AF and Antigoagulans

[6-7-70]

I am 76 and 3--4 weeks ago AF was diagnosed. Now I have to start with evtl Pradaxa 75 mg twice a day, but i am scared about the concequensis and My question is if there is an alternative less dengenerose medicine for it ??? I am from Croatia, Zagreb.

[BobD Volunteer]

You have a choice . Anticoagulants or stroke risk. Most people have no problem with anticoagulants. I have been in warfarin for 14 years with zero problems. It is all about risk management and frankly in my view the risk of not taking it is greater than taking it.

Anticoagulants do not thin your blood so you are not likely to suddenly start bleeding for no reason.They make it take longer to clot so any bleeds from injuries may take a little longer to stop but unless it is a major trauma such as bullet wound or amputation normal first aid works fine.

For most people it is a non event.

[jennydog]

You should have no problem with Pradaxa. It needs an acid stomach so do not take medicine for things like heartburn with it. Remember to have your kidney function checked annually.

[Rellim296]

I was very scared about the consequences too but in fact I have had no problems in almost four years.

[Barb1]

Pradaxa is your friend. Just take it with food.

[Becksagogo]

It is a very scarey time for you and often you only hear about the bad experiences that fellow sufferers have had. I have been on it since December with no problems at all just the knowledge that it does help to lessen the risk of strokes. My work and immediate friends and family know that I take it so they know what to do or say in an emergency and I carry the little card in case I have problems on my own. I would suggest you talk to your Consultant about the pros and cons. Hope all goes well for you.

[6-7-70 in reply to Becksagogo]

thanks, you are really incouraging me with your human reply and I thank you once more.

[Mazza23]

No brainer anticoagulant or maybe stroke but it is scarey to deal with

[Dodie117]

Almost everyone on here is on anticoagulants - pradaxa, apixaban warfarin etc. Especially those of us over 65. It is our friend, protecting us from strokes. So try not to worry and good luck

[timince]

Pradaxa is great! Certainly not evil! I've been on it now for 3 years with no known side effects and no need for regular blood checks. And it's the only NOAC available with a fast acting antidote stocked by hospitals. I lead a very active outdoor lifestyle and eat lots of green veg so I'm glad there's an alternative to warfarin. Good luck with your condition.

[6-7-70]

Thank you very much for your incouraging experiences, but pls. tell me do you take other medicines - I take Rytmonorm 2x 1/2 tbl. of 150 mg each devided in half and should take Pradaxa 75 mg 2x/day. How strong is your pradaxa ? I fainted two times and injured my head, but fortunately I was not bleeding so much while I did not take Pradaxa at that time. It is normal that now I am scared to go outside alone - but would also like to restart my normal lifestyle. Do you still have problems with flattering of your heart ???? Anyhow thanks once more and good luck !

[Rellim296 in reply to 6-7-70]

I think many people worry about going outside alone when they first take an anticoagulant. I did and I worried about going outside with other people too. I worried about travelling in a car or a train or an aeroplane. I was frightened of using knives and scissors. I worry less now and I am happy to travel. I walk in the countryside with other people but I don't walk alone in remote places.

I hope you will become more confident and worry less and restart your lifestyle. Anticoagulation feels scary until something happens and usually you find it is not as bad as you expect.

[6-7-70]

Thanks for your sincere reply and I hope - as you say - that the time wil show me that Pradaxa is not so scary and my lkife will go on normally. Can someone tell me if you takealso another medicine with pradaxa, like Rytmonorm or similar ???