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Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Feb 19 9:04pm | Replies (35)
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@reality test, perhaps you'd consider Coumadin (Warfarin) as your anticoagulant. I've been on it for several years, without fear or consequence or high costs. As a Medicare recipient, I am charged 0 for my Coumadin. This medication requires regular lab tests to keep track of the level of anticoatulation to be sure that it remains stable at a healthy level. The burden of going to the lab every few weeks is more than offset, in my view, by the fact that the antidote for Warfarin -- Vitamin K -- is readily available in health service facilities and almost without cost.
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@predictable
When I was diagnosed with A-Fib by the Physician Assistant for my GP, the 1st drug prescribed was Warfarin ... within a week or 2 after starting it I felt (& was acting) like "A Space Cadet"! My next appt. was with my GP (Internist), I told him I'd like to either Go Off or have this Med. changed. His answer was, "Just Keep taking it, sooner or later the side effects will go away." I asked him why I wasn't seeing a Cardiologist, his answer, "If you want to see one, I'll refer you, but we can take care of this, you really don't need to see a Cardiologist!" Reluctantly he referred me to one, but she couldn't change a drug another Dr. had prescribed ... I asked her, "WHAT Do I Have to do to get off this Poison?" She advised, 'leave the practice you're using, I'll refer you to a new GP, then I can change your prescription.
Turns out I'm Much Happier with the new GP, & the Cardiologist can now prescribe appropriate Meds for A-Fib. I'm one of the 'Lucky Ones', from the beginning I'm totally unaware that I have A-Fib. I've Never had any noticeable symptoms ... Lots of problems with the Drugs prescribed, though!
Recently my Cardiologist referred me to an Electro-cardiologist, who performed a TEE & Electric Cardio Version ... (shocked my heart back into a more normal heartbeat). In addition he prescribed a daily medication. I still wonder just how serious my A-Fib was ... From Day 1 (4-1/2 years ago when 1st diagnosed) I never feel anything more than some fatigue from time to time. Reading side-effects of some of the drugs I've been given Fatigue can be one of the "side effects"! So ... I Have to wonder just how "life threatening" is my A-Fib really is!