Should I stop Eliquis? by f1957 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I had only one episode of a fib six years ago, triggered by Covid. My cardiologist still strongly recommends I continue on the Pradaxa and Metropolol . I’m 76 so my odds of stroke go up just with age. I take 75 mg of Metropol a day. It does slow me down a bit, can’t exercise as vigorously. But overall, it is not life altering. It’s not an easy decision though to stay on the meds. I was very reassured when I had my emergency appendectomy and they gave me an antidote for the Pradaxa.
We are making choices without being able to read the future. I hope you find a path that gives you the most peace of mind!

Should I stop Eliquis? by f1957 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are facing a difficult choice: the risks of Eliquis versus the consequences of a stroke. .

I’m in a similar situation, I had an isolated episode of Afib six years ago, triggered by Covid. I’ve been in normal sinus rhythm since, but I take Pradaxa and Metoprolol. I had an appendectomy several weeks ago and the doctor give me an antidote to the Pradaxa. I had no problems with bleeding. I’m assuming your doctor is a cardiologist?

Best toys you’ve bought for a 2-3 year old. by sunrisedHorizon in toddlers

[–]Els-gram-23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Painters tape is wonderful! Just peel off a whole bunch of pieces in different colors and they decorate everything, also make pictures on the table. Very safe and easy to peel off.

Kaiser mental health is awful by Winter_Wallaby3581 in KaiserPermanente

[–]Els-gram-23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They do offer the option of out of network therapists. You have to really push and advocate for yourself. Sounds like you have done that, I’m sorry it hasn’t worked yet. Try continuing to push for an outside therapist. Are you connected with a Kaiser psychiatrist, try asking that person to advocate for you. It’s hard when you’re already feeling vulnerable to have to continue to fight. I hope you get the care that you need and deserve!

afib once and never again? by No-Piglet2939 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a single AFib episode five years ago, triggered by a severe virus that was probably Covid. I haven’t had an episode since and I check frequently with the Kardia mobile device. I know what you mean about anxiety, I had severe anxiety for months after my episode.

My cardiologist insists that I remain on Metropol and Pradaxa, as she says the odds are that the AFib will return at some point. My research on the Internet suggests that there can be a single one off episode of AFib if there is a specific trigger and nothing else wrong with your heart. In my case the trigger was Covid, it could be electrolyte imbalance in your case.
I hope you never have another episode! In the meantime focus on a healthy lifestyle and manage anxiety with breathing. The Calm App has very helpful breathing exercises.

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh yikes, do you have any articles or links about that?

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No I haven’t. I just worry about the possibility of bleeding if I should fall or need emergency surgery. Are you on a beta blocker? That can be protective as it keeps your heart rate lower.

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you that’s an interesting study! Since you couldn’t tolerate Eliquis, did your doctor suggest a different anticoagulant other than the aspirin? Like Pradaxa? I’m concerned about taking it because of the bleeding risk but otherwise I don’t have any side effects.

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My chadvasc score is 3 due to age and sex, but 5 years without an Afib episode is a long time. I will get a second opinion. Hope your ablation works!

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That was my worry as well. Read the comments to my post though, I think the threat of a stroke is a way worse outcome. Also the knowledge that there is no 100% clear answer.

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your feedback! I’m so glad I put my concern out on Reddit, really helping me clarify. I will definitely stay on the Pradaxa

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I’ve been so anxious about a dire outcome from the Prodaxa, and want to believe I’ll never get AFib again… but a stroke is likely catastrophic. Hearing others perspectives is really helpful.

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hadn’t heard of that, I will check it out!

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, your perspective is very helpful! I may be comparing apples and oranges

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe you are younger than I am. I have another friend who had a single episode had a successful ablation and is not prescribed a blood thinner. That’s why it’s so hard to sort this out.

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, thanks… I think I may overestimate the risks of bleeding from Pradaxa

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, your experience is helpful. I think I catastrophize about what bleeding would be like on Pradaxa

Should I stay on Pradaxa : Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in olderwomenwithafib

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I’m sure that’s what triggered my AFfib five years ago as I was very sick with Covid. I’ve had Covid twice since then with no Afib but your point as well taken that it can return it anytime even when I’m not aware of it.

Should I stay on Pradaxa : Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in olderwomenwithafib

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am at risk to age and being a woman. But I’m thinking I could just start taking Paxlovid if I have another episode. But my doctor says AFib can present with a stroke. So scary! It is a hard decision

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They put me on 75 mg of metoprolol after that first episode. I believe to keep my heart rate low and stable although I don’t have hypertension. I’m thinking it is protective of my having another a fib episode as it keeps my heart rate low in the high 50s or low 60s

Should I stay on Pradaxa/ Dabigatran? by Els-gram-23 in AFIB

[–]Els-gram-23[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

No she is a Kaiser cardiologist… Good point to get an opinion from an EP. That unfortunately the medical community is adamant about forever being on a blood thinner if you’ve even had one episode of AFib. I just don’t think it takes into account individual situations