Factor V Leiden Information Blog

Diet Pills

2008-07-20T00:10:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for eca stack? Visit today for the best prices, shipping, and excellent service that you deserve for your diet pill needs. Find out about why it works so well and read about the successes of others. This is what you’ve been looking for. Don’t hesitate! Lose that weight today and quit the ridiculous diets!

Acne Treatments Revealed

2008-07-17T21:04:00.000-05:00

With all of the acne creams and products on the market today, its hard to know what will work and what won’t. If you are looking for something that will work, Proactiv acne cream is your best bet at an affordable cost.

Read about how acne treatments are rated and find out which is the best for you. Visit today for more information.

Vibrel

2008-07-14T23:17:00.001-05:00

Click here to learn more about Vibrel and their unique use of vitamin B-3 (Niacin) and the innovative lubrication system. While most products of this type are created for men, Vibrel is formulated specifically for women and the problems that are associated with them. Ph balanced and hormone free, this is the product for you, ladies!

Baby Bedding

2008-07-14T01:20:00.000-05:00

Is the stork coming to your home any time soon? If so, you know how much there is to buy and prepare for. Changing tables, cribs, diaper pails and baby bedding, just to name a few. Visit today to shop by category, style, or brand. Read baby bedding buying tips for first time parents. Its a great place to visit, and a great place to shop!

Celtic Jewelry

2008-07-10T23:13:00.001-05:00

Realm Collections offers an astonishing collection of Celtic jewelry and medieval home decor, and renaissance clothing at the best prices with the best service. Browse the online catalog and order securely to get your Celtic jewelry today. Necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and brooches, they have it all.

Educational Travel

2008-07-08T21:38:00.001-05:00

Traveling is not only fun, but it can be educational as well. Think about how much you absorb about a location when visiting, and imagine how much you will learn if you set you mind to it.

For educational US tours, visit Hemishphere Educational Travel. Founded in 1970, they specialize in providing world class education travel services and student tours across the United States and abroad.

Tours are fun, educational, and provided by professionals at cometitive prices. If you are a teacher or student, visit and plan your trip out today!

Remember- these memories will last a lifetime, and so will the educational benefits.

Golf Courses

2008-07-08T20:07:00.000-05:00

Algarve Golf Courses is the place to go for beautiful fairways and extraordinary greens. Check out the website for special internet rates, such as playing as many holes as you like for the price of nine. Come visit any of the locations during the special events, and have the time of your life.

NIH Article

2008-07-08T19:11:00.003-05:00

Below is a link to an interesting article about Factor V Leiden from the National Library of Medicine.

One comment I'd like to make on the article, is where it states that between 3 and 8 percent of the Caucasian population carry one of the genes (and 1 in 5000 carry two).

For years research has told us that it is between 1.5 and 2.0 percent of the Caucasian population. It makes me wonder if this change is because they are testing more people and therefore the percentage is going up? It would, but wouldn't, make sense at the same time if this is the case.

Or, could it possibly be that this number will fluctuate, and we are just at a point that it is higher than it was? If so, what is your guess at the percentage it would peek out at?

Any medical responses? Thoughts?

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=factorvleidenthrombophilia

Water Purifiers

2008-07-08T17:50:00.000-05:00

Do you have any idea what is in the water you drink? Chances are you don’t want to know. And while bottled water will help rid you of the typical toxins found in city water, the expense is usually too much for most family. So look into getting water purifiers instead.

Religious Jewelry

2008-07-08T17:40:00.000-05:00

There’s no better way to start a conversation about God than by getting someone to notice your religious jewelry and getting them to ask questions. Show the world your faith and your convictions proudly with this beautiful jewelry. There is something for everyone, in gold color or silver.

ERISA Exposed?

2008-07-06T10:07:00.001-05:00

It is mind boggling the number of times I hear "that's impossible" when I tell people what happened to our family when I had my stroke. God bless Mark Sherman for this article! I can't believe he had the guts to write it, most people tuck their tail and run when it comes to crossing big insurance companies and others, like Schwab. But I'm honestly concerned for him now- he is not going to be able to get away with this. They are going to destroy this valiant man. This is the definition of a TRUE patriot. Thank you Mark!

