warfarin

[moggdog]

i had an ablation about three months ago. and since the op the only medication ive bin taking is warfarin.so can anyone tell me how long i will be on it for please???

[BobD Volunteer]

That really depends on your risk factors. As I am sure you have been told. the biggest risk AF produces is five times increase in stroke risk which is why you are on anticoagulation. If you have no other risk factors then you may well come off warfarin after six months or so according to what your EP suggests but remember that you have had AF and even if the ablation is successful, that risk still exists and is never removed so score 1 to start with in my view. I was aged 64 when I had my last successful ablation and after a year my EP told me I could stop warfarin but frankly the stroke risk worried me more that the warfarin so to be sure I stayed on it. I would suggest that you discuss the subject with your EP but remember, you can always stop taking warfarin but you can't undo a stroke.

BobD

[jnh1 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob, the last part of your sentence is the most logica statement I've seen on this site.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Kevin

I understand your frustration, but there really is no quick fix for A Fib, and all of these things take time to settle in.

Bob D has given you some wonderful advice and I fully agree with his last sentence. I have a risk score of 0 but I am quite happy to stay on warfarin, as it's easy to take and not really inconvenient, and compared to being incapacitated by a stroke, then for me there is no contest

Be well

Ian

[TheStand]

Kevin, I had my ablation about 5 months ago. My EP said to expect to remain on it for at least 1 year from the ablation date. After reading and knowing others who have had strokes and TIAs, I completely agree with him.

Tim

[Hidden]

I've been on Warfarin for about 2 years now, and I rather think I shall be on it indefinitely. I really don't mind because, like my pacemaker, I feel that it keeps me safe. Or as safe as anyone can be with AF. I expect it's because of my age (70) so possibly this doesn't apply to you. You might feel that a decreased risk of stroke is a reward for taking the Warfarin.

Keep well, Carrie

[Hidden]

I was told by my cardiac doctor, for life, but, if it saves having a stroke, so be it!