1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

AFib - Question about blood thinners

Posted by dogmom1 @dogmom1, Jun 30, 2019

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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lmurray03 | @lmurray03 | Feb 28, 2022

I had suffered with AFIB on and off for many years but within the past year I have gone permanently into AFIB. However after an EKG which showed I was definitely in AFIB , I have no symptoms at all. This has occurred at several Dr. Visits. I was very surprised when told I was not in sinus rhythm. I’m concerned that you could be in AFIB without knowing it and therefore be at risk for clotting with out a blood thinner.

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3 replies
flan | @flan | Feb 28, 2022
In reply to @lmurray03 "I had suffered with AFIB on and off for many years but within the past year..." + (show)
@lmurray03

I had suffered with AFIB on and off for many years but within the past year I have gone permanently into AFIB. However after an EKG which showed I was definitely in AFIB , I have no symptoms at all. This has occurred at several Dr. Visits. I was very surprised when told I was not in sinus rhythm. I’m concerned that you could be in AFIB without knowing it and therefore be at risk for clotting with out a blood thinner.

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oh I guess that makes sense...thanks for pointing this out. You never had any symptoms of AFIB? So did they put you on a permanent blood thinner? if so, which one do you like it?

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1 reply
flan | @flan | Feb 28, 2022
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Welcome to Connect, @carolynmc. May I ask if you were taking both medications for atrial fibrillation?" + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Welcome to Connect, @carolynmc. May I ask if you were taking both medications for atrial fibrillation?

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Yes; both.

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bettysamny | @bettysamny | Feb 28, 2022
In reply to @lmurray03 "I had suffered with AFIB on and off for many years but within the past year..." + (show)
@lmurray03

I had suffered with AFIB on and off for many years but within the past year I have gone permanently into AFIB. However after an EKG which showed I was definitely in AFIB , I have no symptoms at all. This has occurred at several Dr. Visits. I was very surprised when told I was not in sinus rhythm. I’m concerned that you could be in AFIB without knowing it and therefore be at risk for clotting with out a blood thinner.

Jump to this post

I rarely have felt it.

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lmurray03 | @lmurray03 | Feb 28, 2022
In reply to @flan "oh I guess that makes sense...thanks for pointing this out. You never had any symptoms of..." + (show)
@flan

oh I guess that makes sense...thanks for pointing this out. You never had any symptoms of AFIB? So did they put you on a permanent blood thinner? if so, which one do you like it?

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Yes I do experience AFIB symptoms often however there are times I am in AFIB and feel nothing. I have had AFIB for 12 yrs now. I was on Coumadin until this passed August. I was prescribed Xarelto by my Cardiologist because my Coumadin levels were fluctuating too much. She felt Xarelto would keep my blood levels more consistent. Especially with me now permanently in AFIB. I do like the Xarelto much better than the Coumadin. It doesn’t require blood testing and there is no diet restrictions. The only drawback of Xarelto is the expense vs Coumadin. Coumadin is very inexpensive where depending on your insurance, Xarelto can be very expensive. I have been permanently on a blood thinner for about 8 yrs now.

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cmauncc1 | @cmauncc1 | Feb 28, 2022
In reply to @flan "Thank you so much for your reply. Could you point me to where you read that..." + (show)
@flan

Thank you so much for your reply. Could you point me to where you read that short term blood thinners is better than long term if you still have it? I have access to pub med, etc. and trying to do my own research. Also - to the others - My legs feel like jelly too and am having a hard time walking. This "cure" is worse than the disease. Good to know I am not alone though. I am looking to make a lifestyle change and looking into natural remedies....<} good luck everyone. Keep in touch.

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From the BMS customer connect website:
https://www.eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com/afib/faq

What are the possible serious side effects of ELIQUIS? This is a list of some of the serious side effects of ELIQUIS.
.
.
.
Then, about 60-70% of the way down the FAQ is:

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these signs or symptoms (especially in your legs and feet) when taking ELIQUIS:
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness

Drug "Reps" don't usually alert physicians to the oddball/rare/severe side effects of the meds they are repping; doing so might reduce the use of their meds!

Over a 4-1/2 year period of complaining of leg muscle weakness, neither of my two primaries (changed due to insurance), my Cardiologist, or a Neuro specialist were aware of the above info!

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wa34937 | @wa34937 | Mar 1, 2022

My Hematologist insists I stay on lo dose aspirin and my Cardiologist insists I stay on Xarelto, I'm worried about brain bleeds?

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1 reply
windyshores | @windyshores | Mar 1, 2022
In reply to @lmurray03 "I had suffered with AFIB on and off for many years but within the past year..." + (show)
@lmurray03

I had suffered with AFIB on and off for many years but within the past year I have gone permanently into AFIB. However after an EKG which showed I was definitely in AFIB , I have no symptoms at all. This has occurred at several Dr. Visits. I was very surprised when told I was not in sinus rhythm. I’m concerned that you could be in AFIB without knowing it and therefore be at risk for clotting with out a blood thinner.

Jump to this post

I have had a few month-long heart monitors that reassured me that I do not have afib during that time. And that I always feel it when I do. I would rather do heart monitoring than take blood thinners that are not needed. But clearly if someone, like you, is found to have silent afib, blood thinners are needed. ps I also bought a Kardia to check my heart rhythm myself

Also want to comment on the "dietary restrictions" of Coumadin. A person doesn't have to avoid greens, they just have to have a consistent amount each day so that the dose stays stable.

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nleejewell | @nleejewell | Mar 1, 2022

My cardiologist recommended a blood thinner years ago because I had intermittent AFib and SVT. I met 3 of the 5 signs, but I refused thinking I didn’t want a full time drug for a part time problem. Well, I had a stroke. Ischemic at first, but the hospital screwed up and it became a much larger hemorrhagic stroke. It tools weeks to get my heart under control and now I’m on Eliquis full time and glad of it. I also take metropropol and Flecanaide for the arrhythmias, and recently had a pacemaker. I wish I’d taken the Eliquis when it was first recommended.

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1 reply
bettysamny | @bettysamny | Mar 1, 2022

Does anyone know about pauses and would a pacemaker stop or correct them?

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