To anticoagulate or not to anticoagulate..

[Therealsue]

I saw my GP this morning regarding the recommendation (which I requested) from my EP that I switch to dibigatran (we discussed this or rivaroxaban, but he slightly favoured the dibigatran) from warfarin. I envisaged a battle, but what I actually had was a sensible conversation. The move to the NOAC was not blocked at all, but we discussed the need for on-going anticoagulation after a successful ablation. I was able to inform him that EP's now are of the opinion that a successful ablation does not remove the stroke risk, so it comes down to the CHADSVasc score which for me is 1 because of being female. We discussed the fact that while I fall into the group who don't need to be anti coagulated, I also feel that it has become my comfort blanket - and that my EP has really left the decision to me - or will do when I see him at 8 months post ablation - for now, he'd rather I remain on them. In the end, my GP said that if it was him if I knew I was going to come off them in 3 months, then he'd stick to warfarin, but if it was going to be for life, then he'd go for one of the NOAC's. However, regardless of what I eventually do, I've decided to go for the NOAC and will have a blood test on Thursday to assess kidney and liver function and then I'll change. One reason is that if I do ultimately decide - or am persuaded by my EP to have a break from them, I'll have tried them and if they agree with me, then it's more ammunition to go back on these rather than warfarin if/when the need arises. Sorry to waffle. Sue x

[Rellim296]

Sounds like you are finding the path you want to take, with time for reflection before you decide to continue or not. I know you've not got on too well with warfarin! Hope the changeover goes smoothly.

[BobD Volunteer]

All sounds right. At the end of the day it is what you decide that matters.

Bob

[CDreamer]

What a sensible GP, sounds good advice.

If you go on Dabigatron beware that it can give you stomach upset and acid reflux. I learned to only take it after food, but what you eat matters! Don't take it after eating carbs, toast, or cereals at breakfast. It needs an acid stomach environment to be absorbed and carbs affect that acidity and cause the acid reflux.

Eat a piece of fruit, take your Dab with a full glass of water and THEN you can have your cereals etc. All learned the hard way! You shouldn't then need the antacids which no doubt will be prescribed!

[Therealsue in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for that info, CDreamer. I'll make sure I follow that advice.

[Offcut]

healio.com/cardiology/arrhy...

Worth a read

Be Well

[Therealsue in reply to Offcut]

Thank you, Offcut. I still have the option of going to rivaroxaban as opposed to dibigatran and may consider it instead in the light of that article. It was, I think the reduced risk of ischemic stroke that made my EP suggest Dibigatrin, but really he seemed to be in favour of both of them. I've got a couple of weeks to mull it over while the blood tests come back.

[Offcut in reply to Therealsue]

it is the lack of monitoring that concerns me. I am not good with some tablets and suffered from so called wonder pills which has made me sceptical I think!

Be Well

[Therealsue in reply to Offcut]

All the pros and cons with these pills really does my head in. I just wish we didn't have to worry about it al all!

[Offcut in reply to Therealsue]

I think we all do I go though 14 prescriptions a month