antiphospholipid antibody

[oceans]

What is the antiphospholipid antibody? I had ITP in 94 which has been corrected with a splenectomy. Someone recently told me I should be concerned about the antiphospholipid antibody. I am not real sure what it even is?

[Sannie]

Hi oceans

The antiphospholipid syndrome is also known as Hughes Syndrome, APS or 'sticky' blood.

It can cause ITP, stroke, migraine, recurrent miscarriage, confusion, memory loss, seizures, heart problems, 'MS' and many other symptoms.

Please look at the following web sites for more information:

www.lupus.org.uk
www.hughes-syndrome.org

If I can help further, please get back to me.

Love
Sannie

[Bishop]

Anticardiolipin Antibody and Anticouagulant Antibody Are the two blood test that point to Antiphospolipid syndrome.But one can be negative and the other be positive and you can still have it. I even believe that they can both be negative and you can still have it.It puts you at a greater risk for blood clots. Not that you will have them,but you are at greater risk. There are several other symptoms that are also related to APs. SO please read about it at the website that Sannie mentioned.Alot of doctors do not know about this syndrome,but it is very important. I have it and I am taking 81mg of aspirin a day.I wish you the best!!!!!!! http://www.thelupussite.com/public_html/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flower2.gif

[charlie]

Hi Oceans http://www.thelupussite.com/public_html/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif ,

From the information that I have gathered from this Site (Sannie being the most insistant about talking seriously to my Rheumy; since I have had a postive anticardio antibody for years), I tried my darnest on my last visit to my Rheumy to address Hughes Syndrome. What did he do, he totally ignored my question and then at the end of the visit said, oh your test this time was negative. I was susposed to go to the Rheumy this month, August 2nd.,but as I had advised the Rheumy and his staff, that was the day AFTER my surgery and if I was in the hospital, I would not be able (of course) to make it. They did not change the appt. Of course, I missed the appt.,because I was overnight and half a day into the hospital. I will call tommorrow, though, to get an appt. and tell them that I have not had my counts done because I lost all the paperwork. I did, I can not find a single paper from my July visit from him; even a script for Pred. and Placq.
Anyway, because of the concerns that I had, and matching symptoms of Hughes, I went on 81 mg. of aspirin too!! When I visit my GP in Sept. I will ask him to run the specific test and he will (he dislikes my Rheumy, thinks he has an ego problem; which he does; as I whisper). The problem with changing Rheumy's, where I live, is that this Rheumy is about the only one that will take my insurance.
Anyway, do not take this lightly. If your test is positive, please try to be more assertive than I was/am. And let me know, please, of your out-come.

Good Luck, Honey, and keep positive and be assertive (hey, maybe from your next post, I too will have become more assertive too-it's hard for me when I feel terrible-I seem to have to have a great day to be my 'ol self).

Love...cheryl http://www.thelupussite.com/public_html/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif