Hello.

My father had a cerebral stroke about 2 weeks ago. Was considered a minor one. He was in the hospital for about 3 days and then went straight into Acute Rehab inpatient. He did excellent in the rehab and is doing well at home now, and will be continuing with outpatient rehab. Has some minor balance corrections he has to do and a little bit of weakness when he walks for exercise. He is 78 years old. Prior to stroke was very healthy walks exercises. Is at the perfect body weight. And is on Blood pressure meds now keeping it well in check usually reads 115/60 range when measured in morning after meds and in the evening. And also a Statin.

The cardiologist and neurology teams did not really find a root cause from what I can understand of the stroke, but think maybe the PFO. My dad has a PFO hole and moderate aortic Regurgitation. Both of which he was aware of prior to this. He was on aspirin and Plavix at the hospital initially once they found the stroke via MRI. They changed him to being on Eliquis prior to going to rehab, we currently have a 30 day supply and have follow-ups scheduled, which if they decide is when we would get a further prescription. They also installed a loop recorder. He thus far does not show any signs of Afib. I am trying to understand why Eliquis was prescribed. And also if he will need to remain on this long term. My dad has one kidney from one being removed due to kidney stones. His other kidney functions pretty much normal with just a slight reduction from his age. And also had half his stomach removed when he was in his 20s due to ulcers. He has to take an iron supplement as his stomach does not process food as effectively as someone with a whole stomach and they have to keep an eye on him for Anemia he has had in the past. My big concern is his kidney and stomach problems from the Eliquis.

Anyone have any advise? Or experience? I want to goto his follow-ups prepared to ask the right questions.

We are not trying to discount the doctors. It just seems like everyone is prescribed Eliquis which is very expensive. I am hoping they will allow him to perhaps drop down to just aspirin since he has no other history of problems.

Thanks for any advice you have. And good to join here.

Thanks!

James from FL 🙂