1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

New to Afib, blood thinners and beta blocker

Posted by debbee @debbee, Sep 4, 2016

Hello - I'm an otherwise healthy 55 year old female, diagnosed with afib 1.5 years ago. The dr. that diagnosed it immediately prescribed warfarin and metoprolol. My regular dr. was away at the time, and when she returned 3 months later, she said "I probably would have only put you on aspirin" - because I am otherwise healthy. No other risk of stroke, my bp is fine, blood sugar is fine, no history of heart attack, etc. But she decided to run the tests and try to determine my afib trigger, so I have since had an echo to check my heart's mechanical health (its good), sleep apnea test (I have mild, and am now on a device that treats it), and I've quite drinking alcohol. I saw an internist that decided I had alcohol induced afib. However, I suspect that my afib may also be triggered by hormone fluctuations caused by the peri-menopause I'm going through, but every dr. I've suggested it to says probably not, hard to prove. Ever since I was put on the 2 meds, I have been asking to get off them. "My" dr. wanted me to go through all the tests, and then decide. I live in a small remote town, and "my" dr. only works half time, so I am constantly seeing a new dr. The last new dr. I had basically said I have no choice but to stay on the drugs. She actually said the words "why do you want to get off the meds". I'm still flabbergasted. I've refused to go back and see that one. I have an appt. this week with yet another dr. to review my sleep apnea results, and maybe since it's under control, I will be able to get off the warfarin. But what about the beta blocker? Has anyone every been on warfarin and a beta blocker, and then been able to get off both of them?
I HATE being on these meds. But obviously I don't want a stroke either.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Jun 28, 2022
In reply to @tct "What do people taking a blood thinner do to stop the bleeding from a small scratch..." + (show)
@tct

What do people taking a blood thinner do to stop the bleeding from a small scratch or scrape that breaks the skin? Now that summer is here and my legs are exposed, I’ve already banged up my knees and shins. Even a small scrape wants to keep on bleeding, even through a band aid. Does “second skin” work?

Jump to this post

There are products like Blood Stop, a mesh that is infused with clotting factors. These were developed originally in the Vietnam war for battlefield wounds. I use them for my mother. Available in drug stores and online. There are special products for nose bleeds as well.

REPLY
Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Jun 28, 2022
In reply to @tct "What do people taking a blood thinner do to stop the bleeding from a small scratch..." + (show)
@tct

What do people taking a blood thinner do to stop the bleeding from a small scratch or scrape that breaks the skin? Now that summer is here and my legs are exposed, I’ve already banged up my knees and shins. Even a small scrape wants to keep on bleeding, even through a band aid. Does “second skin” work?

Jump to this post

At a minimum, treat it antiseptically. Cuts that do not involve fat or muscle tissue (superficial), do not bleed profusely, are less than one centimeter long, and do not involve the face can usually be treated at home without stitches. You'll want to stop bleeding and reduce the risk of scarring and infection. Apply pressure until bleeding stops. Wash your hands well, then the area AROUND the wound. Let water run over the wound a couple of minutes. Use a spray disinfectant to seal up the area of the cut. Cover with a bandaid. As a Warfarin user, this works for me.

REPLY
1 reply
tct | @tct | Jun 29, 2022
In reply to @predictable "At a minimum, treat it antiseptically. Cuts that do not involve fat or muscle tissue (superficial),..." + (show)
@predictable

At a minimum, treat it antiseptically. Cuts that do not involve fat or muscle tissue (superficial), do not bleed profusely, are less than one centimeter long, and do not involve the face can usually be treated at home without stitches. You'll want to stop bleeding and reduce the risk of scarring and infection. Apply pressure until bleeding stops. Wash your hands well, then the area AROUND the wound. Let water run over the wound a couple of minutes. Use a spray disinfectant to seal up the area of the cut. Cover with a bandaid. As a Warfarin user, this works for me.

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Very reasonable suggestions, thank you. I followed this common sense approach with a minor skinned knee and shin, but found that a simple band aid approach failed; the blood soaked through the band aid and started dripping down my leg. Next phase was to tape a square gauze over the skin. This worked for a while, but when changing the dressing, I pulled off the scab that had formed and had to start over. The silver lining is that I know for sure that Eliquis is doing it;s job.

So my specific question is this: would a product like New Skin or Second Skin work and would it be safe to use?

REPLY
1 reply
Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Jun 30, 2022
In reply to @tct "Very reasonable suggestions, thank you. I followed this common sense approach with a minor skinned knee..." + (show)
@tct

Very reasonable suggestions, thank you. I followed this common sense approach with a minor skinned knee and shin, but found that a simple band aid approach failed; the blood soaked through the band aid and started dripping down my leg. Next phase was to tape a square gauze over the skin. This worked for a while, but when changing the dressing, I pulled off the scab that had formed and had to start over. The silver lining is that I know for sure that Eliquis is doing it;s job.

So my specific question is this: would a product like New Skin or Second Skin work and would it be safe to use?

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Sorry, @tct. I have no experience with either of those.

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pickleball1946 | @pickleball1946 | Aug 12, 2023
In reply to @jmgm "Hello How long did the successful cardioversion results last? Is it risky? U was told that..." + (show)
@jmgm

Hello
How long did
the successful cardioversion results last?

Is it risky? U was told that the procedure is calculated by computer
Was there a cardiologist attending your cardioversion?
Any info is appreciated
ThAnk you

Jump to this post

My cardioversion has lasted 1 year……. Procedure is quick & easy……My brother in laws lasted 1 day…. No one knows why…..

Good Luck

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healthytoday | @healthytoday | Aug 13, 2023

Yeah, it's a pain to have heart issues. Mine are afib with occasional heart failure (not a small thing), heart valve issues. I'm 75. Long story short, been on metroprolal 25mg since going off a med to keep the heart in rhythm. It lasted 1 1/2 years. Metroprolol slows heart rate which is a good thing. However, it made me drowsy with no interest in doing things. I managed this for about 5 years and recently went off it. After 4 days, my thinking is so much clearer, more energy, and some motivation. I'm on a calcium beta blocker, and it seems to be ok. Also Eliquis, would prefer aspirin but it gives me a headache. You just got to stay in the drivers seat of your health and believe the doctor is there to make educated suggestions. I appreciate all the med people have done for me, but they don't feel what I do. So, have faith in yourself.

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