AP article below:

AP
Employers use federal law to deny benefits
Saturday July 5, 11:31 pm ET
By Mark Sherman, Associated Press Writer
Workers -- and some judges -- frustrated in legal fights over benefits with large employers

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Dying of cancer, Thomas Amschwand did everything he was told to make sure his wife would collect on the life insurance policy he had through his employer.
"He was obsessed with dotting every `i' and crossing every `t'," Melissa Amschwand-Bellinger recalled about her husband, who died in 2001 at age 30.

But Spherion Corp., the temporary staffing company where Amschwand worked, told Amschwand-Bellinger she would not receive any of the $426,000 in benefits she believed she was due. When she went to court, Spherion succeeded in getting her lawsuit thrown out. The Supreme Court on June 27 refused to review the case.

Amschwand-Bellinger received a refund of the few thousand dollars in insurance premiums she and her husband dutifully had paid. The total, she said, would not cover the costs of his funeral.

The story has played out often under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Designed to protect employee benefits, the law has been used by employers as a shield against suits.

Federal appeals courts, interpreting Supreme Court decisions dating to 1993, consistently have said companies that offer health, life and retirement benefits under ERISA cannot be sued for large amounts of money, or damages. Instead, they can be sued only for typically smaller sums such as Amschwand's insurance premiums.

Several federal judges have bemoaned the unfairness even as they have felt constrained to rule in favor of employers.

"The facts ... scream out for a remedy beyond the simple return of premiums," Judge Fortunato Benavides of the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in the Amschwand case. "Regrettably, under existing law it is not available."

The Bush administration has argued that the appeals courts are misreading the precedents and has asked the high court at least twice to clarify the earlier rulings. So far it has refused.

Congress, which could amend ERISA to make clear such suits are allowed, also has taken no action.

The result, in the view of ERISA experts, the administration and some lawmakers, is perverse.

"The beneficiary under the policy didn't get the promised benefit," said Colleen Medill, an expert on ERISA at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "To say we're just going to return your premiums, that's a total farce. That's not what they paid the premiums for. They paid them for the benefits."

Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said at a recent hearing that before ERISA became law, employees clearly could sue for benefits in state courts.

The court rulings, said Leahy, D-Vt., have left people "more vulnerable than they were before the law was passed."

Spherion's decision to deny benefits to Amschwand-Bellinger turned on an odd set of facts. Spherion, which employs about 300,000 people, switched insurers after Thomas Amschwand was diagnosed with a rare form of heart cancer. The new policy did not take effect until an employee worked one full day. Spherion never informed Amschwand of the requirement.

Amschwand asked repeatedly whether there was anything else he needed to do and was told no. He asked that the new policy be sent to him. Spherion never did so.

He died without returning to work. His widow said he easily could have worked a day if that was what it took to activate the new policy. Spherion could have waived the one-day-of-work provision, as it did for other employees but not for Amschwand.

Spherion spokesman Kip Havel issued a brief statement when contacted by The Associated Press after the high court declined to review the case. "We are pleased the court has made its decision and the matter has finally been resolved," Havel said.

The court also recently turned down an appeal from Louis Gerard "Gerry" Goeres, who sued Charles M. Schwab & Co. over hundreds of thousands of dollars in retirement plan benefits.

For 16 months, Schwab mistakenly refused to acknowledge Goeres as the beneficiary in the retirement plan of his domestic partner, Stephen Ward, a Schwab employee who died in 1999. By the time Schwab acknowledged its error, the value of the account had declined by more than $500,000. Goeres sued for the rest. Federal courts dismissed the suit. "Unfortunately, legal relief is not available," U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said in ruling against Goeres.

"You know the Schwab commercial, `Talk to Chuck?'" Goeres said. "I thought if Chuck knew this, he'd say, 'Oh my God, this is so wrong.' I live on naive dreams."

Schwab said in court papers that Goeres could have taken legal action soon after Ward's death, when he first was told he was not the beneficiary.

Amschwand-Bellinger said the cases show the need for either the court or Congress to provide "some sort of meaningful remedy for employees when employers have a breach of fiduciary duty."

