Injections?

"Heparin is used to prevent blood clots from forming in people who have certain medical conditions or who are undergoing certain medical procedures that increase the chance that clots will form. Heparin is also used to stop the growth of clots that have already formed in the blood vessels, but it cannot be used to decrease the size of clots that have already formed." Source: NLM.NIH.GOV (U.S. National Library of Medicine)

______________________________________________

Why is Heparin Injections Administered after 36 Weeks?

Heparin is administered to help an expecting mother to have a normal recovery process, by preventing any blood clots from forming or causing serious problems after delivery.

Many pregnant mothers, who have a blood disorder (also for some who don't), are intentionally induced and their water is broken after 36 weeks to ensure a safe pregnancy (This is after taking Lovenox within the 1st 36 weeks). The Heparin has been administered to ensure no clots are formed, or blood related complications become a threat during the labor, or postpartum period. These steps are sometimes crucial to help the mother of an expecting child to have a full, healthy recovery.

_____________________________________

What if My Specialists Don't Agree with Me?

This is an all too familiar case when it comes to wanting answers or trying to get doctors to listen. In some cases, when you're faced with dealing with only one team of specialists, sometimes due to your location, the key is to seek out other professionals to help you.

With pregnancies, there are other specialists that can help with your case, and to help fight for you. One of the most important specialist within your arsenal are called an: Obstetrician a.k.a. OB/GYN practitioner!

Obstetricians: "Is the medical specialty dealing with the care of all women's reproductive tracts and their children during pregnancy (prenatal period), childbirth and the postnatal period. Many obstetricians are also gynecologists, meaning they perform in both specialties. In the United States, these physicians are commonly referred to as OB/GYNs." Source: Wikipedia.org

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What are the Dangers with Pregnancies and Blood Clotting?

For more information about the dangers of pregnancies and blood clotting, please see my previous article here:

https://www.facebook.com/BloodDisorderNetwork/posts/370001399783853

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Maternal Death Statistics:

Remember, blood related issues are the #1 cause of miscarriages and death of expecting mothers and their babies. This is NOT to be taken lightly.

As stated by the WHO in its 2005 World Health Report "Make Every Mother and Child Count", the major causes of maternal deaths are: severe bleeding/hemorrhage (25%), infections (13%), unsafe abortions (13%), eclampsia (12%), obstructed labour (8%), other direct causes (8%), and indirect causes (20%). Indirect causes are malaria, anaemia,[3] HIV/AIDS, and cardiovascular disease, all of which may complicate pregnancy or be aggravated by it." Source: Wikipedia.org

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Help Support Blood Disorder Network:

I hope you find this article useful and informative! Please don't forget to "LIKE" & "SHARE" this article on your own timeline, you might help a friend or family member from a disastrous pregnancy. Click on the "Share" button at the bottom of this article.


Sincerely,
Martin R. Lemieux

@CanadaBloodClot 
@Martin_Lemieux
@Blood_Disorder (#TheBloodRevolution)

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/BloodDisorderNetwork

May 23, 2013

Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy - Dealing with a Long Weekend:

Last Tuesday was especially hard to go to my hyperbaric therapy session. I wasn't able to make my session on Friday, so it's been since last Thursday that my system got it's needed oxygen dose.

Due to the long stretch, especially since this weekend was a long weekend, I've definitely noticed some impact on the quality of life.

1) Inflammation:

My legs, not having changed my compression wraps for so long had reverted back to swelling with increased pain. The swelling is hardest to deal with when you consider; socks increase swelling, the edge of wounds are stretched, walking becomes harder, and shoes are a no go.

2) Pain Management:

When dealing with open wounds around your ankles, the swelling and pain are two things you must keep in check. I can tolerate a lot more pain than the average bear, always been able to, but sometimes you just have to put your legs up and chill for a bit. A nice coffee and a movie helps to keep your mind off the pain.

3) Decreased mobility:

When both legs are swelled up, your mobility in compression wraps is drastically decreased. Doesn't mean I'm not mobile, just makes it harder to cope with. It didn't help that we had a rain storm last night and it's supposed to rain all week. Anyone who's had a blood clot or Vasculitis can probably attest to being able to predict the weather, since our circulatory system is more susceptible to changes in atmospheric pressure.

4) Boredom:

This was the 1st time that I was actually bored out of my mind for two hours. Yes, I did have some unique shows on, but it's like taking a vacation and coming back to work, it takes time to get back into the rhythm, especially when it comes to healing; slowly, consistently and with a lot of patience.

