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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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Is the doctor an electrophysiologist?
No. But two of the times I was admitted to a top Harvar-affiliated hospital. I do not yet need an electrophysiologist. I am fine 364 days of the year. No afib at all.
I agree, especially for older patients who are at fall risk. Brain bleeds are a real thing, and if you're on a blood thinner you're pretty much a goner.
As for hemorrhagic strokes, although they only constitute 15% of all strokes, for those on a blood thinner, they are much more lethal than without blood thinners. One has to do a careful cost-benefit analysis considering the various odds and risks.
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1 ReactionThe doc will give you a score based on your age, sex, whether or not you have hypertension, and other risks for stroke before deciding you need anticoagulants. I have taken Coumadin in the past and regardless of all of the professionals saying fatigue isn’t a side effect of it, I was exhausted while I took it. I’m now on Eliquis for afib not related to a heart valve problem. I don’t think I have any side effects after 2 years of taking it. The chance of a major bleed is lower on Eliquis than Coumadin and there are no dietary restrictions with Eliquis. Make sure you do follow doctor’s orders on this very important issue.
There are two different scoring systems. One tells me to have anticoagulation and one doesn't. They removed female gender from the most commonly used scoring system, a couple of years ago.
Been on it for years..Now have a large bruise.Did not fall and do not recall hitting it.Bump underneath .drs so far think hematoma..Is it from thinner?
I feel same! I went off of Eliquis due to the cost, waited for 3-4 months before I went on Warfran and I felt great. I had no bleeding like you did however if the case that I had gotten in an accident of any kind, I could bleed to death. My AFIB has been good for a year, I wonder why, at 68 yrs. old, that I need to be on a blood thinner, no matter, I dont like it!
Thanks for your message. Reading your message confirms my choice to be on Eliquis versus the other options even though insurance doesn’t want to cover it. Thanks so much again for your message!
i was on Eliquis and was always tired.... now i am on Xarelto and also tired (but less than Eliquis) someone recommended a B12 injection...what do you think?
pkbluff1
If you just have afib once a year, and for only a few hours, you may not need a blood thinner, but many docs will put you on one anyway. Another option would be to request short term anticoagulation after an episode, or request an echocardiogram to check for clots before leaving the hospital.