More questions re Russian Cardioversion

[Ivan_the_Terrible]

I am in Russia and may have the opportunity for a cardioversion next week, though I'd have to return home soon after. Two questions

1 TOE ? Is it traumatic. I bottled out of an MRI scan in Russia because of a language barrier with the operator. I don't want to pay up and then flunk out of the TOE and lose all my money.

2 Anticoagulation afterwards. NHS insist on 3 months anticoagulation afterwards. I suspect I may experience side effects with Rivaroxaban. Coronavirus NHS resources may not be available to help me switch to my preferred alternative, What are the risks in giving up anticoagulant drugs before the three months are up.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[10gingercats]

Re. the language barrier. I would only have medical procedures in another country if i could communicate, WELL, with the doctor/technician in my own language. It has happened to me and i took someone with me who was fluent in the language of the country.Of course if it is an emergency that is a different thing.

[CDreamer in reply to 10gingercats]

The very sad part is that the NHS need to spend so much money trying to rectify botched procedures done in other countries - leaving less for those on waiting lists.

[Hidden]

Apologies Ivan but what with one thing and another I’m afraid I’m losing patience. You have already asked about the consequences of not taking anticoagulants before and after a CV and I and others have advised you. That answer hasn’t changed. As far as the TOE is concerned, if you are not taking anticoagulants before the CV and do not have a TOE you are seriously taking the risk of dying from a stroke or if you are really unlucky, having a life changing stroke. Are you sure your travel insurance covers you for having a medical procedure abroad?

[Ivan_the_Terrible in reply to Hidden]

There was an error in part 2 of the question, some words left out. What I meant was that I might find a reaction to Rivaroxaban and find that because of Coronavirus pressures on the NHS I couldn't get the advice/care I needed in the UK. Anyway the question is academic now.

[Ivan_the_Terrible in reply to Hidden]

Flapjack, Can't say I like annoying anybody on a forum. I don't have an IPhone and wrote my question rather hurriedly before dashing out to see if I could get a CV, I hope to find answers on my return. I didn't word my questions as nearly precisely as normally.

[CDreamer]

I am tending to agree with FJ. If you are asking these questions you obviously cannot trust the medical advice you are being given - and then you look from reassurance from us - knowing we will say anticoagulants are essential before & after.

TOE was the worst for me as the camera got stuck in my esophagus as it spasmed (I was unconscious at the time I hasten to add) which caused longer term affects - none of which were good - although mostly resolved now.

I hope things work out for you & wish you well but you seem to be taking risks with your health that I wouldn’t even contemplate- and not often I say that!

[Ijacp]

All I can tell you is I had a TOE about 5 months ago in UK and had similar apprehension. It was no problem at all - I would not hesitate to get it done again if needed. I had sedation also during the procedure and back of my throat was sprayed with anaesthetic. Hope this helps and good luck

[Ivan_the_Terrible]

Thank you very much. And if any of the respondents above read this the Medical services in Moscow are not bad, my partner has had a hip replacement and cataract removal and both have been fine.

[CDreamer in reply to Ivan_the_Terrible]

Not an option for me - couldn’t do the travel anymore.

[Hidden]

OK

[Ivan_the_Terrible]

I hope to relocate there permanently one day so maybe I'll have to have all my treatment there. But I may be glad of this forum.