8 years ago I started on warfarin for paroxysmal AF which ultimately became permanent. Mindful of warnings to watch for signs of bleeding, I notice one tiny paprika colored dot on one ankle. Over the years the dot has grown to a rashy looking redness from my ankles to my mid calf, on both legs. Naturally I asked my cardio, and gp, and two dermatologist what it is. All said it wasn't from ACs (I switched to NOACs at year 3). Last month, really in utter desperation over this worsening condition, I saw a vascular specialist. After doing ultra sound tests on both legs, diagnoses "leaky valves" in the greater saphenous veins in both legs.
Now I have a similar area of redness on my mid section.......
Has any had similiar experience?
Written by
Judydiane
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It looks as if this might be something that's not very common and, given the huge number of us on all sorts of anticoagulants, the lack of response you have had rather underlines the theory that it's probably not caused by the warfarin or the NOAC.
I have a rash on the upper part of my feet, tiny little red dots that merge at times. Have had it for about 8 months now, been on NOAC for 3 1/2 years. There was a post about this from someone else recently (in the last two weeks). I have asked my GP and EP but no answers really, other than not NOACS and they are not worried about it.
What did your Vascular specialist say, was there anything that could be done about it - would be interested to know.
He said it was blood pooling in the capillaries caused by the backflow of blood, downward, due to "leaky" greater sappenous veins. Cause? He couldn't say. He said its mainly a cosmetic problem but if I wanted to do something it was be a vein laser ablation....but he said it wouldn't make the redness that's already there go away.....he said it wasn't the NOAC, but frankly I wasn't convinced.......I probably won't have the ablation...at this point in my life (70!!) I don't like running risks that aren't necessary......
Thank you for your reply.
I too have suffered from this effect. Usually after a lot of walking on a hot day. I now wear support socks which are a great help and sit with my legs up as much as possible. If I knew how to add a photo could show you what I mean.
I take Pradaxa and I wonder if it is a fluid build-up even though I also take Frusemide. I am off to see the cardiologist tomorrow for the first time since being diagnosed with AFib 5 years ago.
Yes. I have had problems such as yours though not in my mid-rift. I had the saphenous vein in my right leg ablated a couple of years ago and it did make a noticeable difference. I must summon up the energy to have the left leg saphenous vein done now! The procedure was done as day surgery and lasted about an hour and because I had had three heart ablations I didn't feel the need for a sedative! Anne
For a number of years my GP attributed the rash to a form of eczema associated with venous problems. Nothing was done except to give me hydrocortisone cream. Some time later I started to develop a sore patch on the front of my calf just above my ankle and as I was about to have a hip replacement and remembered my grandmother having an ulcer on her lower leg I asked the orthopaedic surgeon what I could do. He referred me to a vascular surgeon who advised the ablation. If I had not had a blood clotting disorder and borderline Hughes syndrome condition I would have had the proper operation which would have stripped the saphenous vein completely. In view of having the hip operation the vascular surgeon and my haematologist suggested the ablation as a good compromise. The success is that the sore patch which could have easily developed into an ulcer never progressed and the site healed beautifully. I no longer get any redness, itching or soreness. The procedure was not at all painful. All I felt was a nipping feeling when the various parts of the saphenous vein were being zapped. I then had to wear thromboembolic stockings for about two or three weeks post op. I had a long conversation about statins whilst it was being done!! It was well worth having the ablation.
Thank you for your reply. I too have delayed dealing with this rash because so many doctors said it was "nothing". I think I will have the ablation....glad to hear it helped and wasn't painfuln
I have been on Warfarin for 15 years and about 2 years ago I started to notice red dots (like a rash) on my legs, this has travelled to my feet and now a small amount at my wrist. It is not itchy just a bit unsightly.Have asked by GP, Warfarin Nurse, and a Cardiologist, they said they didn't know what it was and I've been referred to a Dermatologist, but will have to wait months for appointment. Now I know I'm not the only one with this, so thank you for posting on this site, but I thought the medical people I've spoken to would have known. GP gave me a steroid cream to use, sparingly of course.
I saw a dermatologist yesterday....for something else.....but I showed the very unsightly redness on my lower legs and he said it circulatory......not related to the NOAC. So while I believe its not "bleeding" from the NOAC, I stil l think the "circulation" problem itself might be a side effect......
Hi Judy...no not bothered..lots of people have AF for years and don't know so obviously no anticoagulant..it is not advisable though to leave off could be a risk
Don't know the terms for this complaint but for years this came and went ..once had nearly 2 years off it but now it seems to be on all the time,however its quite mild and i can do treadmill ok
Hi.can I ask how you get on with the bisoprolol? Is it effective at lowering your rate rapidly most people don’t like it due to severe fatigue. I have been on sotalol for years and now looking for alternative as not working any longer. Thanks.
This is interesting. I have lots of very small red dots in my feet and lower legs. However, I never assumed that it was anything to do with medication as both my sisters have the same and do not have AFib nor are on any medication. My guess is vein leakage.
I believe Vitamin C helps to strengthen capillaries. I do wonder if they would help to prevent, or even heal up, these spots. I suggest 500mgs of Vitamin C, twice a day, for at least three months to see if it is helpful. It should help your general health as well, as we need much more of it when we are unwell. Most animals can store it, but we can't, so we are often short.
I'm 70, but I know see lots of "old ankles" every day at an athletic club I go to and i've never seen this. I see lots of varicose veins, but nothing like this........and no one in my family had it.......its very odd, and unptretty!!
Hi again - Thinking about it this came on when I had fluid on my ankles and legs 8 months ago, I have heart failure as well as AF. The fluid has mainly gone at the moment and it is not quite as noticeable - so that would indicate circulation problems - heart not pumping as well as it should be.
It's just annoying when you ask the medics they donn't seem to have a clear answer for you. I remember my GP proded and examined my legs and said it's nothing to do with veins but did not know what was causing it.
Being on so much medication and age as well (71 next month) you are never sure what is causing some of these odd symptoms!!
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