Not Resuming Anticoagulants

[Keuka]

Has anyone stopped Apixaban an after two brain hemorrhages within three days? Does anyone know of alternatives to anticoagulates?

[jeanjeannie50]

Two brain haemorrhages, that sounds awful and I really feel for you. Have you been advised to take any other anticoagulants? I'm sure others will be along soon to give you some support. I've always taken Warfarin and had no problems.

Jean

[Keuka in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean. I am being pressured to resume anticoagulants, as it is apparently the general norm in the USA, but every bit of my intuition tells me that it would be a terrible idea. I don't think I will ever do that again, so I'm just thinking about what my next choice should be. Thanks so much.

[seasider18 in reply to Keuka]

I have been off Warfarin since April 2017 when I had an Amplatzer amulet fitted. It has a wider range of sizes than the Watchman. A simple procedure and home same day if done in the morning. Mine was late afternoon so I had an over night stay.

[Hidden]

It's possible Keuka that not many members have had to face that dilemma. Some here talk about natural anticoagulants but there is little data to support the effectiveness of this alternative and it's certainly not an option that I would consider. The only other option that I am aware of is known as the Watchman Implant. This is a device which is inserted into the left atrial appendage using a similar process to that of a catheter ablation. The implant is used to close off and isolate this area which is where the majority of (but not all) blood clots form. I believe it is more commonly performed in the States and whilst it has been carried out in the UK, it can be a challenge to have the procedure approved on the NHS. It is also known as the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) and you can find information about it by typing LAAO in the search box top right of this page.

[Keuka in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much, Flapjack. I will look into this possibility immediately. I am in the USA, so I will find out about the protocol in this area. It just might be the soluton. Thanks, again.

[rosyG]

the watchman device, which Flapjjack has talked about, is good as it stops clots forming in the appendage ( the place where the blood commonly pools and sticks in AF )

[Keuka in reply to rosyG]

Thanks, Rosy. It sounds great. Thanks so much for helping.

[BobD Volunteer]

It sounds as if any anticoagulation would be dangerous for you and so called natural products could be more dangerous as there is no way of measuring their efficacy. As others have said . maybe investigate Watchman or Lariate

[Keuka in reply to BobD]

Thanks so much, Bob. I will definitely look into Watchman and Lariate. Thanks, again.

[secondtry]

Until you have something more definite in place, I would take Krill oil & garlic supplements, drink 2 more pints of water a day and do some energetic exercise e.g. brisk walk for 1+ miles twice a day. No proof it will help but IMHO seems sensible.

[Hidden in reply to secondtry]

There is no research to prove that supplements will reduce the risk of AF-related stroke by preventing clots from forming. This advice should not be followed.

However, exercise and increasing water intake to at least 2 litres per day is always a good thing.

[Angie06]

There's a lady on here called Irina who lives in the States and had a Watchman device fitted. I have had the equivalent in the UK called an Amplatzer amulet device fitted last year due to risk of a brain bleed from another condition. I dont take any anticoagulants and so far so good. Also it's a very simple procedure as the device is inserted via a tube in the groin so no need for surgery. Definitely worth looking into.

Angie

[SuzieA]

Hello, I had 3 brain haemorrhages within a few days whilst on warfarin and was told not to take any anticoagulants from then on. I had an ablation 5 years ago and fingers crossed have been ok since, just have occasional ectopics and sometimes a flutter. I try to keep hydrated and eat ‘sensibly’.

[Hidden]

Hello, you can read our factsheet on the LAAO procedure at heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... Please note that it is titled "Transcatheter Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage".

As mentioned in previous posts, supplements are not a guaranteed way of preventing a clot from forming and therefore preventing AF -related stroke.

There are a number of alternative anticoagulant medications to apixaban, you can read about these in our guide for patients prescribed oral anticoagulant therapy at heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

If you have any questions regarding AF and the anticoagulant therapies available, you can email our US patient services team at [e-mail]

Best regards

Rachel - AF Association Patient Services.

[Marytew]

Hi,

There is an anticoagulation group that you may also find helpful with regards to your question, it is Anticoagulation UK