Hello, this is my first time posting. I was diagnosed with APS two years ago after a DVT. I was told by the hematologist it was not hereditary. My daughter who is 18 went to our GP (whose amazing BTW. ) to begin birth control. Our GP referred her to a great pediatric hematologist due to family history. Her first round of tests have came back positive. I am curious if others have family members with APS? Should I think of having all my children tested?
Also, I’d like to thank you for this site and information. I’m from the US and I find information hard to find.
Christine
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chrissybella
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Hello, good to meet you, I am also in the US, Delaware.
They say it is not necessarily hereditary, but can be familial.
Unless someone is symptomatic or needs BCP ( birth control pills), i dont see the need but this is just my opinion because they wont treat you unless you have some sort of symptoms anyway... i think its good/lucky that the doc did before putting her on BCP because we dont need her to have a clot!
Curious what did the doc decide to do about the BCP? Or was it not the pill?
I was originally told I acquired it!, not caught or hereditary. Have learnt since that yes, auto immune problems can run in families. Not necessary just APS, but any related auto immune.
I have had both my children tested just for peace of mind, as I think my mother had it undiagnosed, they are fortunately negative.. for now..
Its wonderful your doctor had your daughter tested, as always better to know than not, better to prevent than treat?
When I was diagnosed in 2001 my mother aged 80 went for the test and hers was positive. My brother and sisters show no signs of APS and neither do my sons so they have not been tested.
Hi, there seems to be a pattern of it in my family, and I am pleased your daughter was tested before any birth control prescriptions. My children are affected however my siblings with the same diagnosis have not seen anything in their children yet. MaryF
I like the phrase "Genetics may load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger." One inherits a tendency for autoimmunity, and moreover, a tendency for autoimmunity within the same autoimmune "family." In our APS family is also found lupus.
Antibody levels can go up and down which is why a classic APS diagnosis relys on 2 positive tests run at least 6 weeks apart. But the whole complex hormone/biochemical autoimmune cascade is only now being pieced together. Health of one's gut biome is probably going to be found to play a role. Many of us have noted a huge decrease in symptoms (and often blood markers) by going on a gluten free diet.
My children's pediatrician also ran blood tests on my children after my diagnosis. One was positive, the other negative. This informaion has clued them into an awareness of symptoms to watch out for. Hopefully, they will never need another test.
Both of my parents were tested, and neither has APS. I asked my kids ‘ pediatrician, if my sons should be tested and he didn’t seem to be concerned. I have heard results can vary throughout one’s life.
As others mentioned above, there is often a strong autoimmune disorder component within families. My father & 1rst cousin had/have MS, my sister has Crohn's disease, my other cousin has Menniere's disease, my aunt has something but I can't remember what, my grandmother's sister had Lupus and I believe my grandmother had APS but it was before there was a diagnosis (she miscarried three times & had a stroke). I too am in the U.S., DC to be exact. Welcome to this group!
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) to begin birth control. Our GP referred her to a great pediatric hematologist due to family history. Her first round of tests have came back positive. I am curious if others have family members with APS? Should I think of having all my children tested? 
Lupus Anticoagulant testing while on Warfarin
limb weakness, fatigue and brain fog.
Neurologist Vs. Hematologist
Awaiting my last blood test!!
GP reluctant to refer.
