Hello, My Name Is Abby Normal

O.K., got my results back from the doc, who ordered genetic testing last month. He wanted to see if there was a genetic reason I developed that huge clot in my portal vein, a very rare problem, especially in someone my age.

It seems I have two genetic issues that came together to cause my problem. The first one (get ready now, this is a mouthful), heterozygous methylenetetrahydrofol, is a gene mutation. It causes the blood to be thicker than normal. The heterozygous form affects just one part of the gene, and most people with that mutation never know they have it, and it causes few problems for most people. If it affected both parts of that gene, it would be a much more serious issue. The doc said if this were my only abnormal test, I wouldn't even be there.

The second abnormal result, Lupus-like anticoagulant, is the more serious issue. This also makes the blood thicker than it should be. My result was weak, which means I may not have to be on blood thinners forever--but there is a good chance I will. Lupus-like anticoagulant doesn't go away. And my risk of developing another clot is relatively high because of this abnormality. I'll be testsed again in six months, at which time the doc will decide how long I need to stay on Coumadin.

I tried to find websites I could link here that would better explain these abnormalities, and give more info, but there doesn't seem to be much info out there, except in medical journals. And believe me, you don't want to read those unless you are familiar with medical terminology. Maybe some of you will have better luck searching--I'll post info if I can find it later.

The bottom line here is that I'm a mutant. I know a lot of you have suspected that for years--now it's confirmed! By the way, the pic has nothing to do with this, except that it is one of my "happy" places. When I'm sick, I can imagine being there.....I don't even know where it is, but it looks so peaceful.

Thanks for your prayers--now you can say truthfully that you pray for a mutant!