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AFib - Question about blood thinners
I am on Sotalol to control blood pressure and heart rate. It seems to be working but I am tired and week all the time. I thought with more movement and exercise, I'd feel better, but it hasn't helped. I was on Xarelto until I developed blood in my urine. Thought it might be a kidney problem, but when the Xarelto stopped, the blood also disappeared. Kidneys okay. Now, the doctor wants to put me on Eliquis. I'm truthfully really scared of it. The "Common" side effects include bleeding - in the stomach, intestines, brain, or eyes. I know also, that once on it, you shouldn't stop for fear of blood clots. I really don't want to be on any blood thinners. Still hoping for more natural solution. Anyone else have experience with this?
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I am having the same issue. I take Xarelto daily. I have blood in my urine every couple of months, hematuria. I was referred to a urologist and found I had blood coming from an abnormal cell area inside the bladder. I have had the spot biopsied and no cancer, but they will remove the bad area of my bladder. I too just thought too much Xarelto and go off a few days and start back up, but that wasn't what my case was. I'm glad they found the source and are taking care of the problem.
Cystoscopy showed bladder all normal. So..... However, I had back pain, and pain in my knees that I thought was worsening arthritis. But, the pain in my back improved about 80 % and the knee pain disappeared totally after I got off the Xarelto.
Old fashioned and cheap Warfarin has been doing fine for me for 5 years, 35 years for my sister until she died at 89 years of age.
I have taken Warfarin for 10 yrs ..so far so good. Even after 2 hard head knocks in 10 days, no problems to date. Coaguchek home testing kit and email results..easy. The DOAC’s seem like one doesn’t ever know what their levels are. At last there is a rescue drug at major hospitals to rescue bleeding issue for DOAC’s. I found kale can bring down high Warfarin level very quickly. 100 mg of K in 1 serving. If anyone has blood slot issues..don’t eat kale!
I agree about the high Vitamin K in kale. I eat kale every day and take a little more Warfarin for this reason. Yes, INR has to be tested some; it isn't really a pain. I enjoy talking with my doctor each time - but I do have excellent insurance. That helps.
I have been on Tykosin and Eliquis for 4 years and have done ok.
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1 ReactionWelcome to Connect, @carolynmc. May I ask if you were taking both medications for atrial fibrillation?
Some antacids like Pepto Bismal can turn your stools dark. There is a real difference between a dark stool and one from internal bleeding. If you are bleeding internally, your stool will look like "tar" and often have blood on it. If you have any doubt, don't flush and call your doctor who most likely will have you take a small sample to the lab. A thoroughly washed pill bottle about 1/4 full is more than enough. Also check your urine. Really dark urine can be an indication of blood, but also be aware that many foods and other medications can affect how your stool and urine look. This needs to be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible.
I also take Eliquis. I had one episode of A-Fib 4 years ago that lasted only 1 1/2 hours. Haven't had a problem since. Eliquis seems to be the safest of all anticoagulants because it has significantly less risk of bleeding. It actually has less bleeding risk than aspirin. I've cut myself several times and have not had any problems
I'm on Eloquis and have been for a little over a year, after I had a heart attack last May 25. I was also on Brilinta for a year, another blood thinner. Now only Eloquis and a baby aspirin at night. While on Brilinta I had some bruising, sometimes a lot. Now, I don't have any. And I havn't had any bleeds that you mention. All seems to be well.