A Texas native who lives in an unincorporated Houston suburb, she has since remarried and has an 18-month-old daughter. She is president and executive director of the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation, which she founded with her first husband.

She recognizes that she is more fortunate than many others who have fought similarly futile battles for benefits under ERISA. "What if we had had children and I was a stay at home mom?" said Amschwand-Bellinger, who previously worked for a public hospital system. "What if I was 60 years old, with no skill sets, and I had to go back to work?"

Slingbox

2008-07-05T23:46:00.001-05:00

The Slingbox allows you to watch your favorite TV shows from anywhere in the world. Buy dot com is the leading place to purchase your Slingbox, saving a big sum over the competitors. Visit today to read more and compare prices. You won’t be disappointed.

Laptop Memory

2008-07-05T22:28:00.000-05:00

In today’s computer environment, you can never have too much memory. No amount seems to be enough. 1 gig, 2 gig, or 4 and maybe 6, you can always find programs that require more and more.

For laptop memory that’s guaranteed and tested, visit today and get that computer working for you, instead of you having to work with it.

Lighting

2008-06-27T00:48:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for home lighting with a satisfaction guarantee? Check us out for great products, prices, and savings. We have the lowest price guarantee, provide a secure shopping experience, and there’s no sales tax for purchases made outside of New York. Visit us today to see a wide selection of home lighting products.

Somerset

2008-06-22T22:55:00.001-05:00

Get a free rate quote from Somerset Mortgage Lenders. mortgage lenders can provide reverse mortgages, refinancing, divorce buyouts, or set you up to consolidate your debts. Visit the site to learn more about how mortgages work and to find out if you qualify. With tools, calculators, and online applications, you won’t be disappointed!

Wine Racks

2008-06-22T19:26:00.001-05:00

Just like wine, there is a wine rack for every occasion and taste. The Wine Rack store offers a great variety of wine racks and free shipping on many purchases. In business since 1999, they offer a low price guarantee so you know you are getting the most for your money. Visit them today to save!

Coastal Carolina

2008-06-22T18:33:00.002-05:00

Wrightsville Beach real estate offers a price to meet almost anyone’s need for premier coastal Carolina property. Ranging from 150,000 to 400,000, there’s a home there for everyone!

Most people are unaware, even after being advised (sometimes) by their agent, who regular agents represent. That is the buyer. But with Coastal Carolina Properties, they do not list homes and therefore are on your side, the buyer. This is a unique experience in the purchase of a coastal home.

If you are looking for coastal property in the Carolina, this is the place to visit!

Postthrombotic Syndrome

2008-06-12T21:17:00.000-05:00

Postthrombotic Syndrome, PTS for short, is a condition that occurs in a significant number of patients after they have a DVT. The symptoms can include but are not limited to itching, swelling, discoloration, cramping, and severe pain. It is believed to be caused by a reflux of the blood when it gets to the location of the DVT.

PTS is dangerous because it can lead to tissue hypoxia, as well as ulceration. Also, depending on the place of the reflux, it can cause bleeding into the abdomen and other places.

Below is a link to an excellent article by Dr. Susan S. Khan and Dr. Jeffrey S. Ginsberg.

Relationship Between Deep Vein Thrombosis and the Postthrombotic Syndrome

Pictured is the one time this happened in my arm, circa February 2006. I've had it occur many times in my leg but my leg is always so swollen and discolored there isn't much contrast. But this surprise PTS in my arm really stood out.

Ipods

2008-06-12T21:08:00.001-05:00

Buy.com is the place to visit for great deals on ipods. With the new Ipod Touch, the Ipod has the same touch screen technology as the Iphone, and the new Nano is ready to bust the video out at you. Ipod is the world’s most wearable portable music player in the world. Buy yours today at Buy.com and save, then listen and enjoy.

Journal of Translational Medicine Article

2008-06-11T17:10:00.000-05:00

Here is an article about Factor V Leiden in the Journal of Translational Medicine.

Diet Pills

2008-06-11T17:08:00.001-05:00

If you are struggling to lose weight in a quick, safe, and affordable way, this is the place to visit. They have taken the guesswork out of purchasing diet pills by completing the research for you. No more wondering if what you are buying is effective, or is it overpriced? Let others do the research while you reap the rewards. Visit today!

