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[Patricia52]

I have had 2 episodes of full blown AF in 4 years. I have seen 2 different GP's. One tells me to take anti coagulants and the other says I don't have to. I am afraid to take the new ones as there is no antidote if you have a bleed. I am confused and don't know what to do. Any advice would be welcome.

[Hidden]

Hi Patricia. Your risk will be evaluated by age, your gender, and whether you have other health issues. I am a bleed risk and I take Pradaxa that has Praxbind as a reversing agent. I'm biased as I was told that I shouldn't take an anticoagulant as I'm bleed risk and cardio fit. Nevertheless I had a stroke.

[Finvola]

Hello Patricia and welcome to the forum. Stroke risk is estimated for us AF folk by taking all risks into account. Have a look at this explanation:

clincalc.com/cardiology/str...

I take Apixaban and the issue of a reversal agent is a bit of a red herring as we don’t bleed out and keep bleeding, just take about twice as long to stop. In an emergency, medics will be able to use plasma and other methods to treat.

Remember, a bleed can usually be stopped, a stroke is really something else. Have a read on the main AFA website and reassure yourself.

[Hidden]

Hello Patricia. Generally it's felt that anticoagulants benefit people over 65 but some (and perhaps many) people think they are a good idea under that age too.

I take one of the new anticoagulants and I don't worry at all about the lack of antidote as there are other ways to deal with serious bleeding. I believe antidotes may be very slow to take effect and can be less magical than they sound.

[BobD Volunteer]

Forget the "no antidote " red herring the modern anticoagulants have a short half life and things can be done just as easily as with warfarin. .

[Patricia52]

Thank you all for your replies. I have a lot to think about. I just don't know what to do for the best. I am of to Australia next week and feel that if I was going to take anti coagulants I would rather be closer to home until I settle on them if that makes any sense.

[CDreamer in reply to Patricia52]

Take the AC - is doing the best - your second GP was saying you have a choice - but only make that choice AFTER you have the data.

[Mike11 in reply to Patricia52]

Assuming you are flying, definitely take an AC before the flight even if you're not going to take them long term. Long haul flights are one of the worst things we can do to our bodies. Also is your travel insurance valid with AF ?

[Patricia52 in reply to Mike11]

Hi Mike. I am going to start taking them tomorrow. All the advice and realising that I am not alone in this has made such a difference. I have insurance and have declared my AF and also let them know I am going on anti coagulants. There was an extra charge and it was£3.08! LOL. Many thanks for your kindness.

[Mazza23]

A stroke knows no boundaries I would rather take apixaban than risk it but I am not a doctor and it is your choice .i live in Australia we have an agreement with UK so if you need it you will get the best of treatment good luk

[Elaine1951]

I understand how you feel being away from home. But you’re unlikely to get side effects from AC

I had two af episodes Xmas and Jan two years ago. Nothing since. I took ac for four months and cardiologist then agreed I could stop. I wasn’t keen on taking them but I honestly didn’t suffer side effects from them only anxiety about bleeding but stroke risk is not worth not taking. See how the af goes.

Good luck

[KipperJohn]

Been on Apixaban for well over 2 years , had 2 ablations and I fly to Australia normally once a year. I’ve had several invasive treatments for various things, plus hormone and radiotherapy for prostate cancer. I bruise easily but frankly don’t care - much easier to take all the meds than cope with a stroke I would have thought.

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Your stroke risk is calculated by your score according to this clincalc.com/cardiology/Str...

It is not the number of AFib episodes that causes your risk for stroke, rather these other factors. As others have pointed out, the lack of antidote should not be your determining factor. Any good ER can handle a bleed by other protocols. Very few medications have an antidote.

This is an important decision for you . Be well!

[Patricia52]

I have been blown away by the kindness and support on here. It is so nice to realise I am not alone. I am going to start taking the anti coagulants tomorrow so many thanks to everyone as I now feel confident that it is the right thing to do.

[momist]

Just a thought: If you are really worried, why not buy a cheap wrist band with the MedAlert symbol saying you are anti-coagulated. There are many available from the usual sources, Amazon, eBay etc..

I've chosen to wear one, in case I get a serious concussion any time.

[Patricia52 in reply to momist]

I must have read your mind! I have got a bracelet and think it was a good idea. Thank you for your comment.