1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

AFib - Question about blood thinners

Posted by dogmom1 @dogmom1, Jun 30, 2019

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

ltssjs | @ltssjs | Oct 3, 2021
In reply to @gi628 "Thanks for your reply and yes I have heard of this device and submitted a survey..." + (show)
@gi628

Thanks for your reply and yes I have heard of this device and submitted a survey form. At first blush it doesn't look like I fit but am meeting Monday with new Doctor to go over a detailed survey that Watchman sent and will try again. As for your second question, not as yet.

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IF YOU HAD A BRAIN BLEED, WHETHER OR NOT RELATED TO A BLOOD THINNER, YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR A WATCHMAN DEVICE. IT IS NOT A COMPLICATED PROCEDURE AND IS WELL RECOMMENDED. GOOD LUCK.

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1 reply
gi628 | @gi628 | Oct 3, 2021
In reply to @ltssjs "IF YOU HAD A BRAIN BLEED, WHETHER OR NOT RELATED TO A BLOOD THINNER, YOU ARE..." + (show)
@ltssjs

IF YOU HAD A BRAIN BLEED, WHETHER OR NOT RELATED TO A BLOOD THINNER, YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR A WATCHMAN DEVICE. IT IS NOT A COMPLICATED PROCEDURE AND IS WELL RECOMMENDED. GOOD LUCK.

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Thank you for your input...gives me a boost.

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1 reply
phoenix1647 | @phoenix1647 | Oct 4, 2021
In reply to @gi628 "Thank you for your input...gives me a boost." + (show)
@gi628

Thank you for your input...gives me a boost.

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I have a Watchman FLX installed. It really is an easy procedure. As with ALL procedures, there are risks involved. I was taking Eliquis for a while after the procedure but am now not taking any blood thinners at all. There are several factors that go into deciding if a Watchman is right for you. Your Cardiologist will have a formula he/she will use to decide if you "qualify" for a Watchman. I have internal bleeding issues so taking Eliquis was a big risk for me. Glad I am off that now.
I had my Watchman installed in May of this year and have had NO problems with it at all.
If I can be of any help to you in this decision, I will be happy to give you any info I can. Good luck..Hope all goes well.

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fiddlinchuck | @fiddlinchuck | Oct 4, 2021
In reply to @amandajro "Hello @gi628 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You truly are between an rock and a..." + (show)
@amandajro

Hello @gi628 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You truly are between an rock and a hard place between your feelings on Eliquis and your need to minimize your risk. I feel for you.

That said, I wonder if you've heard of this device? I came across it when looking up alternatives to blood thinners and thought you may have some interest.

- Watchman Device:
https://www.watchman.com/en-us/atrial-fibrillation-stroke/alternative-to-blood-thinners.html

Has anyone ever provided with you alternative options they feel could minimize your stroke risk?

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I have found this discussion to be interesting and relevant to me. I have infrequent, mild episodes of afib. I have been on Eliquis, 5 mg twice a day, for 6 months and am on track for a Watchman device as soon as soon as the volume of Covid 19 patients reduces and opens up some space at the hospital I have been working with. My cardiologist has informed me of risks due to anticoagulants, but this forum has elevated my awareness of bleeding issues associated with anticoagulants. One other issue I have had with Eliquis is the very high cost of the drug. No one else has mentioned this issue. Each 90-day refill costs around $200. Is there any other effective anticoagulant without significant side effects that does not cost as much as Eliquis? I am planning to pose that question to my cardiologist, too.

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2 replies
hmccarth5 | @hmccarth5 | Oct 4, 2021

I am in the same position...........I refuse to pay the amount they want for Eliquis so I take an asprin 81 mg. 3x's a week. I see my doctor in Dec. and he wont be happy with me. My mother had same issues as me and did have a stroke in her 70's. I dont want that either, I will consider the Watchman but not sure I quailfy either....I have mital valve regurgitation and I still wonder how this works to stop a stroke???

