Factor v Leiden

[molar]

Anyone else been diagnosed with this?

'Factor V Leiden doubles the risk that a person will have a DVT during their life'

Studies have found that about 5% of caucasians in North America have factor V Leiden

I have this (got tested when another member of the family was diagnosed with it) and have known about it for the last 10 years or so. Today I was trying to get travel insurance and I either can't get insured with it or my premium is doubled or tripled! Yet last summer I bought travel insurance on the high street and forgot to mention it, telephoned the insurer later to let them know, and didn't have to pay any extra!


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factor_V_Leiden

 

[CliffyG]

I have this, got it from my Dad, he nearly died with a clot to the brain after an operation a few years ago. Must admit i've not travelled since so havent looked at getting insurance. For 99.9% of people it doesn't really mean much, just let dr's know before operations, wear those tight things on flights and make sure you move about a lot. I have read some right horror stories when doing some research but only a very small % of people get major problems. Apparently it's worse for women who use the pill as contraception. Have to get my kids tested soon .

 

[molar]

Thanks for your reply. My cousin found out after having a stillbirth and then getting tested.

I read that its worse for people with two copies of the defective gene, homozygous factor v leiden. This affects 0.25% of the population and apparently they are 80 times more likely to suffer from a thrombosis.

I have some anticoagulent injections for the flight although for shorter flights to Europe these aren't necessary. I finally managed to get travel insurance at a reasonable price with full cover from Sainsburys Bank so I'm now very pleased.