Helpppppp please: I am due at the docs... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Helpppppp please

6jane2 profile image
22 Replies

I am due at the docs tomorrow morning to chat about me going on anti coagulants but unsure which is best. By what I mean I suffer also with IBS and Fibromyalgia and my stomach is a very sensitive one. I can’t even take magnesium as it gives me a stomach ache. I have only had one episode of AF last February but because of this they advise me to go on them. I am 56 and have put on nearly 4 stone through different meds and not as mobile as I was. Since being on 1.25 of bisoprolol I have even put on weight!

Any ideas what is easier on a sensitive stomach?

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6jane2
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22 Replies
jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Hi Jane

I have a very sensitive stomach too and can't take magnesium tablets either. I take Warfarin mid breakfast and am fine with that, can't take it in the evening.

Jean

I have IBS and have been ok with warfarin and apixaban.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

I wouldm suggest warfarin even though it requires monitoring as I haven't come across anybody who reacts badly to it unlike many of the NOACS.

Further thought, re your weight gain, have you had your thyroid tested?

6jane2 profile image
6jane2 in reply to

Only have half a thyroid due to a goitre I had in the late 80’s. so every so often I have blood tests to make sure all is well.

A big subject Jane and needs a lot of thought. You probably are aware but generally there are two types of anticoagulant, good old warfarin which does a super job and DOAC’s which are “relatively” new and equally, if not, more effective than warfarin and generally believed to offer marginally less risk of having an internal bleed. The risks and benefits are well documented in the AF Association webpages and because DOAC’s do not impact on diet, nor do they require regular blood tests are generally far less restrictive than warfarin. I would suggest that you check out the side effects of all the different DOAC’s because some, like Rivaroxaban need to be taken with food as they can cause stomach issues. I take Apixaban which has good reviews and all I can say is that it works well for me. Whatever anticoagulant you choose, you will always be able to change should you experience any problems. Good luck tomorrow......

Kaz747 profile image
Kaz747

The only one I’d recommend to avoid is Pradaxa as that is often not good with stomach issues.

doodle68 profile image
doodle68

Hi Jane :-) I have been on Apixaban for 2 years and have had no problems even though I have had IBS is in the past but strangely not since I was diagnosed with P-AF which I guess may due to my making lifestyle and dietary changes.

Try not to worry :-) I think most of us have anxiety and a degree of shock when we are first diagnosed with AF and face taking an anticoagulant .

This video may be of help to you...

youtu.be/odECUAjh3e0

6jane2 profile image
6jane2 in reply to doodle68

Thank you x

I found that Edoxaban was kinder on my stomach than the other DOAC/NOAC meds

Love100cats profile image
Love100cats

I too take Apixaban without any issues at all. X

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly

I changed from Rivaroxaban to Apixaban because I have IBS and diverticular disease and it wasn't always desirable to have a full meal as required for Rivaroxaban to be effective. No problems and less stomach problems as well.

opal11uk profile image
opal11uk

Warfarin - I was on this for many years and all was well and if you have only had one episode of A/F then a low dose would be prescribed I would imagine, talk it over with your medic who knows your history.

Violetta25 profile image
Violetta25

Like you i have AF for which I take Apixaban. I did have IBS really badly for 10 years but no more.

I wss advised by a dietician to swallow a tablespoon of whole golden linseeds every day. They coat your gut and help protect it from whatever is irritating it. It's affect is very slow because your gut has to heal too. I would say it was 3 months before i noticed i was having the odd good day. Very slowly they increased.

I also cut out alcohol for a while. I drink now but know my gut will be negatively effected by wine. I also changed to Arla lactose free milk and i think that with the linseeds are really what did it for me.

Please try it you've absolutely nothing to lose.

Hello I have ibs and very sensitive and reacked to most Hypertension drugs but I am on Edoxaban and have not had a problem. I couldn't take Apixaban so they changed it. But I wouldn't ever go with out because of the stroke risk. Good luck.

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac

I take Rivaroxaban with my evening meal and my friend also takes it, but with her porridge in the morning. No problems. Also I am told that there is a leeway with Rivaroxaban as it isn't always easy to have dinner at exactly the same time in the evening. However having said all that for some reason my EP is changing me to Apixaban as the Registrar said there is less chance of bleeding. I don't know anyone who has had a problem that way and anyway a bleed against an AF stroke.....? Apixaban apparently is taken twice a day every 12 hours apart and someone said (?) that there were some foods not allowed. Good luck and try not to worry as you're not alone as you will see from this lovely website

in reply to Tapanac

I think both Apixaban and Rivaroxaban don't mix well with grapefruit. I don't know of other food restrictions.

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac in reply to

Thank you. I did read that with Apixaban that should keep away from green vegetables especially curly kale, broccoli, spinach and I do love my veg

in reply to Tapanac

As far as I am aware Apixaban and the other new anticoagulants are not affected by green veggies.

Warfarin's efficacy is reduced by eating greens. They can - and should - be eaten by those on Warfarin, but the more green veggies one eats, the more Warfarin one will need and one should avoid eating lots of greens one day and then none for a day or two.

PS - as regards the timing of Rivaroxaban, see healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

gixxerboy profile image
gixxerboy

personally l'd go with apixaban

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac in reply to gixxerboy

Any reasons why Apixaban rather than rivaroxaban please?

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac

Thank you. I am on rivaroxaban at the moment but my EP wants to change me to Apixaban?????

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