Is there an upside?

Yes, since the start of my hyperbaric chamber sessions, they always told me 30 days on, 30 days off. I finally understand why this is the preferred method for therapy. With open wounds, the goal is to increase oxygen to the blood, but also increase blood to the wound.

With having 4 days out of the chamber, my wounds began healing themselves by increasingly showing more signs of blood at the base of the wound. There hasn't been blood (healing mechanism) at the base of my wounds in over 3 years!

This is a good sign.

So I have to keep my mind in check, outweigh the negatives (pain & swelling) vs. the positives (blood to the wound / healing) to ensure happiness

All in all, good outweighs the bad every time!!!

Sincerely,
Martin R. Lemieux

@CanadaBloodClot 
@Martin_Lemieux
@Blood_Disorder (#TheBloodRevolution)

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/BloodDisorderNetwork


May 21, 2013

Women’s Health: Vitamin D Deficiency & Blood Thinners (Heparin), May Equal Hair Loss!

After speaking with some members of the Blood Disorder Network and some people in other groups, I have read a great deal about; Vitamin D deficiency, Blood Thinners (Heparin) and the potential for hair loss. There seems to be a direct correlation between the three. Only in some cases, hair loss seems to be a symptom for women who are battling a blood condition, but who are also Vitamin D deficient.

_________________
Vitamin D - Defined:

“The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. It is used, alone or in combination with calcium, to increase bone mineral density and decrease fractures. Recently, research also suggests that vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.” (Source: Mayoclinic.com)

“Researchers at Cairo University found that women who were experiencing hair loss also had lower levels of iron and vitamin D2—and hair loss only got worse as the levels dropped.” (Source: Prevention.com)

__________________________________________
Drug Interactions - Vitamin D Deficiency & Heparin:

Heparin, which is an injection that is administered to patients who experience; blood clots (DVT’s), pulmonary embolisms [PULL-mun-ary EM-bo-lizm] (PE), and strokes or heart attacks may cause a drop in Vitamin D, essential to maintaining healthy bones to prevent illnesses like osteoporosis and hair loss.

For women who are Vitamin D deficient, and who are administered Heparin, may experience some hair loss while in their recovery phase. There isn't sufficient data available to suggest that blood thinners, such as Coumadin to be the culprit in hair loss, but rather a rare interaction (33% of the time) in women who are Vitamin D Deficient, and are given Heparin to decrease coagulation in the blood.

“Findings show a high amount of vitamin D recipients in the hair follicles, but their exact function is not known and proved, yet it is evident that this vitamin helps in the growth and maturation of the hair follicle. Even though a definite conclusion cannot be drawn for hair loss due to vitamin D deficiency, it is observed that this deficiency is one of the contributing factors for hair loss.”

Unfortunately, researchers are only starting to understand the relationship between; Vitamin D and Hair Follicles. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't take preventative measures while taking Heparin or blood thinners. I have noticed some strange affects from blood thinners and wouldn't rule it out.

__________________
Speak to Your Doctor:

If you’re experiencing hair loss while treating a blood disorder, this may be due to the lack of Vitamin D, which is typically caused by a Vitamin D deficiency. Speak to your doctor to have proper blood-work done to determine whether or not you are in fact low on Vitamin D while taking Heparin, this might help prevent hair loss in the near future.

_______
Sources:

WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-d-directory

Prevention.com: http://www.prevention.com/beauty/beauty/vitamin-d-deficiency-may-cause-hair-loss

LiveStrong.com: http://www.livestrong.com/article/511082-effects-of-vitamin-d-on-blood-thinners/

Plosone.org: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0001483

*** Some other sources also used, but not mentioned here.


Sincerely,
Martin R. Lemieux

@CanadaBloodClot 
@Martin_Lemieux
@Blood_Disorder (#TheBloodRevolution)

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/BloodDisorderNetwork

May 20, 2013

Blood Disorders, Descriptions and Resources!


Below is all known blood disorders. Many of these blood disorders create other related conditions from affected areas of the body. Each disorder below has been linked to descriptions, symptoms, and treatments from resources online.

Blood Disorders Affecting Red Blood Cells

  • Anemia
    Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. This can happen if: Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells, bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced, or your body destroys red blood cells.

  • Iron-deficiency anemia
    Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia — a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues.