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1 reply
bjanderson | @bjanderson | Oct 4, 2021
In reply to @fiddlinchuck "I have found this discussion to be interesting and relevant to me. I have infrequent, mild..." + (show)
@fiddlinchuck

I have found this discussion to be interesting and relevant to me. I have infrequent, mild episodes of afib. I have been on Eliquis, 5 mg twice a day, for 6 months and am on track for a Watchman device as soon as soon as the volume of Covid 19 patients reduces and opens up some space at the hospital I have been working with. My cardiologist has informed me of risks due to anticoagulants, but this forum has elevated my awareness of bleeding issues associated with anticoagulants. One other issue I have had with Eliquis is the very high cost of the drug. No one else has mentioned this issue. Each 90-day refill costs around $200. Is there any other effective anticoagulant without significant side effects that does not cost as much as Eliquis? I am planning to pose that question to my cardiologist, too.

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I am on Xarelto and pay $90 for a 3 month supply. I do bruise easily but that’s about it.

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1 reply
fiddlinchuck | @fiddlinchuck | Oct 4, 2021
In reply to @bjanderson "I am on Xarelto and pay $90 for a 3 month supply. I do bruise easily..." + (show)
@bjanderson

I am on Xarelto and pay $90 for a 3 month supply. I do bruise easily but that’s about it.

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Thank you, BJ, much appreciated. One reason I think that Eliquis is so expensive is due to their numerous, frequent TV ads. It is not possible to watch the evening news without 1 or 2 Eliquis ads coming on.

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1 reply
bjanderson | @bjanderson | Oct 4, 2021
In reply to @fiddlinchuck "Thank you, BJ, much appreciated. One reason I think that Eliquis is so expensive is due..." + (show)
@fiddlinchuck

Thank you, BJ, much appreciated. One reason I think that Eliquis is so expensive is due to their numerous, frequent TV ads. It is not possible to watch the evening news without 1 or 2 Eliquis ads coming on.

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😂

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phoenix1647 | @phoenix1647 | Oct 5, 2021
In reply to @hmccarth5 "I am in the same position...........I refuse to pay the amount they want for Eliquis so..." + (show)
@hmccarth5

I am in the same position...........I refuse to pay the amount they want for Eliquis so I take an asprin 81 mg. 3x's a week. I see my doctor in Dec. and he wont be happy with me. My mother had same issues as me and did have a stroke in her 70's. I dont want that either, I will consider the Watchman but not sure I quailfy either....I have mital valve regurgitation and I still wonder how this works to stop a stroke???

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The Watchman does not stop a stroke from happening. It is used only to plug the opening in the LLA. This stops blood from entering the LLA and forming a blood clot. The only jjob of the Watchman is to stop a blood clot from forming in the LLA and then entering the blood stream. Bloodclots CAN form in other parts of the heart or other areas of the body.
I have a Watchamn installed and have had no problems with the device at all. You won't even know it is in there as you will not be able to feel it.

Yes, Eliquis is VERY expensive. I am so lucky I have good insurance and paid a very small price for mine. I am now off Eliquis and sure don't miss taking it twice a day.

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3 replies
phoenix1647 | @phoenix1647 | Oct 5, 2021
In reply to @phoenix1647 "The Watchman does not stop a stroke from happening. It is used only to plug the..." + (show)
@phoenix1647

The Watchman does not stop a stroke from happening. It is used only to plug the opening in the LLA. This stops blood from entering the LLA and forming a blood clot. The only jjob of the Watchman is to stop a blood clot from forming in the LLA and then entering the blood stream. Bloodclots CAN form in other parts of the heart or other areas of the body.
I have a Watchamn installed and have had no problems with the device at all. You won't even know it is in there as you will not be able to feel it.

Yes, Eliquis is VERY expensive. I am so lucky I have good insurance and paid a very small price for mine. I am now off Eliquis and sure don't miss taking it twice a day.

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Correction to my post....I typed LLA when I should have put in LAA. My bad. Sorry if I confused anyone. Thanks

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