I also had a stroke but only took Eliquis after that as I suffered post surgical blood clots prior to the stroke. Plavix was only given to me for a month post strike as the surgeon had inserted a stent into my R carotid artery during the clot retrieval from my brain. I too take so many pills mainly for blood pressure control. Eliquis is a life saving drug but as all drugs side effects happen. My main complaint is a bowel issue but I don’t know if the problem is caused by that drug or one of the 9 others!!