27th February 2003
Hi- This is the little I know.
You're right, it's a condition where there is a tendency toward excessive blood clotting .(blood may clot too easily).
It's a disorder of the immune system, of unknown cause.
Often associated in women who have had abnormal pregnancies or miscarriages.
Treatment is very specific to the individual, and is usually a medication that thins the blood. (Aspirin, Heparin, Coumadin among others)
Diagnosed properly and treated properly, it is compatible with a normal, healthy life!
When taking the blood thinners though, my understanding is that there are certain foods you should stay away from, and your doctor will most certainly tell you which they are.
By the way, is your diagnosis final? Because, when they do all those blood tests, sometimes the results show antibodies for this (i.e. test positive) but it doesn't actually mean you HAVE it. Your rheumatologist will be better able to explain more I'm sure. Keep us posted. I hope I simplified it a bit for you!