Stroke Survivors Online Support Group

2008-06-09T22:44:00.000-05:00

In addition to the Factor V Leiden Support Group, I am also a member of another Yahoo group for Stroke Survivors.

If you have had a stroke, whether FVL related or not, this is an excellent group in which to learn and share information.

Corvette Guys

2008-06-09T22:28:00.003-05:00

I remember as a young teen getting my first look at the "inside" of a Corvette. For years I'd seen them driving up and down the street, but I'd never had the chance to get a closer look. And occasionally I'd get a peek inside an interior. But that all changed when my best friend's older brother bought one, and Jeffrey invited all the neighborhood kids to come take a look.

I remember him popping the hood and showing us the engine, and then the entire exhaust system. I remember the roar the engine let out when he cranked it up and stepped on the gas.

Today, for a top of the line Corvette exhaust system, you can’t go wrong visiting the Corvette Guys at http://www.corvetteguys.com/corvette-exhaust.html. Gain horsepower while at the same time adding a roar to your engine that will turn heads and make others take notice.

They have Corvette exhaust systems that are compatible with vehicles as early as fourth generation all the way up to the C6 Z06. Show the neighborhood how much your Vette means to you.

How I was Diagnosed with FVL

2008-06-09T11:42:00.000-05:00

When I was a teenager in the mid 80's, my knee was injured and I had to have surgery. While laying in bed recovering at home a couple of days after the surgery, I began to have a horrible pain in the upper part of my calf. It felt like the worse leg cramp I'd ever had. And being an athlete and playing in cold weather, I'd had some horrible cramps. But none of those compared to the one I was having after that surgery.

After suffering horribly for a day or two, I returned to the surgeon and they diagnosed it as cramps from being in the cast and having to remain immobile for such a long period of time. He sent me home, told me to man-up, and it would get better.

The cramping eventually went away several days later, but throughout the rest of the 80's and 90's I would get recurring leg cramps that were so bad I couldn't get out of bed. I remember taking an road trip for vacation and I spent the entire week in bed because I couldn't walk, while the rest of the family went to Sea World and had a great time.

Visits to the doctor always had the same diagnosis- either a Charlie horse or a torn muscle. Though I do remember a nurse once telling the doctor my symptoms sounded like blood clot symptoms. I'll never forget the condescending look on his face as he replied to her, "Twenty-two year old men don't get blood clots".

Fast forward to late 2000 when I was 32 years old. I woke up one Friday morning with a headache so bad we rushed to the emergency room. After a weekend of being diagnosed from sinus infections to bad vision to migraines, on Monday morning I woke up and couldn't move the entire left side of my body. That was diagnosed as a reaction to all the medication they'd given me and I was told to see if it went away.

Later that evening, during the first Bush-Gore debate, I had a grande mal seizure and woke up in the hospital. It was then I was diagnosed with a Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), more commonly referred to as a stroke. A blood clot had apparently hit my brain. I thought it was because I realized Bush might actually win the election. But anyway, I was immediately put on Warfarin and anti-epileptic medications to prevent more seizures.

During the course of treatment for the stroke I had to undergo several invasive operations, and each time I was taken off my Coumadin so I wouldn't bleed to death. And each time I would land in the hospital for another five days with a blood clot.

After nearly a year and a half of a comedy of errors, a hematologist visited me and diagnosed it as Factor V Leiden. Two weeks later when my blood test came back, it was confirmed.

Knowing what I know now, and looking back, that first leg cramp after my first surgery was without a doubt a clot. And so were all the other leg cramps and torn muscles that I had throughout the 80's and 90's.

Oh how I wish someone would have listened to that nurse, it would have saved our family a lot of heartache and pain.

Quick Trophies

2008-06-08T21:27:00.001-05:00

Do you need trophies in a hurry? Visit today to purchase a wide variety of trophies and engraved plaques, where every order is a rush order and shipped out within 24 hours! Whether its for team sports, bass fishing, golf, bowling, or even a business rewards banquet, quicktrophies is the place to visit for a wide variety that will be shipped out quickly.