Minor pain relief while taking Eliquis

[Jmc43]

I have PAF, and have only had three episodes since December of 2017, only one this year. But I am 76 years old, have blood pressure issues, so the CHAD score and my doctor recommended Eliquis. I have been on this for about 6 months now. No side effect issues at all. The only issue is that I have some minor arthritis issues, and some occasional lower back problems when exercising or playing golf. In the past, I would take one or two Advils and it would easily address the problem. Given that Advil is contra-indicated with Eliquis, these minor issues are not so minor any more. I haven’t found an effective way to deal with this.

Tylenol doesn’t really help in these cases. Does anyone have any similar issues, and/or recommendations?

[Finvola]

I take Apixaban and have occasional lower back pain (right now!!). I use cold and hot packs alternatively at the onset and if necessary, co codamol as advised by my GP. Co codamol is paracetamol and codeine and can be used short term effectively. There are also anti-inflammatory gels which, used sparingly, can offer relief too.

Make sure to discuss this with your physician who knows your medical history, Jmc.

[Hidden]

Thats a problem. I too am on an anticoagulant, arthritis pain and recovering from knee replacements. My heart doc is totally against any nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory meds like advil. They do let me take fish oil so I take a gram twice a day. It is supposed to cut down on inflammation. Exercise suprisingly helps my knee feel better so I use my exercise bike daily. You might try some stretching exercises , try using heat and/ or cold. I am avoiding meds that have narcotics in them as they are addicting plus cant drive if taking them.

[Kingsley09 in reply to Hidden]

I was told not to take and omega, s as they are blood thinners but I can take magnesium but from time to time give it a break as it can build up in your system so I am doing that now this was on the suggestion of a cardiologist

[Kingsley09 in reply to Hidden]

Sorry I pressed reply to soon was going to say I wish these drs would get it together and try to agree as you seem to get a lot of different ideas as to what’s right or what’s wrong which doesn’t help anyone who is suffering with afib

[Hidden in reply to Kingsley09]

Very true

[Kaz747]

I take Tumeric daily which I find helps greatly with my knees.

[Bagrat in reply to Kaz747]

I understood that turmeric has anti coagulant properties and is not advised with any anticoagulant meds. Of course if your health care professional supports this..... As usual there are conflicting studies and the one below supports turmeric with anticoagulants but I think by someone with vested interest.

futureyouhealth.com/knowled...

[Kaz747 in reply to Bagrat]

I have run everything past my medical team and they are happy

[Bagrat in reply to Kaz747]

Great stuff. I think we can sometimes be too careful and read too much

[Jmc43 in reply to Bagrat]

I agree with you Bagrat. Sometimes if I read everything, I probably wouldn’t take anything 😅. On a more serious note, it is hard to measure risks of certain actions against quality of life issues. My cardiologist did say — somewhat cautiously and after I pushed a bit — that taking one Advil very occasionally would probably be ok. This was taking my own profile into consideration, given that I seem to react to Elliquis with no side effects at all (bruising easily, excessive bleeding from small cuts, etc). The major risk is bleeding in the stomach, but that usually results from greater use. Anyway, I haven’t yet had the need for this yet...I have used Biofreeze on my arthritic thumbs when they flare up, and it has worked well enough. I also do tai chi and it has done wonders for any lower back issues...as well as balance and other health aspects.

[J2josy]

Also take Apixaban, Arthritis in my knees ,I just take paracetamol all you can take really ,does help a bit though !

[MarkS]

I go to a back class every Monday evening. It's run by a physio and there's a lot of back movement, stretching, etc. It's great fun. Also, my physio used to look after the Olympic sailing and rowing teams and he's recommended some quite extreme exercises including swinging kettlebell weights between my legs. I was quite dubious at first but I have followed his suggestion, starting at 4kg and I'm up to 8kg now. My back has been a lot better as a result and I'm a lot stronger lifting weights, boxes, etc.

So you could consider a physio and get a set of exercises for your back and knees.

[Maggimunro]

An awkward problem.

I hurt my back a year ago and my method of pain relief is CBD oil 15% and a hot water bottle, plus gentle spinal movements (rotating gently the spine in standing, slow gentle side flexions and pelvic tilting).

CBD oil is legal here in Britain, but I suppose it depends on where you live.

[Jmc43]

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses to my original question. As usual, this board is a font of useful experience and thoughts. And keep them coming if you have anything to add.

Cheers,

Jim

[brit1]

I think the problem is the medical field don't really know enough about anti coagulants like Eliquis, that is why we get different answers from them