  • Anemia of chronic disease
    [See above for details.]

  • Pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency)
    Pernicious anemia (per-NISH-us uh-NEE-me-uh) is a condition in which the body can't make enough healthy red blood cells because it doesn't have enough vitamin B12.

  • Aplastic anemia
    Aplastic anemia is a condition that occurs when your body stops producing enough new blood cells. Aplastic anemia leaves you feeling fatigued and at higher risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding.

  • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
    Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a drop in the number of red blood cells due to increased destruction by the body's defense (immune) system.

  • Thalassemia
    Thalassemia (thal-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder characterized by less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells in your body than normal. Several types of thalassemia exist, including alpha-thalassemia, beta-thalassemia, Cooley's anemia and Mediterranean anemia.

  • Sickle cell anemia
    Sickle cell anemia is an inherited form of anemia — a condition in which there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout your body.

  • Polycythemia vera
    Polycythemia vera is a blood disorder in which your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. Polycythemia vera also may result in production of too many of the other types of blood cells — white blood cells and platelets. But it's the excess red blood cells that thicken your blood and cause most of the concerns associated with polycythemia vera.

  • Malaria
    Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Left untreated, they may develop severe complications and die. In 2010 an estimated 219 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide and 660,000 people died, most (91%) in the African Region.

  • Lymphoma
    Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, also called non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is cancer that originates in your lymphatic system, the disease-fighting network spread throughout your body. In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, tumors develop from lymphocytes — a type of white blood cell.

  • Leukemia
    Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Many types of leukemia exist. Some forms of leukemia are more common in children. Other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults.

  • Multiple myeloma
    Multiple myeloma is a cancer of your plasma cells, a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow. Plasma cells normally make proteins called antibodies to help you fight infections.

  • Myelodysplastic syndrome
    Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells. Myelodysplastic syndromes occur when something goes wrong in your bone marrow — the spongy material inside your bones where blood cells are made.

Blood Disorders Affecting Platelets
  • Thrombocytopenia
    Thrombocytopenia is the medical term for a low blood platelet count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are colorless blood cells that play an important role in blood clotting. Platelets stop blood loss by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel holes.

  • Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia
    If for any reason your blood platelet count falls below normal, the condition is called thrombocytopenia. Normally, you have anywhere from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10 days, your body continually renews your platelet supply by producing new platelets in your bone marrow.

  • Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
    Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood disorder. In TTP, blood clots form in small blood vessels throughout the body. The clots can limit or block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body's organs, such as the brain, kidneys, and heart. As a result, serious health problems can develop.

  • Essential Thrombocytosis (primary thrombocythemia)
    Essential thrombocythemia is an uncommon disorder in which your body produces too many blood platelets (thrombocytes). It's also known as primary thrombocythemia (throm-boe-sigh-THEE-me-uh).

Blood Disorders Affecting Blood Plasma
  • Sepsis
    Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. Sepsis occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection trigger inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can trigger a cascade of changes that can damage multiple organ systems, causing them to fail.

  • Hemophilia
    Hemophilia is a disorder of your blood-clotting system. Clotting is the process by which your blood changes from a liquid to a solid state. There are several types of hemophilia. All types can cause prolonged bleeding. If you have hemophilia and you have a cut, you'll bleed for a longer time than you would if your blood clotted normally. Small cuts usually aren't much of a problem. The greater health concern, particularly with hemophilia A and B, is deep internal bleeding and bleeding into joints.

  • von Willebrand Disease
    Von Willebrand disease is a condition that involves extended or excessive bleeding. It's the most common inherited bleeding condition. The cause of von Willebrand disease is a deficiency in or impairment of a protein called von Willebrand factor, an important component in your blood clotting process. In general, it takes longer for people with von Willebrand disease to form clots and stop bleeding when they're cut.

  • Hypercoaguable State (hypercoagulable state)
    Patients are considered to have hypercoagulable states if they have laboratory abnormalities or clinical conditions that are associated with an increased risk of thrombosis (prethrombotic states) or if they have recurrent thrombosis without recognizable predisposing factors (thrombosis-prone).

  • Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
    Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain, but often occurs without any symptoms.

  • Disseminated Intravascular coagulation (DIC)
    Disseminated intravascular coagulation (ko-ag-u-LA-shun), or DIC, is a condition in which blood clots form throughout the body's small blood vessels. These blood clots can reduce or block blood flow through the blood vessels, which can damage the body's organs.

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