Ugh, don't you HATE it when your docs won't listen to you?? It makes me so mad sometimes! No one knows our bodies like we do, and I think that sometimes they forget that not every patient is the same. We are all different and we all have different reactions to medications. I quit going to one cardiologist for that very reason, he was supposed to be the "best of the best," but he would never listen to me, and when I did finally get to see him after waiting for over an hour in his office, it was like, "Hi, how are you? Oh that's nice. See ya!" I am blessed in that now I have a cardio doc that I just love!!! He comes in, sits down, calls me by my name (Imagine that!) and really really listens to me! I agree that we have to be careful with our meds and not just quit taking them because it could be very dangerous. But so can going to an idiot doctor that treats you like a heifer at a cattle call! I would suggest continuing to see your docs, of course, but start asking around, friends and family, and see who they recommend. If the same name keeps coming up, check him or her out. Look the docs up on the internet because, believe it or not, they do have reviews on them posted. Ask others on the online community that may live in your area what they think of their docs. And finally, follow your own heart (no pun intended) and gut. If you are not comfortable with one doc, seek out another, and another if necessary, until you find one that you really like, and more importantly, that treats you like a friend and not just a patient. When docs recommend something to me, I do two things: I ask if it is something that they would prescribe for their own Mother (or sister or wife or daughter) and secondly, I do my own research on the net. This is our very life we are talking about here, and no one is going to care about it as much as we do. I will be praying for you!! God bless you always, (((hugs)))

Um, if it was me, I'd find a different cardiologist. I was going to one here in Augusta (GA) that was supposed to be the best of the best when it came to A-Fib treatments. I'd sit in the waiting room for an hour, and another 30 minutes in the room. Then a different doc would come in an see me, and finally Doc "Expert" would breeze in, not listen to a word I said, tell me I looked great and "See you in 6 months." I had enough! I started asking around, everyone I knew and folks I met. "Who's a great heart doc?" Well the same name came up several times, so I made an appointment. I LOVE the heart doc I have now! He is kind and compassionate, and listens to me, addresses my questions and concerns, and I really and truly consider him a friend as well as my doc! He wanted me to get on Coumadin. I refused. I had heard too many bad things about it. So we discussed other alternatives. I am on a new med now called Cardivol, and while it's not perfect either, it's a big step up from the diltiazem! I have more energy and just feel better. I also take 4 baby aspirins a day, which is also preferable for me personally than the Coumadin. I do have some leg swelling which is bothersome and at times painful. But if I keep up with my walking, it helps a lot. Now keep in mind, this is just my own personal thing; we are all different. But I learned a long time ago to do my my own research, and if I'm not comfortable with my doc, I have no qualms about finding a different one. This is my life here and I want a doc that helps me to preserve it without taking a dive on quality. I will keep all y'all in my prayers. WE CAN BEAT THIS! But never just stop your meds all at once without a doc's advice; it would be too dangerous. (((hugs)))

Take it from someone who had an afib stroke, YOU do NOT want one. Take Coumadin as it is the one blood thinner with an antidote. Find a RN to help you regulate the dosage better. Or find a finger stick monitor clinic and test more often. U should not be having bleeding from gums or nose. Good luck.