Hello,

2023 I had Covid and had a episode of Atril Fib with a fast heart rate. I went through all sorts of tests...stress test, echo, etc. Wore Holter monitor for a month and did not have another episode. The cardiologist wanted me to take Eliquis, but it was too expensive, I had concerns regarding the side effects and he conceded to 81mg aspirin per day.

In 2025 I had to change cardiologists and he wanted me on Eliquis. (No symptoms that I know of between 2023 and 2025). I did not want to take as it was a cost issue and frankly the risks with it, bleeding, etc was not worth it. He actually became angry, told me I was playing "Russian Roulette" and that I could find another doctor.

A couple of weeks ago, I had another Atril Fib episode with fast heart rate and went to ER. Heart rate at 212. While in the hospital prepping for an Electrical Cardioversion, seconds before they were to put me under, my heart corrected itself and my heart rate dropped to 88. The doctor still prescribed Eliquis to me. Which I have been taking for the last couple of week.

With all that said, I still do not feel comfortable taking the medication with the risk factors involved, not to mention that the cost is high. I have been feeling nauseated every time I take it and the fear of having a sudden brain bleed, or intestinal bleeding, is over weighing the fear of having a stroke. I don't like being controlled by fear on a daily basis. And heaven forbid, you mention what the Natural Path doctor had recommended, as anything natural is considered "quackery". Hard to tell if the doctor is treating me or pushing drugs for the pharmaceuticals. With that said, I am still taking Eliquis (for the moment) and deciding how I want to proceed.