Re: Elevated PTT Test (long)

[Guest guest]

Amy, cod-liver and Krill oil, DHA and EPA oils generally, reduce the

" stickiness " of blood platelets. This is not the same mechanism as

coagulation though.

Duncan

>

> I realize this is somewhat OT but I'm hoping to get some thoughts

for

> those in the group with such vast knowledge.

>

> In November, despite my dislike of the medical establishment, I

broke

> down and went to an unknown OB/Gyn for some blood work and thoughts

on

> my predicament. This is too much information for strangers but it

may

> be relevant so here goes....I am 35 and have been having regular

> periods every 2 weeks for about 8 months. I have three children

with

> the youngest being 11 months. I am breastfeeding both her and our

27

> month old all..the..time.

>

> Long story short...the doc was a BAD match for me. She doesn't have

a

> natural bone in her body. She kept insisting that I lacked estrogen

> because of breastfeeding which was causing my cycle problems. I

have

> zero signs of low estrogen and quite the opposite in some cases.

She

> suggested I needed to stop breastfeeding which is NOT an option with

> my 11 month old who was born with multiple severe birth defects and

> needs every benefit she can get from breastmilk. She suggested a

> regular birth control pill which I am opposed to for many reasons,

> including the likely decrease and cessation of my milk supply. She

> even went so far as to suggest removing my uterus...Nice!

>

> She performed an endometrial biopsy which was basically " normal "

> (showed a disordered proliferative endometrium). Metabolic, CBC and

> thyroid panels came back normal (I'm getting copies in a few days).

> My Prothombin Time Test (PTT) however was elevated (don't know how

> much yet). This indicates my blood is not coagulating well/fast

> enough. I've researched it and find possible causes all over the

> board. She did NOT check hormone levels or my iron which are both

> gross oversights to me given the situation.

>

> As a result of the elevated PTT and bruises all over my arms and

legs

> (which is somewhat common for me) she wanted to test me for lupus

with

> the ANA test (Antinuclear Antibody Test). I was startled by this

> because I had been having all day, unusual leg pain for some time as

> well as overwhelming fatigue not related to sleep from time to time

> (which is why I started with VCO in April). My ANA test was

negative

> (very negative..6-10). My pain and fatigue is not daily now and is

not

> in a discernible pattern at this point (I'm getting ready to record

> and chart all of that).

>

> She has come to the conclusion that the elevated PTT is because of

> some " supplement " I am taking. You should have seen the look on her

> face when I told her I took Krill Oil and probiotics. You would

think

> I told her I ate bat guano. I did not tell her about my VCO regime

> because I didn't want to see her head spin. I take about 1-2.5

Tbsp

> of VCO everyday to every other day. I also cook with it

exclusively.

> I also add ACV to my VCO drink and sometimes BSM.

>

> I HIGHLY doubt that my krill oil (which I'm almost out of and will

not

> be replacing with the same for environmental reasons) or VCO regime

> could have an impact on my blood coagulation but I wanted to get

> thoughts from the " experts " .

>

> Any thoughts, suggestions, questions?

>

> Thanks so much....

> Amy

>