Hi, my name is Kathy and I was diagnosed with FVL several years ago. FVL is a blood clotting disorder. As of this time I have not had a clot. My mother who also has the same genetic disorder has had five strokes and her entire bloodline before her almost all died with strokes. This genetic defect was not diagnosed until 1995 by the Leiden Institute (in the Netherlands) due to the advances in genetic research with DNA.

Because many doctors still don't understand FVL I have had to research it on my own.

I am interested in this group because I am at high risk for DVT's and stroke. I feel that as a group leader I have much to share and much to learn. This I hope we can do together as a group.

I just recently resigned from my job as a librarian of eight years due to many illnesses including this one.

In May I will have been married for thirty one years to my high school sweetheart. My husband and I have a great relationship and I am very blessed

that he helps me with all my illnesses. We have a 26 year old daughter and two wonderful grandsons.

I am honored to be a group leader for this site and hope that together we can make it a home that others will fill comfortable coming to. I will depend on each member to help make this a caring sharing experience.