In 1999 I was diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

After 3 heartbreaking miscarriages, my gynaecologist discovered (after some intensive blood tests) that I had APS. I started using Clexane injections and Ecotrin everyday and 9 months later my firstborn (who was also diagnosed with APS) was born. I also gave birth to twins since then, using the same treatment for the APS, successfully!

But since 5 years ago my health is a nightmare, since neither I nor my new doctor was familiar with the symptoms or treatment of the Antiphopholipid Syndrome.

I started having terrible migraines and severe shoulder and neck pains, and fatigue. My doctor suggested that I had muscle spasm and depression. He subscribed everything from Aterax to Cymbalta, Robaxin, and Liorosal etc. etc. He even revered me to a Neurologist, who performed 2 MRI’s, a Rhizotomi, Fasetblock, infiltration etc on me and still I suffer from this immense pain!

I also experienced vertigo when I went to the mall or any other busy place.

I realized that somehow my memory seemed to be affected, because I forgot about a lot of things, so much that I have to put reminders on my cell phone to remind me not to forget! Sometimes more than 5 reminders per day! I thought that maybe it’s because I have so many things to remember.

I also had episodes where I could hear my husband speaking to me but I couldn’t react to him. We thought it was because of the strong pain medication that I received at the time, when in fact I was having a Transient Ischemic Attack!

I now use Ecotrin everyday and experience drastic relieve.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my husband Chris and al of those husbands, friends, mom’s, dad’s, brothers, sisters and children of the people who suffer from the Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Thank you for all your love, care and support during all the miscarriages, migraines and pain. You are our guardian angels!! We love and appreciate you with all our heart!! God bless you!

With love

CARINA POTGIETER